Buyer question
Is an Irish Setter good for beginners?
It can be: our Animal Library rates the Irish Setter 3 out of 5 for beginners (needs patience and space).
Source: the Irish Setter page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Irish Setter in the Animal Library
The detail
Bred in Ireland to quarter fields and set game birds, the Irish Setter is a tall, deep red gun dog with a fun-loving streak. Friendly with everyone and slow to grow up, it needs long daily runs and patient, upbeat training.
- Temperament
- Outgoing, playful, sweet
- Best fit
- Active families, big yards
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Willing but easily bored)
- Energy
- 5 out of 5 (1 to 2 hrs running daily)
- Grooming load
- 3 out of 5 (Brush 2 to 3 times a week)
What to weigh
Irish Setters stay boisterous for years and need long daily runs. They are prone to bloat, and the feathered coat tangles and gathers debris without regular brushing.