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Irish Red and White Setter
Sporting breed from Ireland
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is a large, athletic gundog from Ireland, known for its distinctive red and white coat and aristocratic appearance. Bred as a versatile sporting dog for pointing and retrieving game birds, it is described as friendly, energetic, intelligent, courageous, devoted, gentle, and eager to please. Individual temperaments vary, but these traits are commonly reported. The breed is categorized in the Sporting group and its recognition status varies by registry. Estimated adult weight ranges from 23 to 32 kg for both sexes, and estimated height from 61 to 66 cm. Estimated lifespan is 11 to 15 years. The breed has high energy (score 5/5) and moderate trainability (4/5). Grooming and shedding are moderate (both 3/5). It is generally well-suited to children (4/5) and other dogs (4/5), but less suited to apartment living (2/5).
Quick facts
Irish Red and White Setter at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginIreland
Lifespan11–15 years
Male weight23–32 kilogram
Female weight23–32 kilogram
Male height61–66 centimetre
Female height61–66 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Irish Red and White Setter is one of Ireland's oldest gundogs, with a history dating back to the 17th century, predating the more familiar Irish Setter. It was bred as a versatile gundog for finding and retrieving gamebirds. The breed nearly became extinct by the 1920s, but was revived through dedicated breeding programs by enthusiasts in the 20th century. Its origins are in Ireland, and it remains a distinct breed with a unique red and white coat pattern.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–32 kilogramAdult weight61–66 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesPendingCoat colorsRed and whiteRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyenergeticintelligentcourageousdevotedgentleeager to please
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Irish Red and White Setter-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 5
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Growth chart
Irish Red and White Setter puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–32 kilogramAdult female weight23–32 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an Irish Red and White Setter?
Estimated adult height is 61 to 66 cm for both males and females. Estimated adult weight is 23 to 32 kg for both sexes. Estimated lifespan is 11 to 15 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of this breed?
Commonly described temperaments include friendly, energetic, intelligent, courageous, devoted, gentle, and eager to please. However, individual dogs may vary.
How much exercise does an Irish Red and White Setter need?
This breed has a high energy level (score 5/5). It requires substantial daily exercise, such as running or vigorous play, and is best suited to active owners.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming needs are moderate (score 3/5). Regular brushing is recommended to manage shedding (also score 3/5).
Is this breed good for families with children or other dogs?
It generally scores well with children (4/5) and other dogs (4/5), but early socialization and supervision are always important.
Can an Irish Red and White Setter live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is low (score 2/5) due to high energy and size. A home with a yard is more appropriate.
Where does the breed originate?
The breed originates from Ireland and is one of the country's oldest gundogs, with history dating back to the 17th century.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.