The Complete Irish setter Guide

You didn’t land on the Irish setter by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The red athlete, exuberant, stunning, and high-energy, and the most beautiful disaster in a fur coat, they’re a natural fit for active families, hunters, and dog sport enthusiasts who can match their energy and appreciate exuberant affection who want a strikingly beautiful, exuberant, and deeply affectionate sporting dog for active owners who love a lively companion. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Irish setter?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Irish setter? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	4 out of 5	Highly intelligent and capable. Their adolescence is long, but they are fundamentally brilliant dogs
Obedience	3 out of 5	Responsive when training is consistent. Their enthusiasm can occasionally overwhelm focus
Focus	3 out of 5	Generally attentive, but their excitement sometimes takes over
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Not stubborn. Their eagerness to please makes them cooperative when focused

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Deeply devoted and affectionate with their family
Good with children	5 out of 5	Exuberant, playful, and genuinely loving with children
Good with strangers	5 out of 5	Friendly and outgoing with everyone they meet
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Excellent with other dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	1 out of 5	Their energy level makes apartment living impractical
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Their coat handles cool weather reasonably well
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat
Routine flexibility	2 out of 5	Their extended adolescence and high energy require structured commitment
First time owner	3 out of 5	Can work for very active first-time owners who are prepared for their adolescence

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	5 out of 5	Very high energy. They maintain exuberant puppy energy well into adulthood
Endurance	5 out of 5	Excellent endurance. Built for sustained upland hunting
Exercise needs	5 out of 5	Needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
Mental stimulation	4 out of 5	Highly intelligent and curious
Grooming needs	3 out of 5	Silky, medium-length coat that requires moderate maintenance

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	5 out of 5	One of the most exuberantly playful sporting breeds
Affection	5 out of 5	Deeply affectionate and physically demonstrative
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Loyal and devoted
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. They want to be with their people
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and engaged

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	2 out of 5	Not prone to excessive barking
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Low digging tendency
Chewing tendency	3 out of 5	Some chewing during their extended adolescence
Prey drive	4 out of 5	Strong bird and prey drive
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Too friendly to be effective guard dogs

What are common health issues of a Irish setter?

Like all breeds, Irish setters are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Irish setters? 

Your Irish setter can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• OFA thyroid evaluation

Do Irish setters need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Irish setter owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Irish setter owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Irish Setter specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Irish setters are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Irish Setters age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Irish setter owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$55-$60
2 years old	$45-$50
3 years old	$45-$50
4 years old	$55-$60
5 years old	$60-$65
6 years old	$65-$70
7 years old	$85-$90

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Irish Setter?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Irish setter and your budget.

History of the Irish setter

The Irish Setter was developed in Ireland in the 18th century from crosses between Irish Spaniels, setting spaniels, and possibly Pointers and Gordon Setters. They were bred as upland bird dogs capable of ranging wide and crouching or setting when they found birds, allowing hunters to approach for a net throw. The breed's distinctive mahogany red coat developed in Ireland, replacing the earlier red and white variety now preserved as the Irish Red and White Setter. The AKC recognized the Irish Setter in 1878. The breed gained enormous popularity in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s partly due to a bestselling novel and film, Big Red, which brought the breed to national attention. They remain one of the most recognizable sporting breeds due to their striking appearance. Their extended adolescence and enormous energy are as defining as their beauty, making them a breed for genuinely active households.

Caring for a Irish setter

Training

Training a Irish setter is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are enthusiastic, eager to please, and highly motivated by praise and play, which means training is enjoyable and effective when sessions are kept active and reward-based. Positive reinforcement with treats and play, keeping sessions lively and engaging tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Irish setters have a long, silky coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 3 to 4 times per week to prevent tangles and manage feathering, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 8 to 10 weeks helps keep the ears, paws, and feathering tidy.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Irish Setter looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Irish setters have high energy levels and need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Running, fetch, and swimming are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Irish setters are highly intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become hyperactive, destructive, and extremely difficult to settle without adequate daily exercise. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Irish setter will actually love.

Nutrition

Irish setters are large dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,300 to 1,700 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $60 to $90 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Irish setter here.

Irish setter costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Irish setter?

Before your Irish setter even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$800-$2,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$700	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$500	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Irish setter each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Irish setter owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$700-$1,200	Based on the recommended portion for your Irish setter
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$300-$600	Every Every 8 to 10 weeks, Silky coat needs moderate professional grooming and regular at-home brushing.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Irish setter names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Irish setter we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Irish setter puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Irish setter puppies are strikingly beautiful, warmly exuberant, and deeply loving in a way that makes life with them genuinely joyful. That a stunning appearance and enthusiastic warmth that makes them one of the more visually and emotionally rewarding breeds is part of what makes them vigorous daily exercise, patience for extended adolescence, weekly ear cleaning, and regular professional grooming, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Irish setter brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Irish setter’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Irish setters are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

2. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

3. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the US, with ticks active across the state's forests, parks, and suburban green spaces. Copperhead snakes are also found in wooded and rocky areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, so watching where your dog explores is worth the habit.

4. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

5. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Irish setter? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Irish setter right for you?

Irish setters reward the right owner with a beauty and energy that makes active outdoor life feel genuinely spectacular and a warmth and exuberance that makes every day feel more alive. They just need vigorous daily exercise, patience through extended adolescence, ear cleaning, and professional grooming in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Irish setter. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.