| Height | 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Active / Sweet-Natured / Outgoing [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Ireland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 73 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Like most Sporting breeds, Irish Setters need plenty of daily exercise. This can come in the form of long daily walks and play sessions with their owners'¿Irish Setters love to be with their people. The breed also exercises mind and body by participating in canine sports such as obedience, tracking, agility, rally, and other activities that can be enjoyed by both dog and owner. [1]
Grooming
The Irish Setter's stunning rich-red coat requires moderate grooming to look its best. Irish should be brushed at least twice a week with a pin brush or a soft bristle brush; a long-toothed metal dog comb can also be used to help work out any tangles or mats that may be starting to form. The nails should be trimmed once a month. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Irish Setters are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye disorders. Like other large, deep-chested breeds, Irish Setters can experience bloat, a sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen; owners should educate themselves about its symptoms and what to do should bloat occur. An Irish Setter's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Irish Setter) (PRA-rcd1) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [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 Setter in 1878. [1]
- It ranked No. 73 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 72 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “The Irishman, Red Setter.” [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, Thyroid 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 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Irish Setters live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Irish Setter get?
AKC breed information lists height 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female) and weight 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Irish Setter?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Irish Setter, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.