Irish Red and White Setter Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Irish Red and White Setter is a handsome, red-patched setter that predates the solid red Irish Setter. It is athletic, friendly and sturdy, and a good choice for people who want a setter with a little more substance.

Origins and appearance

The breed is older than the solid red variety, and was nearly lost in the nineteenth century when red became fashionable. It was revived in the twentieth century. These setters are athletic and moderately built, with a broad head, drop ears, a silky coat in white with red patches and flecking, light feathering and a plumed tail.

Temperament

They are friendly, outgoing and affectionate. They love people and are usually good with children and other dogs. They are energetic and exuberant. They mature slowly. They dislike being left alone. They are sensitive.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, with running, fetch and play. They excel at field work and canine sports. Mental work matters. They need secure fencing.

Training

They are intelligent and willing but distractible. Use positive methods, variety and early socialization. Teach a reliable recall and calm greeting. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The silky coat needs brushing a few times a week, with feathering care. See silky coat dog grooming guide. Clean the ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Progressive retinal atrophy, with a DNA test
• Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, with a DNA test
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Allergies. See dog skin allergies

Living with an Irish Red and White Setter

They suit very active families with a yard. They do best with company. They are poorly suited to long hours alone.

A typical day

A red and white setter wants a long morning run, training, a rest, play and an evening walk. Many are affectionate and goofy.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for an active dog, grooming and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They tolerate cold well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping training, leaving the dog alone and neglecting the coat.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and eye tests, DNA tests and the parents' temperaments. The breed is rare, so expect a wait.

The older setter

The red and white pattern was documented long before the solid red became popular. Owners often value the breed's sturdier build and its slightly steadier temperament, though it remains a lively gundog.

Genetic testing

Because the breed has a small gene pool, DNA testing for conditions such as leukocyte adhesion deficiency and progressive retinal atrophy is an important part of responsible breeding. Ask for results.

Finding a puppy

The breed is rare, and breeders often have waiting lists. Join a breed club, meet adult dogs and ask for references.

Is it the right breed for you?

An Irish Red and White Setter suits very active owners who want a friendly, sturdy gundog. It may not suit those who are away all day. For the solid red cousin, see the Irish Setter.

The takeaway

Irish Red and White Setters are friendly, sturdy and athletic, and they need exercise, training and company.