The Irish Setter is suitable for beginners and inexperienced dog owners. The prerequisite is sufficient space as well as varied activity. This dog breed is also an optimal family dog, which adheres to all rules and is very open-minded towards children. The Irish Setter can also be used as a hunting dog.
Typical Breed Characteristics Irish Setter
- Character: friendly, patient, absolute family dog
- Size: 55 to 70 cm
- Weight: 25 to 32 kg
- Colours: light brown, chestnut brown, red/brown
- Life expectancy: 12 years
The Irish Setter is a true hunting dog. But it is also considered to be an ideal family dog that obeys all the rules.
The dog breed originally comes from Ireland, as the part of its name already indicates.
His life expectancy is 12 years on average and he has a light brown/red coat.
He can weigh up to 32 kilograms and reach a height of 70 cm.
The Irish Setter loves nature and needs a lot of exercise.
The dog breed is also suitable as a search or rescue dog.
Typical diseases of this breed include hip problems, stomach upsets and epilepsy.
Training and care
The Irish Setter is a very trainable dog breed, which is ideally suited for hunting if well trained. If it is not needed for hunting trips, it is important that appropriate activity is provided in the form of extensive walks through nature or other challenges in dog sports.
The dog breed should not be brought up in a high-rise building in the big city, but loves to live in the open air in a large house with a family.
Due to its good willingness to learn, the Irish Setter can be wonderfully trained to be a family dog with a lot of patience, even with children.
Despite his hunting instinct, the Irish Setter can also be kept in wild areas without any problems, provided he is properly trained.
Due to its coat, the Irish Setter must be brushed regularly to avoid matting.
Water is his element, many Irish Setters are real water rats and love to fetch all the balls back from lakes, rivers or the sea.
Who is the Irish Setter for?
The Irish Setter is a fantastic family dog and has a wonderful character. Especially due to his intelligence, good nature and his very loving nature, he is an enrichment for every family with children.
The dog breed is known for not showing any aggressive traits and listens to its master’s word.
Due to its actual hunting ability, the Irish Setter needs plenty of exercise in the great outdoors. This also means that, in the worst case, an Irish Setter will chase cars or postmen if it has not been exercised or properly trained.
During the car journey, the Irish Setter should be placed in a large transport box that is suitable for him.
The Irish Setter loves nature and water. Therefore, he should not be kept in a big city.
The owners need a lot of time for the Irish Setter in order to exercise him sufficiently. If he is to be left alone at home, then only for short periods, because he always wants to be with you.
Which dog breeds are suitable as family dogs?
With so many dog breeds, there are some dogs that would make a good family dog.
Not all of them have these characteristics, but you might like one that makes you say, “Yes, I could imagine us having this dog!
- Small dog breeds: Beagle
Beagles are extremely fond of children, friendly, even-tempered and also have a strong sense of self-confidence. Weighing between 10 and 18 kg, they belong to the small dog breeds. They appear bright, playful, agile and are particularly intelligent. Their short coat does not require any special care.
- Small dog breeds: Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, which comes from Mexico, weighs between 1.5 and 3 kg and fits into any waistcoat pocket. With its lively nature, it appears extremely self-confident, spirited, courageous and curious. Chihuahuas are also known for their affection. This dog breed is a real couch snuggler with both long and short fur.
- Small dog breeds: Maltese
The small Maltese weighs 3 to 4 kg. This makes it one of the mini dog breeds and makes it particularly suitable for keeping in smaller living areas. The Maltese city dog is intelligent, alert and spirited. He is also lively, eager to learn and playful. Finally, his affectionate nature makes him ideally suited as a family dog. With its medium length coat, it has somewhat higher grooming needs. Regular grooming may be necessary.
- Medium-sized dog breeds: Dalmatian
101 Dalmatians – who doesn’t know the film? Children love the spotted four-legged friends. And rightly so! At 24 to 32 kg, they belong to the medium-sized dog breeds. They are extremely spirited, which is why they are less suitable for small children, but very suitable for older ones. They are also cuddly, attentive, loyal and agile. Their sensitive nature makes them a true comforter of souls. They are also known for their affection and intelligence. Due to their short coat length, no special grooming is required.
- Medium-sized dog breeds: Labrador Retriever
Things get a little bigger with a 25 to 36 kg Labrador. This people-oriented four-legged friend delights with its playful character, good nature and bright disposition. Labradors are particularly loyal and reliable. They have a short coat that requires little time to groom.
The following breeds are also suitable:
When choosing a dog breed, bear in mind that every dog has its own character and that there are also dogs that belong to a suitable dog breed but may still not be suitable for the job of a family dog.
