What Are the Traits and Care Requirements of an Irish Setter?

Irish Setter: chestnut feathering that needs regular combing

The Irish Setter has a racy, balanced frame and a rich chestnut coat. Long, fine feathering gives the outline its flow, but also needs careful brushing and combing. Regular shared walks and play form the other large part of the ownership routine.

Height and a lightly flowing outline

The FCI gives shoulder heights of 58–67 cm for males and 55–62 cm for females. The earlier UK size section is blank, so these are FCI figures rather than an update to a UK numerical range. No numerical weight appears in those sections.

The chest is deep and relatively narrow in front, with ribs carried back towards a muscular loin. Body hair is moderate in length and flat, while the ears, backs of the legs, belly and tail carry finer feathering. It should be as free as possible from curl or wave.

Brush before the feathering knots

The AKC recommends brushing at least twice weekly with a pin or soft bristle brush, using a long-toothed metal comb for emerging tangles. This is consistent with the UK category of grooming more than once weekly. Include the fine hair underneath and behind the legs instead of only smoothing the back.

The AKC also suggests monthly nail trimming and occasional baths with gentle dog shampoo. Check the dog over during grooming, including eyes and ears. Its care advice supports regular ear checks and frequent tooth brushing with dog toothpaste, retaining useful smaller tasks alongside the coat work.

Daily activity with the owner

The UK guide describes a large house and garden in either town or country and exercise above two hours daily. The AKC suggests long walks, shared play and activities such as tracking, agility or rally. Choose outings you can sustain through an ordinary week, with enough time left for the grooming the coat requires.

Compare two other feathered coats

The Irish Red and White Setter has a stronger, athletic-than-racy outline and a natural-looking grooming finish. The Gordon Setter has flat black-and-tan feathering and an AKC monthly bath-and-tidying routine. Their own sizes and brushing methods give useful comparisons beyond coat color.