Irish Setter

Outgoing, athletic, and affectionate. Irish Setters usually thrive with daily exercise, training, and owners who enjoy an energetic dog with a friendly temperament.

size
Large
energy
High
shedding
Medium
grooming
Medium
trainability
Easy to Medium
goodWithKids
Usually
barking
Low to Medium
aloneTimeTolerance
Low to Medium
climate
Mild

Best for

  • Active families who enjoy outdoor time
  • Owners who can provide daily exercise and training
  • People who want a friendly, social dog
  • Homes with space for a high-energy breed

Not ideal for

  • People who want a low-energy dog
  • Homes that cannot provide daily activity
  • Owners who prefer a more independent temperament

Temperament

  • Friendly and outgoing
  • Often energetic and playful
  • Can be exuberant when young
  • Does best with consistent training

Daily routine

exercise: Daily long walks, runs, or active play. Add scent and fetch games.
training: Reward-based training with focus on calm behavior and recall practice.
grooming: Brush several times per week to prevent tangles. Keep ears and nails maintained.

Living fit

apartment: Challenging. Possible only with high daily exercise.
family: Often great with active families.
firstTimeOwner: Possible for first-time owners who can meet exercise needs.

Health notes

  • Energy and excitement need outlets, structured exercise prevents chaos.
  • Choose reputable sources and ask about health screening.

Cost and time

time: High. Needs exercise and training daily.
cost: Moderate. Grooming and quality diet add to costs.

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