Irish Setter
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Irish Setter. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat (GDV) | moderate | Deep-chested athlete; rest after meals and know torsion signs. |
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Standard sporting-breed risk; request OFA or PennHIP scores. |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | moderate | Inherited retinal degeneration; DNA testing identifies carriers. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Common in middle age; cheap to diagnose and treat. |
| Epilepsy | moderate | Idiopathic seizures appear in some lines; usually controllable with medication. |
Pet insurance for a Irish Setter
Insurers price a Irish Setter from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Irish Setter is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 55–70 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Irish Setter sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a mahogany-red bird dog developed in Ireland for finding and setting game, and it remains one of the most outgoing and joyful of the sporting breeds. It matures slowly, retaining puppy exuberance for years, and needs one to two hours of daily exercise plus human company — isolation produces destructive boredom. Setters are famously gentle with children and other dogs but too friendly to guard anything. Grooming is moderate: regular brushing keeps the feathered coat tangle-free. Suits active families with time and patience.
Origin: Ireland
Temperament
Related reading for Irish Setter owners
Irish Setter FAQ
How long do Irish Setters live?
The typical Irish Setter lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Irish Setter?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Irish Setter carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Irish Setter a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 55–70 lbs with an energy level of 5/5, the Irish Setter needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are Irish Setters prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Bloat (GDV), Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.