Irish Red and White Setter
Dog Breed Information

Irish Red and White Setter

The IRWS's coat is long and silky, mostly white, including various deep red patches. Like their solid red cousins, these dogs are affectionate, energetic, intelligent and high-spirited.

These Setters do best in active families and they do require room to exercise and move about in. Additionally, these dogs love to play and are great with children.

Enjoy watching one of these guys playing

Originally, all Irish Setters were parti-colored, with the red spots on a white body. During this time the solid red Irish Setters were very rare. Later, around the 1850's, the solid red Irish Setter began to become more popular. At this time the parti-colored Irish Setter started to lose favor.

Because of this, the Red and White Irish Setters almost became extinct. It wasn't until the 1940's that breeders and enthusiasts began to try and revive the breed.

The IRWS is bred primarily for use in the field hunting. To hunters it is often considered better than the Red Irish Setter for 2 reasons: because it is said to have a calmer temperament and because it is easier to see while working in the field.

Country of origin: Ireland
Lifespan: 11-15 years
Colors: Coat colors in this breed are clearly parti-colored with a white base color and solid red patches
Known health problems: von Willebrands Disease (vWD), Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD), Posterior Polar Cataract (PPC)

Return from Irish Red and White Setter to Sporting Dog Groups