Irish Setter

Exercise by Age

1. Puppy (under 1 year)

   5 min per month of age, twice a day

   Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.

2. Adult (1-10 years)

   14,000 steps

   Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.

3. Senior (10+ years)

   9,800–11,200 steps

   Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

About the Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a medium-sized breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting. They are friendly, energetic, and intelligent, and make excellent companion dogs.

Facts about the Irish Setter

• Exercise

  Sporting breeds need 60–90 min of vigorous activity daily. A long walk plus fetch satisfies both mind and body.

  AKC

• Behavior

  Bred to work alongside humans — positive reinforcement training clicks far better than corrections.

  VCA

• Health

  Many sporting breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia — ask your vet about screening after age 2.

  AKC

• Training

  Most retrievers have a natural love of water — a lake or pond walk adds stimulation no park can match.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Many sporting breeds have partially-webbed feet — an evolutionary trait for water retrieval.

  AKC

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Irish Setter need?

A Irish Setter needs about 14,000 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.

How big does a Irish Setter get?

Adult Irish Setters typically weigh 25–32 kg and stand 61–69 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Irish Setters live?

A Irish Setter usually lives 10–11 years.

What is a Irish Setter's temperament?

Irish Setters are typically Affectionate, Energetic, Lively, Independent, Playful, Companionable.