Discover Everything About Irish Red and White Setter
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Irish Red and White Setter overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Irish Red and White Setter is considered a healthy breed, as breed-specific risks are well-managed through mandatory health tests. It is essential to screen for hip dysplasia (HD), as well as perform genetic testing for Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency type I (CLAD-I) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-rcd4). As long as you ensure the parents have certified test results when purchasing a puppy, the risk of these conditions can be effectively minimized.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
57–66 cm
Weight
25–32 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Smooth and silky, medium length, without undercoat
- Origin: Ireland
Typical coat colors
- White with solid red spots
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Irish Red and White Setter, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Irish Red and White Setter right for you?
The Irish Red and White Setter is a highly athletic, friendly Vorstehhund (pointing dog) — bred to search the terrain for game birds over a wide radius and to stand absolutely motionless at the first scent.
Perfect for you if:
- You are keen on intensive scent work or dummy training in open fields — a simple walk won't be enough to tire out this specialist.
- You lead with a gentle hand and patience, as this breed is sensitive and will completely shut down if pressured.
- You live in a rural area and can provide safe, expansive off-leash space away from busy roads.
- You are looking for a gentle and affectionate companion at home who values family connection above all else.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a dog that naturally strolls in a tight radius around you — it was bred for systematically searching vast distances.
- You are out of the house for eight hours a day and are looking for a dog that will accept being left alone without complaint.
- You live in the middle of the city and only have small, crowded parks available for daily exercise.
The real vibes check
Indoors, he is a soft, cuddly shadow who would love nothing more than to lie on your lap — but as soon as you step into an open field, someone flips a switch. The cuddle bug turns into a highly focused athlete zig-zagging across the terrain, his nose scanning the horizon. If you appreciate and can manage these two sides, you will have a fascinating partner; if not, you will end up with a frustrated long-distance runner on a long leash.
Breed Profile
There are four different breeds of setters, most of which differ in their external appearance. The Irish Red and White Setter (IRWS for short) is similar to the better-known Irish Red Setter and is its older brother. Setters immediately catch the eye with their silky fur and well-proportioned physique. This is underlined by the graceful and slightly springy movement. The IRWS has dark eyes, a long neck and a narrow head with a prominent occipital bone and medium-length ears. The white-red fur should be as free of curls and waves as possible. Like the other setters, this breed is a member of FCI Group 7, which is classified as a pointer. Since there are only a few lines at IRWS, there is usually no distinction between show and work lines.
| Height | 57 - 61 cm (Female), 62 - 66 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 25 - 30 kg (Female), 27 - 32 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Character | Lively, friendly, intelligent |
| Coat | Smooth and silky, medium length, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | White with solid red spots |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Irish Red and White Setter is one of the oldest setter breeds and originates from Ireland. It was originally developed for hunting game birds. With its keen sense of smell and ability to indicate game by "pointing," it was a valuable companion for hunters. Over time, however, the breed was overshadowed by its close relative, the Irish Red Setter, and was nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century. Thanks to the efforts of a few enthusiasts, the breed was revived in the 1920s. Today, the Irish Red and White Setter is recognized as a distinct breed in its homeland and many other countries. The breed was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in 1944 and by the American Kennel Club in 2009.
Pointing dog for hunting game birds.
Ireland
1700
Character & Temperament
Setters are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They love the company of humans and tend to develop strong bonds with their families. Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them a great companion for children, although keep in mind that their size and energy can make them overwhelming for small children. Despite their gentle and loving nature, they also have a lot of temperament and endurance. They are energetic, alert and incredibly motivated, making them excellent working dogs, especially in the area of hunting. However, their innate hunting instinct may make them prone to chasing or harassing smaller pets. You should also be sure that your setter listens well to the callback and does not hunt independently if you let him run without a leash. To ensure that your daily walks remain relaxed, you should give your setter a good physical and mental workout so that he is not constantly on the hunt for tracks, but instead concentrates on you. Irish Red and White Setters are intelligent dogs that like to be challenged, both physically and mentally. They learn quickly and are very receptive, making them excellent candidates for various types of dog sports and training. However, it should be noted that their high intelligence also means that they require consistent training to avoid bad behavior. Setters can be very sensitive, which is why consistency should never be confused with a hard hand! They are extremely people-oriented and do not like to be alone. It is important to practice staying alone for short periods of time at a young age to avoid separation anxiety. An IRWS is generally not a typical guard dog. They are usually very friendly and open-minded towards strangers and do not tend to aggressively defend their territory. However, their vigilance and attentive nature can make them good alerters when something unusual happens in their environment.
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Greets everyone as a friend — no natural guarding instinct. | Very low |
| Openness to Strangers Loves every new person immediately and without reserve. | Very open |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Irish Red and White Setters have become so rare that they almost became extinct in the 1970s. Fortunately, dedicated breeders have revived the breed and they are now an established breed again, although they are still rarer than their relatives, the Irish Setters.
What Awaits You
The Irish Red and White Setter is an intelligent dog with a high motivation to hunt. Therefore it should also be used for hunting.
Housing & Care
Setters are active dogs and therefore need plenty of space to run around and play. They are particularly happy when they can enjoy their garden together with their humans and take long walks in nature. Setters are generally good with children, but because of their size and activity, they should always be supervised to avoid accidents. They also tend to get along well with other pets, including cats, as long as they have been properly socialized and do not view them as objects of hunting. Due to its energy and desire to move, this breed is best suited for active people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors and rarely leave their four-legged friend alone. You should also have previous dog experience, as Setters need loving, consistent training. Irish Red and White Setters are intelligent dogs that respond well to training. They need positive reinforcement and gentle but consistent training to be happy and well-adjusted. The active Irish should receive enough exercise and mental stimulation to be healthy and happy. Care should be taken not to overwork them as this can lead to stress and health problems. Therefore, “switch-off training” is very important for this breed in order to train it to be a relaxed companion in everyday life. Some IRWS tend to become ball junkies, so playing with balls should not be overused. Instead, attention should be paid to varied games and training. Because of their hunting instinct, it is important that they learn to control their impulses and develop frustration tolerance at an early age. This can be achieved through various exercises and training sessions. The setter benefits enormously from learning early on that he can experience "hunting fun" together with his people. Activities such as tracking, mantrailing, retrieving and stimulus fishing training are excellent examples of this. The better the dog accepts these activities, the greater the opportunity to grant him freedom in the form of free running. At the same time, recall training should be at the top of the list of training priorities, as well as many exercises for waiting, staying and "resting". ", especially in situations with hunting attractions. At home, the Irish Setter usually turns into a relaxed roommate who values the company of his people above all else and loves to cuddle on the sofa.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride. | Patient with children |
| Dog Friendly Loves other dogs and is happiest in a group. | Pack animal |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Irish Red and White Setters are intelligent dogs that respond well to training. They need positive reinforcement and gentle but consistent training to be happy and well-adjusted. The active Irish should receive enough exercise and mental stimulation to be healthy and happy. Care should be taken not to overwork them as this can lead to stress and health problems. Therefore, “switch-off training” is very important for this breed in order to train it to be a relaxed companion in everyday life. Some IRWS tend to become ball junkies, so playing with balls should not be overused. Instead, attention should be paid to varied games and training. Because of their hunting instinct, it is important that they learn to control their impulses and develop frustration tolerance at an early age. This can be achieved through various exercises and training sessions. The setter benefits enormously from learning early on that he can experience "hunting fun" together with his people. Activities such as tracking, mantrailing, retrieving and stimulus fishing training are excellent examples of this. The better the dog accepts these activities, the greater the opportunity to grant him freedom in the form of free running. At the same time, recall training should be at the top of the list of training priorities, as well as many exercises for waiting, staying and "resting". ", especially in situations with hunting attractions. At home, the Irish Setter usually turns into a relaxed roommate who values the company of his people above all else and loves to cuddle on the sofa.
Nutrition & Care
The Irish Red and White Setter's diet should be tailored to their energy needs. They are active dogs and therefore require a high quality diet that is rich in proteins and healthy fats. Care should also be taken to ensure that they do not become overweight, as this can put strain on their joints and increase the risk of certain health problems. Grooming the Irish is a little more difficult due to their long, silky coat. They should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and to keep their coat nice and healthy. They have no undercoat and their fur is not particularly thick, so a dog coat is recommended in winter. They shed moderately, especially during the shedding periods in spring and autumn.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Working-dog energy that needs burning off every single day. | High-drive |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Irish Red and White Setter is considered a healthy breed, as breed-specific risks are well-managed through mandatory health tests. It is essential to screen for hip dysplasia (HD), as well as perform genetic testing for Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency type I (CLAD-I) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-rcd4). As long as you ensure the parents have certified test results when purchasing a puppy, the risk of these conditions can be effectively minimized.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, regular ear care, and routine eye check-ups, most dogs stay active and healthy for a long time.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, eyes, blood clotting, and immune system tested to minimize risks within the bloodline.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Irish Red and White Setter
Tine S., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 14 Monaten)
Ich habe jetzt seit 14 Monaten meinen rot-weißen Rüden und kann sagen: Er ist ein absolut fantastischer Familienhund, der Kinder über alles liebt und unglaublich verschmust ist. Allerdings darf man seine Intelligenz und sein Energiebündel-Dasein nicht unterschätzen. Er lernt extrem schnell, was aber auch bedeutet, dass er rasch unterfordert ist. Wenn wir beim Spaziergang zum Beispiel nur stumpf den Ball apportieren, wird ihm das nach einer Weile zu langweilig – er braucht im Kopf einfach Abwechslung und neue Aufgaben.
Der Jagdtrieb ist bei ihm definitiv stark ausgeprägt. Wenn er einen Hasen sieht, gibt es für ihn eigentlich kein Halten mehr. Wir haben aber von Anfang an sehr konsequent trainiert, sodass er sich mittlerweile mit der Hundepfeife zuverlässig abrufen lässt. Wer wenig Zeit hat oder einen Hund sucht, der 'einfach so' nebenherläuft, sollte sich keinen Setter anschaffen. Man muss wirklich bereit sein, täglich viel Zeit in die Erziehung und die körperliche sowie geistige Auslastung zu stecken.
Martina F., Jägerin und Züchterin (Hündin, Zucht seit 1995)
Wir führen unsere Hunde im eigenen Niederwildrevier und sind damals eher durch Zufall auf den Irish Red and White Setter gestoßen. Für uns ist er der perfekte, leichtführige und absolut zuverlässige Jagdpartner. Man merkt einfach in jeder Sekunde, dass diese Hunde im Herzen leidenschaftliche Jäger sind. Seine Nase und seine Sinne sind draußen permanent hellwach, und wenn er Wild anzeigt, fasziniert mich diese enorme Konzentration und die kontrollierte Energie in seiner Vorstehpose jedes Mal aufs Neue.
Aber auch Nicht-Jäger müssen sich darüber im Klaren sein, was sie sich da ins Haus holen. Ein Setter wird seine jagdlichen Instinkte nie ganz ablegen. Wer diese Rasse nur als reinen Familienhund hält, muss unbedingt zu Kompromissen bereit sein, sich mit der Natur auseinandersetzen und dem Hund einen absolut verlässlichen Gehorsam am Wild beibringen. Ohne diese konsequente Führung und eine passende Beschäftigung wird man mit dem ausgeprägten Trieb im Alltag keine Freude haben.
Sabine V., Halterin aus dem Rheinland (Rüde & Hündin, langjährige Erfahrung)
Wir haben neben unserem roten Rüden auch eine rot-weiße Hündin bei uns zu Hause. Die beiden sind einfach nur unglaublich liebevoll, anhänglich und im Haus die reinsten Kuschelmonster. Aber draußen verwandeln sie sich in absolute Powerpakete! Der Bewegungsdrang und die Energie, die diese Hunde an den Tag legen, sind im Vergleich zu anderen Rassen wirklich auf einem ganz anderen Level. Sie fordern ihre tägliche Action und den Auslauf regelrecht ein.
Wer sich für einen Irish Red and White Setter entscheidet, sollte sich bewusst sein, dass man einen sehr aktiven Lebensstil führen muss. Wir fahren zum Beispiel extrem viel Fahrrad mit unseren beiden, um ihrem Laufbedürfnis gerecht zu werden. Wenn man ihnen diese körperliche Auslastung und die nötige Beschäftigung bietet, hat man dafür im Gegenzug die treuesten und freundlichsten Begleiter an seiner Seite, die man sich nur wünschen kann.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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Frequently asked questions about the Irish Red and White Setter
Is a Irish Red and White Setter the right dog for me?
The Irish Red and White Setter is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Irish Red and White Setter live?
The average life expectancy of a Irish Red and White Setter is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Irish Red and White Setter need?
Irish Red and White Setter grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Irish Red and White Setter good for families with children?
The Irish Red and White Setter can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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