Dog Breed Guide NZ

Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a truly striking canine, renowned for its magnificent, flowing mahogany or rich chestnut coat and an undeniably joyful, energetic spirit. Often dubbed the 'clowns' of the bird dog world, these elegant dogs are bundles of affection and playfulness, always ready for an adventure. Originating from Ireland, they were bred for their keen hunting abilities and stamina. In New Zealand, their love for the outdoors makes them a superb companion for active individuals or families who enjoy tramping, beach walks, or simply having a vibrant, loving dog to share their lives with. They thrive in homes where they receive ample exercise and mental stimulation, fitting perfectly into the Kiwi lifestyle that embraces the great outdoors.

Apartment FriendlyHouse with SectionRural / FarmSouth Island ReadyAuckland Climate Friendly

Breed Snapshot

Size: Male: 27-34 kg; Female: 24-29 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Origin: Being enriched
Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, energetic, intelligent, playful, affectionate
NZ Price: $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA
Annual Vet Cost: Estimated annual vet costs for an Irish Setter in NZ typically range from $600 - $1,000 NZD. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, flea and worm treatments. However, Irish Setters are prone to certain breed-specific health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), epilepsy, and hypothyroidism. Costs associated with managing these conditions can significantly increase, potentially adding several hundred to thousands of dollars for diagnosis and treatment if they arise.

Personality Scores

Friendliness5/5

Trainability4/5

Energy5/5

Grooming3/5

Health Risk2/5

Apartment1/5

With Kids5/5

With Pets4/5

NZ Lifestyle Fit

Irish Setters are generally not suited for apartment living, even in cities like Auckland, due to their high energy levels and need for space. They truly thrive in homes with a generous, securely fenced section where they can run and play freely. For those with a house and section, they are an excellent fit, provided their daily exercise needs are met with walks, runs, or trips to local dog parks and beaches. In rural New Zealand, an Irish Setter can be in its element, enjoying vast open spaces, but careful training is essential to ensure they don't roam or chase livestock. Their beautiful coat offers some protection, but owners should be mindful of Auckland's humid summers, ensuring access to shade and water, and the South Island's cold winters, where a warm, dry sleeping area is vital. High UV levels across NZ mean sun protection for their noses and ears, especially for lighter-coated areas, is a good idea during peak sun hours. MPI has no specific restrictions on owning Irish Setters in New Zealand; they are a widely accepted and beloved breed.

The Irish Setter is a breed that captures hearts with its stunning appearance and exuberant personality. Known for their striking mahogany or rich chestnut coats, these elegant gundogs are as beautiful to behold as they are a joy to live with. Their friendly, outgoing nature and boundless energy make them wonderful companions for active Kiwi families.

Origins & History

The Irish Setter's story begins in 18th-century Ireland, where they were developed from a mix of English Setters, Pointers, and possibly Spaniels. Initially, they were known as 'Red Setters' and were highly prized by hunters for their exceptional scenting ability, speed, and endurance in flushing and retrieving game birds. Their distinctive red coat, which eventually became the breed standard, evolved from earlier bicolour (red and white) varieties. Over generations, breeders refined their elegant lines and distinctive colour, leading to the magnificent dog we know today. Their intelligence and eagerness to please, combined with their stamina, made them indispensable partners in the field, a legacy that continues to influence their energetic nature.

Appearance

An Irish Setter is instantly recognisable by its luxurious, silky coat, which ranges in colour from a deep mahogany to a vibrant chestnut red. This coat is typically feathered on the ears, chest, tail, and the back of the legs, adding to their graceful silhouette. They are a medium to large-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 27-34 kg and standing around 66-71 cm at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller at 24-29 kg and 61-66 cm. Their build is athletic and elegant, designed for speed and endurance. They possess a noble head with a distinct stop, dark, intelligent eyes that convey their friendly nature, and long, pendulous ears. Their expressive faces and constantly wagging tails are hallmarks of their joyful disposition.

Temperament & Personality

Irish Setters are renowned for their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate temperament. They are intelligent and playful, often described as the 'clowns' of the bird dog world due to their mischievous antics and joyful approach to life. This breed thrives on human companionship and can become destructive if left alone for long periods without adequate exercise or mental stimulation. They are generally good with children and other pets, especially if socialised from a young age, making them excellent family dogs. Their high energy levels mean they require a significant amount of daily exercise to prevent boredom and channel their enthusiasm constructively. Despite their intelligence, they can sometimes be a bit stubborn, requiring consistent, positive reinforcement training from an early age.

Life in New Zealand

Irish Setters are exceptionally well-suited to the active, outdoor-loving lifestyle prevalent in New Zealand. Their stamina and love for running make them ideal companions for tramping adventures, exploring dog-friendly beaches, or enjoying the vast open spaces of our regional parks and reserves. A home with a securely fenced section is highly recommended to accommodate their need for space to play and explore safely. While their coat provides some insulation, owners should be mindful of Auckland's humid summers and the South Island's cold winters, ensuring they have appropriate shelter and hydration. Their friendly nature means they generally integrate well into Kiwi families, often becoming a cherished, albeit energetic, member of the household. Early socialisation and consistent training are key to ensuring they are well-behaved members of the community, especially when enjoying off-leash areas.

Is This the Right Breed for You?

An Irish Setter is an excellent choice for individuals or families who can commit to providing ample daily exercise, consistent training, and plenty of companionship. They are not suited for sedentary lifestyles or for being left alone for extended periods. Prospective owners should be prepared for regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coat and prevent matting. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them trainable, but their playful nature can sometimes lead to distraction, so patience and positive reinforcement are crucial. If you're looking for an energetic, affectionate, and beautiful dog to share your active New Zealand life with, and you're prepared for the commitment, an Irish Setter could be your perfect match. They thrive on being part of the family and will reward you with boundless love and endless entertainment.

Fun Facts

Fact 1

Irish Setters were originally bred as gun dogs in Ireland, prized for their keen sense of smell and endurance.

Fact 2

Their distinctive red coat was not always standard; early Irish Setters were often red and white.

Fact 3

They are sometimes called 'Red Setters' due to their vibrant mahogany or chestnut coat.

Fact 4

An Irish Setter named 'King Timahoe' lived in the White House with President Richard Nixon.

Fact 5

Despite their intelligence, they are often described as the 'clowns' of the dog world due to their playful and sometimes mischievous nature.

Related Breeds

Affenpinscher

The Affenpinscher is a sturdy, monkey-like terrier-type toy breed known for its confidence and playful spirit. Despite its small size, it possesses a courageous heart and a loyal personality, making it a wonderful companion for Kiwi apartment dwellers or those with smaller sections.

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an elegant aristocrat with a dignified and aloof personality. Known for its striking, silky coat, this breed is a high-maintenance beauty that requires ample space to run and an owner dedicated to its complex grooming needs.

Airedale Terrier

The 'King of Terriers', the Airedale is the largest of all terrier breeds. They are brave, hardworking, and highly intelligent, making them excellent partners for active Kiwi families who love tramping and outdoor adventures.

Akbash Dog

Originally a Turkish livestock guardian, the Akbash is a serious, protective, and independent breed. They are not suited for apartment living and thrive on large NZ lifestyle blocks where they can have a 'territory' to watch over.

PetMall Editorial Desk

Reviewed and curated for practical, vet-informed guidance

Every guide is edited into a consistent house style so readers can scan quickly, compare recommendations, and understand where general education stops and personal veterinary advice begins.

Updated: Recently updated
Positioning: Evidence-based pet care for NZ households

Structured Guide

Life Stage Care

Scan the most important priorities for each stage so readers can adapt routine, home setup, and monitoring as this profile matures.

Puppy · 8 weeks to 12 months

Irish Setter puppies need soft-mouth games, recall, lead manners, ear handling, grooming practice, and calm water or beach introductions.

Use short reward-based sessions for name response, recall, handling, settle, and polite greetings.
Introduce grooming, tooth brushing, nail handling, ear checks, and vet-style body checks early.
Keep exercise age-appropriate and avoid repetitive high-impact activity while the body develops.
Feed a suitable puppy diet and transition foods gradually over 1-2 weeks.
Register and microchip according to local council rules.

Adult · 1 to 8 years

Adult Irish Setter care should focus on daily exercise, retrieving or scent games, recall, grooming, ear care, and weight control.

Use the current profile notes as a starting point: match exercise to the individual dog's age, fitness, and temperament.
Build a daily rhythm that includes exercise, mental work, rest, and predictable household rules.
Keep grooming realistic: The Irish Setter's beautiful, silky, feathered coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition and prevent matting. Daily or every-other-day brushing with a pin brush and a metal comb is recommended, paying particular attention to the feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail, as these areas are prone to tangles. Regular bathing, typically every 4-6 weeks or as needed, helps maintain coat health and cleanliness. Nail trims should be done every 2-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Their long, pendulous ears need weekly checking and cleaning to prevent infections. While home grooming is manageable, professional grooming every few months can help maintain their distinctive feathering and ensure their coat is properly stripped or trimmed, especially for show dogs or those needing a tidy-up..
Watch body condition and adjust food before weight gain becomes obvious.
Refresh recall, lead manners, visitor routines, and calm greetings throughout adulthood.

Senior · 8 years and older

Senior Irish Setter dogs need joint comfort, dental care, eye and ear checks, coat or skin monitoring, weight control, and lower-impact enrichment.

Use shorter, lower-impact exercise and add scent games, puzzle feeders, or gentle trick refreshers.
Monitor teeth, eyes, ears, skin, appetite, drinking, weight, stiffness, and behaviour changes.
Keep bedding warm and dry through damp NZ winters.
Maintain grooming so mats, soreness, lumps, or skin changes are noticed early.
Ask your vet about senior checks and pain management if activity changes.

NZ Specific Tips

New Zealand Care Notes

These local notes translate general breed guidance into climate, housing, and routine realities for New Zealand households.

NZ Fit

Verify local availability and fit before committing

Irish Setter ownership in NZ should start with a realistic check of breeder/rescue availability, council registration, housing rules, and whether the breed's needs fit your household. Do not assume every international breed is easy to find locally.

Lifestyle

Match the breed to the weekly routine

Irish Setter care should cover retrieving or scent outlets, recall around birds, water and beach hygiene, ear checks, weight control, and gentle training. A good match is about the daily routine, not only the dog's size or appearance.

Training

Start with manners that protect the dog and the household

Prioritise recall, lead walking, settle, polite greetings, food manners, and safe handling. Keep sessions short, reward-based, and repeated across real-life places.

Grooming

Put coat, teeth, nails, ears, and skin on a schedule

The Irish Setter's beautiful, silky, feathered coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition and prevent matting. Daily or every-other-day brushing with a pin brush and a metal comb is recommended, paying particular attention to the feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail, as these areas are prone to tangles. Regular bathing, typically every 4-6 weeks or as needed, helps maintain coat health and cleanliness. Nail trims should be done every 2-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Their long, pendulous ears need weekly checking and cleaning to prevent infections. While home grooming is manageable, professional grooming every few months can help maintain their distinctive feathering and ensure their coat is properly stripped or trimmed, especially for show dogs or those needing a tidy-up.

Health

Use breed risks as vet and breeder questions

Discuss teeth, ears, eyes, joints, skin, weight, and inherited conditions with your vet or breeder. This is an owner-awareness prompt, not a diagnosis checklist.

Owner Questions

Common Questions

Is an Irish Setter a good dog for New Zealand homes?+

It can be, when the household can meet the breed's needs. Elegant, energetic, and joyful. Known for their striking mahogany coat and friendly personality, Irish Setters are the 'clowns' of the bird dog world. They are highly active and need plenty of space to run. In NZ, also check council registration, housing rules, local availability, and whether daily exercise, grooming, training, and vet costs are realistic.

How much exercise does an Irish Setter need?+

Exercise needs vary by age, health, and temperament. Add mental work as well as walking, and reduce intensity for puppies, seniors, heat, injury, or poor fitness.

Can an Irish Setter live in an apartment or townhouse?+

Sometimes, but only when exercise, noise, enrichment, secure toileting, and rest are planned carefully. Larger, louder, high-drive, or guardian breeds usually need a stronger routine.

How much grooming does an Irish Setter need?+

What health issues should Irish Setter owners discuss with a vet?+

Discuss breed-specific screening, teeth, ears, eyes, joints, skin, weight, and any behaviour or mobility changes. Use this as a vet conversation prompt rather than a diagnosis checklist.

What should owners prepare before bringing home an Irish Setter puppy?+

Prepare registration and microchipping tasks, a vet plan, puppy food, safe bedding, confinement or crate options, grooming tools, chew outlets, training rewards, and a gradual socialisation plan. SPCA NZ notes food changes should be transitioned gradually.

How much does a Irish Setter cost in NZ?+

In New Zealand, a Irish Setter typically costs $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA from a registered breeder, and usually less through rescue or adoption. Budget for ongoing costs too — food, vet care, parasite prevention and insurance — on top of the purchase price.

How big does a Irish Setter get and how long do they live?+

The Irish Setter is a male: 27-34 kg; female: 24-29 kg dog breed, typically living 12-15 years. Size affects food, equipment and exercise needs, so plan space and budget accordingly.

Are Irish Setters good with children?+

In our breed profile the Irish Setter scores 5/5 for getting on with children — generally very good with kids. Always supervise young children with any dog and teach gentle, respectful handling.

Are Irish Setters easy to train?+

The Irish Setter scores 4/5 for trainability in our profile — a quick, willing learner. Early socialisation and short, positive sessions work best in NZ homes.

Care Guides

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Important Note

Information on PetMall is for education only and does not replace an in-person assessment by a veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, in pain, rapidly deteriorating, or you are unsure whether something is urgent, contact your local veterinary clinic promptly.