Irish Red and White Setter
Male: 25-32 kg, Female: 20-27 kg
57-66 cm at the shoulder
10-13 years
Ireland
About the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is an athletic and powerful gundog, distinguished by its striking bicolour coat and aristocratic bearing. Unlike its solid red cousin, this breed was developed primarily for function in the field, leading to a build that is slightly heavier and more robust. They are known for their tireless energy and a 'quartering' search pattern that makes them exceptional hunting companions and active family members. In a home environment, they are famously devoted and friendly, often referred to as a breed that is 'made of heart.' They possess a natural intelligence that requires consistent, positive reinforcement training. While they are gentle and kind, their high energy levels and need for human interaction mean they thrive best in households where they are treated as an integral part of the family and given ample space to roam.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Irish Red and White Setter must exhibit a powerful and athletic silhouette, moving with a wide-reaching, driven gait that suggests endurance in the field. The hallmark of the breed is the 'island' pattern of deep red against a clean white base, which must be clearly defined without excessive roaning.
In Australia
The Irish Red and White Setter was introduced to Australia in 1983, with the first imports arriving from the United Kingdom to establish the breed locally, according to the Irish Red and White Setter Club of Victoria.
Bred For
Gundog used for pointing and setting game birds for hunters.
Temperament
Intelligent, reliable, affectionate, high-spirited, and keen-natured.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
, Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD), Von Willebrand’s Disease (), (), and ().
Grooming Needs
Moderate; requires weekly brushing to prevent mats in the feathering and regular checks of ears and paws.
Living Suitability
can adapt to apartment living living. Requires a home with a large, securely fenced yard or acreage where they can safely run and explore.
Good with Kids
Generally excellent with children; their gentle and playful nature makes them great companions for active older children.
Good with Other Pets
Usually very good with other dogs; has a moderate prey drive so should be socialised early with cats and small pets.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but can be independent or easily distracted by scents; requires patient, reward-based training.
Coat & Colours
Long, silky, and flat with fine feathering on the back of the legs and ears.. Pearly white ground color with solid patches of deep red.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
The Irish Red and White Setter is a deep-chested breed, meaning they may be more predisposed to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat). This is a serious condition where the stomach twists, so owners should be prepared to feed smaller meals and avoid exercise immediately before or after eating. Their long, pendant ears can be more likely to trap moisture and wax, potentially leading to ear infections; regular cleaning is a simple way to manage this. Because they are highly social and intelligent, some individuals can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods without mental stimulation—they truly thrive on being part of the action. Like many active sporting breeds, they are more likely to develop skin or digestive sensitivities on standard commercial kibbles, but many find significant relief and improved coat quality on a fresh, raw diet. Additionally, their high prey drive means they may be susceptible to wandering if they catch a scent, so secure fencing is a must. These quirks are simply a reflection of their history as dedicated workers, and for an active owner, they are easily managed with routine and care.
Feeding Guide for Your Irish Red and White Setter
Healthy Weight
20-32 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
400-960 grams
For an adult Irish Red and White Setter, a fresh or raw diet should focus on high-quality lean proteins and essential fats. Owners should aim to feed approximately 2-3% of the dog's ideal adult body weight daily. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
High-quality, protein-rich diet focusing on fresh whole foods, low in fillers and fermentable carbohydrates to manage energy and digestive health.
Inclusion of leafy greens and berries provides essential antioxidants. Given their deep chests, feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding high-fat trimmings is recommended to support digestive health.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Irish Red and White Setter Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Irish Red and White Setter? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
7-10 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.
