How long does a Setter Irlandés live?

The life expectancy of the Setter Irlandés is 11-14 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Setter Irlandés weigh?

An adult Setter Irlandés weighs between 24-32 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande.

Who is the Setter Irlandés NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Sedentary families. Flats without long walks. Homes where it is left alone for long hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Is it a good dog for families with children?

Excellent. It is cheerful, sociable and affectionate with everyone, very tolerant of children. That said, its energy and enthusiasm call for an active family that gives it plenty of exercise.

What is bloat and why should I know about it?

It is gastric torsion, a fatal emergency common in large, deep-chested breeds. Split its food into several meals and avoid exercise close to mealtimes; if you see a bloated abdomen and retching, go to the vet immediately.

Is it slow to mature?

Yes, it keeps a youthful, playful character until 3-4 years of age. It is charming but demands patience in training; short, fun sessions work best.

How much care does its coat need?

Its beautiful mahogany-red coat needs brushing 3 times a week to prevent tangles in the feathering, and regular cleaning of the long ears to prevent otitis.

Breed profile

Setter Irlandés

Spectacular mahogany-red coat. Cheerful, sociable character, "the happy dog". A historic hunting dog. Needs plenty of exercise. An excellent family dog for active households.

Origin: Irlanda Size: Grande Lifespan: 11-14 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Very active families
✓Homes with a garden
✓Anyone looking for a cheerful dog

Reconsider if

×Sedentary families
×Flats without long walks
×Homes where it is left alone for long hours

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Is the Setter Irlandés a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

70-120 €/month

Food 35-55 €, occasional professional grooming/brushing 10-20 €, veterinary provision 20-35 €, ear cleaning and accessories 5-10 €.

History and origin

A setter developed in Ireland in the 18th century. Bird hunting in the open field, marking game with characteristic stillness.

Recognised by the FCI within Group 7 or 8 (pointing or retrieving dogs). Its historical use as a hunting dog dictates its need for physical exercise and scent work: boredom is the leading cause of behavioural problems.

Temperament and character

Cheerful, sociable, exuberant. Affectionate with everyone. Somewhat "childlike" until 3-4 years of age. Intelligent but easily distracted. Needs daily mental stimulation — scent games, food-stuffed Kongs and short trick sessions channel its energy better than physical exercise alone. Responds best to positive reinforcement: physical punishment breeds fear, anxiety and reactivity — coercive methods are NOT recommended by veterinary behaviourists. Sensitive to its family's mood: it picks up on tension and takes it on.

Living together

Children: excellent. Other dogs: sociable. Cats: good with socialisation.

Life stages of the Setter Irlandés

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 11-14 años.

Puppy

0-15 months

Socialisation, controlled growth and early channelling of energy.

Junior

15 months-2 years

Plenty of exercise, obedience and care of the long coat.

Adult

2-7 years

Prevention of gastric torsion, thyroid function and dysplasia.

Senior

7+ years

Ophthalmological (retina), joint and metabolic follow-up.

Care

Exercise: 60-90 min/day split into at least 2 sessions. Off-lead running in a secure area is essential for high-energy breeds.

Brushing: daily; intensive during the moulting seasons (spring and autumn).

Feeding: quality food appropriate to life stage (puppy/adult/senior) and size. Weight control: obesity is the leading preventable cause of joint problems.

Vet: annual check-up with preventive blood work from age 5 (7 in giant breeds); twice a year from age 8.

Exercise 1.5-2 h/day + off-lead runs. Brushing 3 times a week. Ear cleaning (long ears). Training with patience (energy).

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality food for an active large breed, split into 2-3 meals a day to reduce the risk of gastric torsion. Avoid exercise close to mealtimes.

✂️ Grooming

Brush 3 times a week or more for its silky mahogany-red coat, preventing tangles in the feathering. Frequent ear cleaning.

🎓 Training

Cheerful but easily distracted and a 'perpetual puppy' until 3-4 years of age. Short, fun, positive sessions; patience with its exuberance.

🏃 Exercise

1.5-2 h/day with off-lead runs and sprinting. It is a tireless hunter: it needs plenty of activity or it gets bored.

Breed-specific health

Bloat. Dysplasia. Retinal atrophy (CLAD). Epilepsy. Hypothyroidism. Life expectancy 11-14 years. Life expectancy of 11-14 years with proper care. Pre-breeding testing is recommended in responsible kennels (dysplasia + cardiac + ophthalmology according to the breed's conditions). When adopting, ask the rescue for a vet report on the current state of health.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)🦴Displasia de cadera 🌑Atrofia progresiva de retina 🦴Hipotiroidismo

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis ☠️Parvovirosis canina 🆘Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Setter Irlandés

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Hip dysplasia radiograph
✓Ophthalmological examination (progressive retinal atrophy, genetic CLAD)
✓Assessment for gastric distension/torsion (bloat)
✓Thyroid panel (hypothyroidism)
✓History of epilepsy

Prevention

Split meals into several portions and avoid exercise just before/after eating to prevent gastric torsion (a life-threatening emergency). Regular cleaning of the long ears and plenty of exercise to channel its energy.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with eye and thyroid assessment; every six months from age 8.

Warning signs

!Bloated abdomen, unproductive retching and restlessness (gastric torsion, EMERGENCY)
!Stumbling or loss of vision (retina)
!Lethargy, weight gain and poor coat (hypothyroidism)
!Recurrent otitis (long ears)

Frequently asked questions about the Setter Irlandés

How long does a Setter Irlandés live?: The life expectancy of the Setter Irlandés is 11-14 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Setter Irlandés weigh?: An adult Setter Irlandés weighs between 24-32 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande.
Where does the Setter Irlandés breed come from?: The Setter Irlandés originates from Irlanda. A setter developed in Ireland in the 18th century. Bird hunting in the open field, marking game with characteristic stillness.
How much exercise does a Setter Irlandés need?: The Setter Irlandés has alta energy. **Exercise:** 60-90 min/day split into at least 2 sessions. Off-lead running in a secure area is essential for high-energy breeds.
Is the Setter Irlandés good with children?: Children: excellent. Other dogs: sociable. Cats: good with socialisation.
Who is the Setter Irlandés NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Sedentary families. Flats without long walks. Homes where it is left alone for long hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Setter Irlandés have?: Bloat. Dysplasia. Retinal atrophy (CLAD). Epilepsy. Hypothyroidism. Life expectancy 11-14 years. Life expectancy of 11-14 years with proper care. Pre-breeding testing is recommended in responsible kennels (dysplasia + cardiac + ophthalmology according to the breed's conditions). When adopting, ask the rescue for a vet report on the current state of health.
Is it a good dog for families with children?: Excellent. It is cheerful, sociable and affectionate with everyone, very tolerant of children. That said, its energy and enthusiasm call for an active family that gives it plenty of exercise.
What is bloat and why should I know about it?: It is gastric torsion, a fatal emergency common in large, deep-chested breeds. Split its food into several meals and avoid exercise close to mealtimes; if you see a bloated abdomen and retching, go to the vet immediately.
Is it slow to mature?: Yes, it keeps a youthful, playful character until 3-4 years of age. It is charming but demands patience in training; short, fun sessions work best.
How much care does its coat need?: Its beautiful mahogany-red coat needs brushing 3 times a week to prevent tangles in the feathering, and regular cleaning of the long ears to prevent otitis.