Irish Setter
Male: 27-32 kg, Female: 24-29 kg
Male: 58-67 cm, Female: 55-62 cm at the shoulder
12-15 years
Ireland
About the Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a quintessential sporting dog, renowned for its stunning mahogany coat and elegant, racy silhouette. Originating in Ireland in the 18th century, they were developed by mixing various setters, spaniels, and pointers to create a high-stamina hunter capable of covering vast terrain. Known for their 'rollicking' personality, they remain perennial puppies at heart, often maintaining a playful and exuberant outlook well into their senior years. Beyond their beauty, Irish Setters are devoted family companions that thrive on human interaction. They are exceptionally social animals that do best when integrated into daily household activities. While their intelligence is high, they possess a sensitive and independent streak that requires a patient, positive-reinforcement approach to training. They are not suited for a sedentary lifestyle, requiring a dedicated owner who can provide the physical and mental outlets their active heritage demands.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Irish Setter is a masterpiece of balance and fluid motion. The breed standard calls for a racy, athletic build with a long, lean, chiselled head and a kindly, intelligent expression. Their movement must be free, flowing, and powerful, with great reach and drive that creates an effortless 'galloping' grace.
In Australia
Historical records from the Irish Setter Club of NSW document the presence of the Irish Setter at the first dog show held in Melbourne, which took place in 1864.
Bred For
Locating and pointing upland game birds such as grouse, partridge, and pheasant for hunters.
Temperament
Affectionate, energetic, rollicking, intelligent, and independent.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
(), , (1 & 2), Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD), and Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy.
Grooming Needs
Moderate to High; requires brushing several times a week to prevent mats in the feathering and regular ear cleaning.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartment living; requires a medium to large yard or acreage. They need space to run and thrive in active environments.
Good with Kids
Excellent with children; they are playful and gentle, though their exuberance may be overwhelming for toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Generally very good with other dogs and can coexist with cats if raised with them, though they may chase small animals due to their hunting instincts.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but can be easily distracted; they require consistent, firm, and gentle training sessions.
Coat & Colours
Fine, flat coat with long, silky feathering on the ears, chest, tail, and back of legs.. Rich chestnut, deep mahogany, or golden red, with no trace of black.
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
Irish Setters are more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) due to their deep chests—this means owners should feed multiple smaller meals and avoid post-meal sprints. They are predisposed to ear infections because of their heavy, floppy ears which trap moisture, so regular weekly ear checks are a must. While their mahogany coat is stunning, it is prone to matting and requires frequent grooming to keep them comfortable. They can be susceptible to separation anxiety as they are intensely social, so they might vocalise or become destructive if left alone for long periods without mental stimulation. Some lines are also more likely to develop gluten-sensitive enteropathy, making a fresh, grain-free diet like those provided by Majestik a potentially beneficial choice. They are slow to mature mentally, often acting like exuberant puppies for several years, which requires a patient owner who enjoys their spirited nature.
Feeding Guide for Your Irish Setter
Healthy Weight
24-32 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
600-900 grams
For an adult Irish Setter, a fresh or raw diet should be fed at approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. For a 30kg dog, this equates to 600-900g per day, divided into two meals. 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. High-energy proteins like kangaroo and beef are excellent for maintaining lean muscle mass.
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
A high-protein, nutrient-dense diet designed for active sporting breeds, ideally free from common fillers that can trigger digestive sensitivities.
A balanced raw diet for an Irish Setter should focus on high-quality proteins such as Majestik’s Kangaroo or Beef to support their high metabolism. Including seasonal vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids from fish like sardines or salmon oil will help maintain their signature glossy mahogany coat. For those predisposed to gluten sensitivities, a grain-free fresh diet is essential.
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.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Irish 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 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
8-12 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.