Irish Red and White Setter

The Irish Red and White Setter is the older of Ireland's two setter breeds and the ancestor from which the solid red Irish Setter was developed, a versatile gundog with a distinctive parti-colour coat of pearly white and rich chestnut red patches that distinguishes it clearly from its better-known cousin. While the Irish Setter rose to extraordinary popularity in the nineteenth century as both a show and companion dog, the Irish Red and White was nearly lost entirely during that period as breeders favoured the solid red colour, and only a handful of examples survived into the twentieth century. The breed's revival was a deliberate conservation effort carried out over many decades, and the Irish Red and White Setter is now established in the United Kingdom and internationally, though it remains considerably rarer than the Irish Setter. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Gundog Group, it is a breed with a knowledgeable and dedicated following.

The Irish Red and White Setter is a well-proportioned, athletic gundog with a clearly parti-coloured coat of white base with solid chestnut red patches. Freckled or flecked areas of red on white are permitted. The coat is fine and silky with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail. Adults typically stand 58 to 66 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 25 to 34 kilograms.

The character closely resembles the Irish Setter: energetic, affectionate, friendly and devoted. The Irish Red and White is warm and playful with its own family and excellent with children and other dogs. It is not a guard dog but an enthusiastic and active companion that thrives on exercise and human contact.

The most critical health consideration specific to this breed is CLAD - Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency - a potentially fatal inherited immunodeficiency condition found in Irish setter breeds. Both parents must be DNA-tested as CLAD-clear before breeding, and no responsible breeder will produce or sell puppies without this certification. Buyers should request to see the DNA certificates for both parents and decline if these are not available. Hip and elbow dysplasia are also concerns and both parents should be formally scored through the BVA/KC scheme.

Exercise needs are substantial - 1.5 to 2 hours of vigorous daily activity is appropriate, and the breed thrives with purposeful gundog work, field sports or active dog sports such as agility.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £800 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £100 to £170. The Irish Red and White Setter Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Energetic, friendly, loyal and affectionate - the Irish Red and White Setter shares the warmth of Irish gundog breeds. Good with children and other dogs. Active and playful rather than calm. Not a guard dog. Devoted to its family.

Irish Red and White Setters are intelligent, keen and trainable. Positive reinforcement works extremely well. They excel in gundog work, field trials and dog sports. Generally biddable and eager to please. Early socialisation and consistent training from puppyhood is important.

Irish Red and White Setters need 1.5-2 hours of vigorous daily exercise. They thrive with running, swimming and purposeful gundog work or dog sports. Mental stimulation is important. An under-exercised Irish Red and White can be boisterous and difficult.

CLAD (Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency) is a potentially fatal inherited condition - DNA testing of both parents is mandatory. Hip and elbow dysplasia testing of parents essential. Progressive Retinal Atrophy has been documented. The Irish Red and White Setter Club maintains health testing requirements. Lifespan 11-15 years.

High-quality medium to large breed complete food. Adults typically need 300-450g dry food daily across two meals. Working dogs need more. Monitor body condition. Fresh water always available.

The silky flat coat with distinctive feathering needs brushing several times weekly to prevent tangling. Professional grooming periodically. Feathering on ears, legs and tail picks up debris. Ears need regular checking. Dental care important.

Irish Red and White Setter puppies from health-tested KC-registered breeders typically cost £800-£1,500. The breed is rarer than the Red Setter. Annual ongoing costs average £1,200-£1,800.

Active, experienced owners with space and time for 1.5-2 hours daily exercise. Good with children in active households. Not suitable for sedentary owners. CLAD DNA testing of parents is non-negotiable. Long silky coat requires regular grooming. Working or active companion role suits the breed best.