Irish Red and White Setter

A gentle, biddable, good-natured dog, the Irish Red and White Setter makes a happy, affectionate companion and is an enthusiastic worker too. As he is energetic, he does need an active owner to attend to his exercise needs.

Closely related to the Irish (Red) Setter, the Irish Red and White Setter dog breed can be traced back to the 18th century, though it could well have existed before that time, as red and white hunting dogs are described in texts dating back to the 1500s. Setters were popular sporting dogs with the landed gentry in the 17th and 18th centuries, and most were red with white, but towards the end of the 19th century, an entirely red coat was favoured and the Red and White was in danger of dying out. Fortunately enough survived for dedicated breeders to revive the breed after the First World War.

Large breed dogs, as well as having large appetites, benefit from a different balance of nutrients including minerals and vitamins compared to smaller-breed dogs.

An energetic, active dog, the Irish Red and White Setter needs two hours or more of daily exercise, to include free-running.

Health and common issues

As with many breeds, the Irish Red and White Setter can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, and hip dysplasia (a condition that can lead to mobility problems). Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important. They can also be prone to gastrointestinal disorders.

Best family dog breeds

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children , all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.