Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is described by the AKC as courageous, spirited, determined, a member of the Sporting Group, originally from Ireland.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 24.5-26 inches (male), 22.5-24 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 11–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Courageous / Spirited / Determined [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Ireland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 162 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The IRWS is a high-energy dog and requires a lot of exercise. A bored and under-exercised IRWS can be a handful to live with. Provide the IRWS puppy with plenty of low-impact activity to channel his abundant energy and stimulate his mind. [1]
Grooming
Grooming the Irish Red and White Setter is a fairly simple job. It is important that the breed look as natural as possible, although scissors or clippers might be used to tidy up the rough edges just for the sake of neatness. An all-over grooming once a week with a soft brush and a slicker or comb to eliminate any tangles will keep the dog looking his best. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Irish Red and White Setters are generally healthy dogs, although there are some issues the breed can be prone to. Some that present themselves occasionally include posterior polar cataracts (cataracts that form in the back of the eye), hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand's disease (a blood clotting issue), hypothyroidism, and immune disorders. The breed's gene pool is not large, so genetic testing is especially important. Responsible breeders will screen their stock for conditions that can affect the breed. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency, Type I (CLAD, LAD-A) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Irish Red and White Setter in 2009. [1]
- It ranked No. 162 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 148 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Red and White.” [1]
- The AKC lists Ireland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Irish Red and White Setters live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 11-15 years.
How big does a Irish Red and White Setter get?
AKC breed information lists height 24.5-26 inches (male), 22.5-24 inches (female) and weight 42-60 pounds (male), 35-50 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Irish Red and White Setter?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Irish Red and White Setter, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.