Irish Setters are beautiful, friendly dogs that make great family pets. They are also high energy dogs that need a lot of exercise. If you are thinking of getting an Irish Setter puppy, there are a few things you need to know about their care.

Breed Specific Needs

Irish Setters are a high energy breed. They need a lot of exercise, preferably daily. A good long walk or run is ideal, but they also need some off leash time to run and play. If they don't get enough exercise, they can become destructive.

Irish Setters are also known for being escape artists. They are very clever and can figure out how to open doors and gates. If you have an Irish Setter, it's important to make sure your yard is secure.

Health Issues

Irish Setters are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few health issues to be aware of. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in the breed. This is a condition where the hip joint doesn't form properly, causing pain and lameness. It's important to have your Irish Setter's hips checked by a vet before breeding.

Another health issue to be aware of is von Willebrand's disease. This is a blood clotting disorder that can be serious, even life-threatening. If your Irish Setter has von Willebrand's disease, they will need to be on medication for the rest of their life.

Diet

Irish Setters need a high quality diet to stay healthy. They are a high energy breed and need a lot of calories. A good quality dry dog food is a good option, or you can talk to your vet about a raw diet.

Irish Setters are also prone to weight gain, so it's important to avoid giving them too many treats. A healthy weight for an Irish Setter is between 30 and 40 pounds.

Conclusion

Irish Setters are beautiful, friendly dogs that make great family pets. They are also high energy dogs that need a lot of exercise. If you are thinking of getting an Irish Setter puppy, there are a few things you need to know about their care.