Irish Red and White Setter
Also known as Setter Irlandais Rouge Et Blanc · Irischer Rot-Weisser Setter · Setter Irlandés Rojo y Blanco
Ireland, British and Irish Pointers and Setters
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 58–69 cm
- Weight
- 22–34 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11–14 yrs
- Friendly
- Energetic
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Intelligent
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is a gundog from Ireland, developed to find and point game birds. It is a medium-to-large, athletic dog with a silky coat that is white with solid red patches, and feathering on the ears, legs and tail. It is older than the solid red Irish Setter and is rarer. It is a strong, athletic worker with plenty of stamina.
Temperament
Friendly, outgoing and affectionate, good with family and other dogs. Energetic and playful and slow to mature. Intelligent but can be distracted, so training should be patient and positive.
Exercise
Needs a lot of daily exercise: long walks and chances to run in secure areas. Without enough it can become restless.
Grooming
Silky coat needs brushing several times a week to prevent tangles, especially feathering. Check ears.
Care & wellbeing
Deep chest means bloat risk, so feed sensibly and avoid hard exercise around meals. Check ears.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 28 kg adult- Water
- 1.1 L–1.7 L
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 1,360 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 90–120 min
- a day
- Grooming
- Brushing most days
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Irish Red and White Setter
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
An Irish setter developed to point game birds, with a red and white coat. It is an older type of Irish setter that fell out of favour for a time before being revived in the twentieth century, and is an energetic, friendly gundog.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Eye tests
- Hip scores
- DNA tests for CLAD and PRA
Not every Irish Red and White Setter is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
Higher than average- Food, insurance and medicines cost more for a big dog
- Regular professional grooming adds up
- A 11–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Irish Red and White Setter right for you?
Could suit
- Active owners who enjoy long walks, running or hiking
Think twice if
- You can't give well over an hour of exercise a day, every day
- You don't have time for frequent brushing or the cost of professional grooming
- You need a dog you can easily lift or carry
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Irish Red and White Setter get?
Adult Irish Red and White Setters typically stand about 58–69 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 22–34 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Irish Red and White Setters live?
Typically 11–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Irish Red and White Setter need?
As a guide, around 90–120 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Irish Red and White Setter need?
Brushing most days. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Irish Red and White Setters easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Irish Red and White Setters shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Irish Red and White Setters good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Irish Red and White Setter live in a flat?
It's usually a challenge — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Irish Red and White Setters have?
The breed can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (pra), hip dysplasia, bloat. Not every Irish Red and White Setter is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- Ireland
- Type
- British and Irish Pointers and Setters
- Internationally recognised
- 1989