The Irish Red and White Setter Community

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.