Irish Red and White Setter
FriendlySpiritedDetermined
Ireland · 11–15 years
About the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is the older of the two Irish setter breeds, predating the all-red Irish Setter by at least 200 years. Nearly extinct by the early 1900s as the flashier all-red setter gained popularity, the breed was carefully revived by dedicated Irish breeders. Red and White Setters are powerful, athletic gun dogs with a distinctive particolor coat — white with solid red patches. They are more field-oriented and less showy than the Irish Setter, retaining stronger hunting instincts. They are friendly, spirited, and devoted companions with a slightly more trainable temperament than their all-red cousins.
Breed stats
- Height
- 22.5–26 in
- Weight
- 35–60 lbs
- Lifespan
- 11–15 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Medium-length, silky, flat with feathering
- Origin
- Ireland
Coat colors
- White with Red Patches
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2–3 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Posterior polar cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Not every Irish Red and White Setter will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Irish Red and White Setters eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- The most obvious difference is color — Red and White Setters have a white base coat with solid red patches, while Irish Setters are solid mahogany/chestnut red. Red and White Setters are generally sturdier, slightly smaller, and more field-oriented. They tend to be more trainable and mature faster than Irish Setters, which retain puppy-like behavior longer. Red and White Setters are considerably rarer. Both breeds are friendly, energetic, and excellent with families, but Red and Whites are more commonly seen as working gun dogs while Irish Setters have become more of a show and companion breed.
- Yes, Irish Red and White Setters are quite rare, especially compared to the popular Irish Setter. They nearly went extinct in the early 1900s and have been slowly rebuilt by dedicated breeders. Annual AKC registrations are limited, and finding a puppy requires patience and connecting with specialist breeders. The breed is more common in Ireland and the UK than in the US. Their rarity is unfortunate because they are excellent hunting dogs and family companions. Breed advocates work to increase awareness while maintaining the breed's hunting ability and health.
- Irish Red and White Setters are excellent with children. They are friendly, patient, and enjoy the energy and attention that children provide. Their sturdy build means they can handle active play without being easily injured. They are gentle enough for young children while energetic enough to keep up with older kids. Like all setters, they are sociable dogs that thrive in family environments. Their trainable nature makes them more manageable around children than some other setter breeds. They are one of the best sporting breed options for families with children of all ages.
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