Energetic, affectionate and forever happy, the Irish red and white setter is the ideal breed for country living. We spoke to The Kennel Club to find out more about this charismatic dog.
The Irish red and white setter is a happy, clever and high-energy breed of dog traditionally used by falconers to help locate game. Nowadays the breed is extremely rare, with just 46 puppies born and registered in the UK in 2023.
We spoke to The Kennel Club to find out more about the Irish red and white setter, from its long history and its famous coat to why it is considered to be such a great breed for owners living in the country.
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Characteristics
Irish red and white setters are known for their intelligence, high energy and affectionate nature. Owing to both their energy levels and their bigger size, they need more than two hours of exercise every day.
History
Much like the other setter breeds, the Irish red and white setter was traditionally used by falconers to help locate game.
These days they are more likely to be a loving family pet, however, due to their low annual registration numbers – just 46 puppies were born and registered in 2023 – the breed is currently classed by The Kennel Club as a vulnerable breed, which monitors breeds that register less than 300 puppies a year.
Colour
As the name suggests, Irish red and white setters have a distinctive red and white coat.
Suitable owners
The Irish red and white setter is a happy, highly intelligent, energetic and affectionate dog.
While they would make a wonderful pet for the right owner, they are not a suitable choice for everyone. Their size and energy means they will be happiest with active owners who have access to a large garden, and/or open land. Similarly, their intelligence means they need to be engaged both physically and mentally, and their coat also needs regular grooming.
Surprising fact
You may be familiar with the Irish setter, but this breed was the ‘original’ Irish setter. Falconers preferred the Irish red and white setter because its colours made it easier to spot from afar, but the later popularity of the Irish setter in the early 20th century saw the numbers for the older breed dwindle.
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A vulnerable breed
“The UK has an amazing and diverse variety of dog breeds, with 222 currently recognised by The Kennel Club,” says Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club.
“But while some breeds, such as labradors and cocker spaniels, are well-known and popular, there are many less-known native dog breeds that sadly are seeing their population numbers dwindle despite their lovable characters and interesting origins.
“Our ‘Save Forgotten Dog Breeds’ campaign – which includes a competition for at-risk breeds and a meet and greet zone at Crufts – aims to remind people about the diverse breeds of dog we’re lucky to have, including those historic native dogs that are at risk of disappearing, and their different personalities and needs, suited to different people and lifestyles.”
Further information can be found on The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breed list. The Kennel Club also has a breed A to Z with information on all 223 breeds.
Words: Laura Lloyd, The Kennel Club