Irish Red and White Setter
Ireland's first setter — pearl and red, nearly lost, worth every bit of the rescue.
Vital stats
| Size | Large · 57–66 cm |
| Weight | 25–34 kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–13 years |
| Energy | High — 60–90 min/day |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Coat | Silky feathered coat · pearl white with red patches |
| Group | Sporting · FCI №330 / AKC |
| Origin | Ireland |
| FCI group | 7 — Pointing Dogs · FCI 330 |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Irish Red and White Setter by the numbers
The Irish Red and White Setter facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Less common, so expect a waitlist and some travel to a reputable breeder — which pushes the price up. Ongoing costs run high — more food, bigger doses at the vet, and pricier insurance.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
Temperament
Bred to quarter open ground and freeze on point when it scents birds — the white coat making it visible at distance — the Red and White is a tireless, biddable field athlete with a soft, friendly heart. Expect exuberant puppyhood well into year three, and a dog that turns to stone mid-walk when a pigeon lands.
Habits & quirks
The freeze-frame
Mid-stride, one paw lifted, nose locked on a bird — the ancient set, performed in your local park.
Feathers in everything
That beautiful coat collects burrs, twigs and half the countryside on every outing.
The wiggling welcome
Greetings involve the whole rear half of the dog and, ideally, a gift in the mouth.
Late bloomer
Sporting-dog exuberance lasts years — the elegant statue on the breed standard arrives eventually.
Care
| Exercise | An hour or more daily with real free running — a garden alone won't come close. |
| Grooming | Brush the feathering a few times a week and check for burrs after field romps. |
| Training | Soft-natured and eager — keep sessions upbeat and reward-based; harshness shuts them down. |
| Feeding | Deep-chested build — split meals and rest after eating to reduce bloat risk. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 11–13 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
Common questions
How is it different from the Irish Setter?
It's the older breed — slightly stockier, white with red patches, and generally considered a touch calmer and more field-focused than its glamorous red cousin.
Why are Irish Red and White Setters so rare?
Victorian fashion favoured the solid red, and the breed nearly vanished by the early 20th century. Irish enthusiasts rebuilt it, but numbers remain small worldwide.
Are they good family dogs?
Lovely ones for active families — gentle, patient and sociable. The catch is exercise: this is a working gundog that genuinely needs to run every day.
Does the Irish Red and White Setter shed a lot?
Moderately. The Irish Red and White Setter sheds a fair amount, steadily through the year with heavier seasonal patches. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your floors and clothes.
Is the Irish Red and White Setter hypoallergenic?
Not really. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and the Irish Red and White Setter's shedding coat releases plenty of the dander that sets off allergies. If someone at home is allergic, this isn't the easiest breed to live with — spend time around one first.
Is the Irish Red and White Setter easy to train?
Reasonably. The Irish Red and White Setter is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.