Irish Red and White Setter
Basics
The Irish Red and White Setter is a medium-to-large sporting gundog developed in Ireland to hunt upland game birds. Built for a day’s work, it’s athletic and powerful rather than “racy,” combining stamina with a practical, field-first design.
Historically, the red-and-white dogs are considered the older Irish setter type. By the late 1800s they were nearly eclipsed by the all-red Irish Setter, but dedicated fanciers revived the breed during the 1900s and it is now established again in show and field circles.
Description
The Irish Red Setter, often simply called the Irish Setter, is a breed of dog renowned for its striking appearance and exuberant personality. With its sleek, deep red coat and graceful build, the Irish Setter is one of the most recognizable sporting dogs in the world. Originating in Ireland during the 18th century, this breed was developed as a hunting companion, excelling in locating and pointing out game birds. Its keen sense of smell, athleticism, and boundless energy made it an invaluable asset to hunters across the rugged Irish countryside.
Physically, the Irish Setter is a medium-to-large dog with an elegant and balanced build. Its most distinctive feature is its rich, chestnut-red coat, which is silky and feathered along the ears, chest, legs, and tail. The breed has long, floppy ears, a slightly domed head, and a friendly, intelligent expression. Its long legs and lithe body allow for swift and agile movement, which is essential for its role as a field dog. Despite its athletic prowess, the Irish Setter is also known for its beauty and grace, often excelling in show rings worldwide.
In terms of temperament, the Irish Setter is outgoing, affectionate, and playful. It is a breed that thrives on companionship and is particularly good with families, especially those with active lifestyles. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent with children and other animals, although their high energy levels mean they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Irish Setters are also intelligent and eager to please, but they can be somewhat independent and require consistent training. Their playful and spirited nature makes them a joy to be around, but it also means they are best suited to homes that can accommodate their energetic lifestyle.
Today, the Irish Setter is cherished as both a working dog and a family companion. While some individuals still excel in field trials and hunting activities, others have transitioned into loving family pets. They are also known for their versatility, participating in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking. Whether working in the field or lounging with their families, Irish Setters continue to captivate with their beauty, charm, and boundless enthusiasm for life.
History
The Irish Red and White Setter is a graceful and historic sporting breed that predates its more famous relative, the Irish Setter. This breed's origins can be traced back to the 17th century in Ireland, where it was developed as a bird dog specialized in locating and pointing game birds. Early setters in Ireland were predominantly red and white, and their distinct coat colors made them highly visible in the field, which was advantageous for hunters working across vast terrains. The breed was cherished for its keen nose, stamina, and steady temperament, making it an indispensable partner for hunting.
By the 19th century, however, the all-red Irish Setter began to gain popularity due to its striking appearance in the show ring, leading to a decline in the numbers of the Irish Red and White Setter. Breeders increasingly focused on developing the solid-red variety, and the red-and-white variety was nearly lost by the early 20th century. Recognizing the threat to the breed's survival, a few dedicated enthusiasts in Ireland worked to revive the Irish Red and White Setter during the mid-20th century. Their efforts included careful breeding to restore the breed’s working abilities and maintain its traditional red-and-white coat.
The revival of the Irish Red and White Setter gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century, with renewed interest in preserving its unique qualities. The Irish Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1944, and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) followed suit in 1981. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 2009, helping to introduce it to a broader audience.
Today, the Irish Red and White Setter is celebrated for its intelligence, enthusiasm, and versatility. While it remains less common than the Irish Setter, it is highly valued by hunters and dog enthusiasts who appreciate its rich history and excellent field performance. The breed's story is a testament to the dedication of its advocates and its enduring role as a skilled and loyal sporting companion.
Traditional Irish Red and White Setter Roles
Appearance
This is a strong, well-balanced setter with a body that reads close to square and a lively, efficient trot. The head is proportionate and aristocratic in expression, with oval dark hazel/brown eyes and ears set level with the eyes and carried close to the head.
The coat is short on most of the body, with longer silky “feathering” on the backs of the legs, the outer ear, the chest/throat fringe, and a well-feathered tail. Color is a white base with clear solid red patches; some flecking on face and feet is typical, and the overall look should be crisp and bright rather than roaned.
Colors
• Red & White
Health
Irish Red and White Setters are generally robust, athletic dogs when bred and raised responsibly, but owners should still treat health screening as part of the breed’s culture. Ask breeders for documentation of orthopedic and eye evaluations, and keep up with routine preventive care (dental, parasite prevention, age-appropriate lab work).
Breed-club communications have noted that the historical DNA test for the Irish Red and White Setter–specific von Willebrand’s disease mutation is no longer recognized/available in the UK due to the underlying mutation details not being published and the original lab’s closure. Practically, that means you should rely on transparent pedigrees, overall health data, and veterinarian guidance rather than assuming a generic vWD test is meaningful for this breed.
Care
Plan on regular brushing to keep feathering free of tangles and to reduce shedding around the house. Pay extra attention to the ears and the feathered legs after runs in brush or fields, where burrs and debris like to hide.
Exercise is non-negotiable: these dogs were bred to cover ground and will be happiest with daily aerobic activity plus mental work (nose games, retrieving drills, obedience/field training). Keep a steady, lean body condition with a quality diet and measured portions—an active setter is easier on joints and generally easier to live with.
Training
These setters are typically intelligent and responsive, but they mature with a lot of enthusiasm—so training goes best when it’s consistent, upbeat, and reward-based. Short sessions with clear goals (loose-leash walking, calm greetings, place/settle) help channel their “high-spirited” nature into good habits.
Because they’re bred to range and locate birds, prioritize recall and impulse control early, especially around scent and moving wildlife. If you plan to hunt or do field sports, build on their natural patterning with structured quartering, whoa/steady work, and plenty of controlled exposure to birds and gunfire under a trainer’s guidance.
Temperament
Irish Red and White Setters are known for a kindly, friendly attitude paired with determination and high spirit. In the field they tend to hunt with intensity and purpose, using the wind and ground intelligently while still showing cooperation with their handler.
At home, expect an upbeat, social dog that does best with daily engagement. They’re usually affectionate with their people and can be wonderfully personable, but their energy and bird-dog instincts mean they thrive when they have a job to do—whether that’s training, hiking, or structured games.
Lifestyle
This breed fits best with an active household that enjoys being outside and can provide real daily exercise—think long walks, runs, field time, or dog sports. Without enough outlets, a smart, energetic setter can become restless and invent its own entertainment.
They’re typically happiest living as part of the family, not as a backyard dog, and they do well when they have predictable structure. A securely fenced yard is a big plus, since scent can pull them into wide-ranging “setter mode” if given the chance.
Ownership
Look for a breeder or rescue connected to the Irish Red and White Setter community and expect questions—responsible sources care about placement as much as you do. Because the breed is less common, you may have a wait for a well-bred puppy; the tradeoff is support, mentorship, and better long-term outcomes.
Budget for training and enrichment from day one (classes, safe off-leash opportunities, gear for field/hiking). Ownership is most rewarding when you embrace what the dog was built for: purposeful exercise, cooperative work, and lots of time with its people.
Interesting Facts
- Irish Red and White Setters were developed in Ireland as upland bird dogs, and the breed is judged with a working, field-first mindset.
- The white-and-red parti-color coat features clear red patches; light flecking on face/feet can be normal.
- They’re close to square in outline and move with a lively, efficient trot; in the field they can range wide while still working with a handler.
- The breed was nearly eclipsed by the all-red Irish Setter by the late 1800s and was revived through organized efforts during the 1900s.
- UKC recognized the Irish Red & White Setter on January 1, 1995.
- Breed-club guidance notes the historical breed-specific vWD DNA test is not currently recognized/available in the UK, so owners should focus on broader health screening and transparency.
