Irish Red and White Setter Breed Guide

Dec 02, 2024

Meet the Irish Red & White Setter, the lesser-known but equally stunning cousin of the Irish Setter. These dogs are the true embodiment of charm, with their beautiful red and white coats, flowing tails, and friendly personalities. They’re athletic, loyal, and always eager for adventure, making them the perfect companion for families who love the outdoors. Think of them as the Irish Setter’s more sophisticated, reserved sibling—ready to dive into any adventure but just as happy to lounge around with their humans afterward.

Whether you’re looking for a hunting buddy or a family dog that’s as loving as they are playful, the Irish Red & White Setter checks all the boxes. Plus, they’ll undoubtedly turn heads on your daily walks with their striking good looks!

THE BASICS:

Category: Gundog
Size: Large (25-32 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day (minimum – they’re built to explore)
Grooming: Moderate (their flowing coat needs a little TLC)
Coat: Medium length, silky, and distinctively red and white
Shedding: Moderate (get ready to embrace the fur)
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), bloat
Lifespan: 11-15 years
Home Needs: A large garden and an active family
Sociability: Affectionate and playful with family, good with kids and other pets, but can be a bit shy around strangers

HISTORY: A HIDDEN GEM OF IRELAND

The Irish Red & White Setter shares its roots with the more famous Irish Setter, and both breeds were originally developed in Ireland as hunting dogs. The red and white version actually came first! In the 18th century, they were prized for their ability to locate game birds and were bred to work tirelessly in the field. However, when the solid red variety became more popular in the 19th century, the Irish Red & White Setter almost vanished into obscurity.

Thanks to dedicated breeders, the Irish Red & White Setter was brought back from the brink of extinction and is now recognised as a distinct breed, though they remain rarer than their all-red counterparts. Today, they’re not just hunting companions—they’re beloved family pets known for their loyal, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life.

Irish Red and White Setter PERSONALITY: ENERGETIC, LOVING, AND ALWAYS READY TO PLAY

If you're looking for a dog with energy to spare and a heart full of love, the Irish Red & White Setter is your perfect match. These dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities, and they bond closely with their families - they're great with kids! Whether you’re out on a hike or relaxing at home, your Red & White Setter will always want to be where the action is—or at least where you are.

They’re playful, social, and get along well with kids and other dogs, making them a great addition to family life. Just like the Irish Setter, they’re eager to please and love being involved in all aspects of family life. However, their friendly nature doesn’t always extend to strangers—they can be a little reserved when meeting new people. Early socialisation is key to ensuring they grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs.

That said, don’t expect them to spend all day lounging around—these dogs are born athletes and will need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy.

How Much Exercise Does and Irish Red and White Setter Need?

The Irish Red & White Setter isn’t the type of dog to sit still for long. They’re built to run, explore, and play, which means they need at least 1-2 hours of exercise every day to burn off their energy. Whether it’s a long walk, a game of fetch, or an off-lead run in the park, they’ll happily accompany you on any adventure.

Because of their hunting background, these dogs have an excellent sense of smell and love to engage in activities that let them use their brains as much as their bodies. Dog sports like agility, scent work, and obedience training are fantastic ways to keep them mentally stimulated. A bored Irish Red & White Setter will find ways to entertain themselves—and it might not be in ways you’ll appreciate (hello, chewed shoes and garden excavation!).

Pro tip: Keep your energetic redhead fuelled up with Scrumbles Dry Dog Food, packed with the protein they need to stay active and healthy.

How to Groom an Irish Red and White Setter: GORGEOUS, BUT REQUIRES SOME TLC

With their silky, flowing coats, Irish Red & White Setters are undeniably beautiful, but they do require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Their medium-length coat can be prone to matting and tangling, so a good brush several times a week will help keep their fur smooth and free of knots. Pay special attention to areas like behind the ears, where tangles are more likely to form.

They shed moderately, increasing in Spring and summer, but regular brushing will help minimise the amount of fur decorating your home. As for baths, these should be given as needed—particularly after a muddy romp in the park! Just like all dogs, don’t forget regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care.

Bonus tip: Use Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Dog Treats to help keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh after all that outdoor fun.

HEALTH: STURDY, BUT WATCH OUT FOR COMMON ISSUES

The Irish Red & White Setter is generally a healthy breed, but like many large dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is one of the most common concerns, so regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight are essential to keeping their joints in good shape. Another condition to be mindful of is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic disorder that can affect their eyesight over time.

Due to their deep chests, they’re also prone to bloat—a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Feeding them smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise immediately after eating can help reduce the risk of bloat.

With the right care and a balanced diet, such as Scrumbles Dry Dog Food, which is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, you can help keep their joints healthy and their coat shiny.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE IRISH RED & WHITE SETTER:

They’re the Original Setters: While the all-red Irish Setter is more famous, the red and white version came first!
They Love to Work: These dogs are happiest when they have a job to do—whether it’s hunting, playing fetch, or even helping out in scent detection.
A Nose for Adventure: With their excellent sense of smell, they’re natural-born trackers. Don’t be surprised if your Setter goes sniffing for every bird, squirrel, or scent trail they come across.

LIVING WITH AN IRISH RED & WHITE SETTER: ENERGETIC, LOYAL, AND FULL OF LIFE

If you’re looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Irish Red & White Setter is an excellent choice. They’re full of energy, love to be around their family, and have a zest for life that’s infectious. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or enjoying a quiet evening at home, your Setter will be right there with you—tail wagging and ready for action.

They’re perfect for active families who have the time and space to meet their exercise needs. And with their friendly, affectionate nature, they make wonderful companions for both children and other pets.

To keep them happy and healthy, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a nutritious diet are key. And when it comes to training, positive reinforcement and plenty of rewards (like Scrumbles Treats) will help keep your clever Setter engaged and eager to learn.

IS THE IRISH RED & WHITE SETTER THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re after a dog that’s loyal, full of energy, and always up for an adventure, the Irish Red & White Setter could be your perfect match. They’re best suited for active families who can provide plenty of outdoor activities, mental stimulation, and love. With their stunning looks, friendly nature, and eagerness to please, these dogs will quickly become a beloved member of your family.

With the right care, plenty of exercise, and a balanced diet from Scrumbles, your Irish Red & White Setter will thrive and be a devoted companion for many years to come

Why Scrumbles is Perfect for Irish Red and White Setters

Scrumbles is the ideal choice for Irish Red and White Setter owners for several reasons:

High-Quality Ingredients: Setters, with their shiny coats and lively personalities, benefit from high-quality, natural ingredients like all doggies. That's why we avoid artificial additives and fillers, ensuring your Setter gets premium nutrition.
Coat and Skin Health: A Setter's stunning coat requires extra care, and Scrumbles’ recipes, rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, support healthy skin and keep their waves soft and glossy. We've got just the thing to help: Scrumbles Salmon Dry Dog Food or Salmon Wet Food for optimal coat care.
Digestibility: All our recipes start with the gut, enriched with pre, post and probiotics, to help ensure easy digestion. Check out our Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for little ones with extra sensitive tums.
Sustainability: As a member of 1% for the Planet and certified B Corp we're committed to eco-friendly practices with recyclable packaging and responsible ingredient sourcing.
Trustworthy Nutrition: Don't just take our word, we're rated 4.5 on Trustpilot with over 5k five star reviews.

With their affectionate personality, energetic nature, and undeniable charm, the Irish Red & White Setter is a fantastic companion for families and individuals alike. Whether they’re out hunting or simply keeping you company on a walk, these dogs bring joy, enthusiasm, and plenty of love into every home. Keep them healthy and happy with the right diet and care, and they’ll reward you with years of loyalty and adventure!