Irish Setter

Like every breed, the Irish Setter is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use sensible, reward-based training methods.
• Start socialisation early so they grow into confident, sociable dogs.
• Put extra work into recall, as scents and moving things can easily distract them.
• Pet gundog or scentwork classes can give them an outlet for their natural behaviours.
• Provide enrichment games alongside physical exercise.

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  A gradual deterioration of the retina, which can start with night blindness and progress to total blindness. The Royal Kennel Club recommends DNA testing for the rcd4 form as a minimum before breeding, and for the rcd1 form as best practice. Imported dogs must be tested for rcd1.

• Canine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)

  An inherited disorder in which the immune system does not work properly. A DNA test is available, and imported Irish Setters must be tested before they can be registered with the Royal Kennel Club.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  In hip dysplasia, the hip joint is loose because it has not developed properly, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes, along with eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV)

  Often called bloat, this is when the stomach twists and traps its contents and gas. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention and is often seen in large, deep-chested breeds.

• Atopy

  Sensitivity to certain allergens, causing itching and skin damage.

• Hypothyroidism

  The thyroid gland produces less hormone than it should.

• Osteosarcoma

  A malignant bone cancer.

• Epilepsy

  A brain disorder that can lead to seizures.

• Entropion

  The eyelids turn inwards, which can be painful.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Irish Setter home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Irish Setter home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Irish Setter suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Irish Setters do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.