Irish Red and White Setter Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: AKC, FCI, KC, UKC
About the Irish Red and White Setter
The Irish Red and White Setter is an athletic Irish gundog, older than its solid-red cousin, bred to find and point game birds across open country with tireless drive. Distinguished by a clean white coat broken with solid red patches, it is strongly built, powerful, and biddable, with a keen nose and a happy, companionable nature. Once nearly lost, it was revived in the 20th century and is valued today both as a working pointer and as an affectionate, high-energy family dog. Friendly and people-oriented, it needs substantial daily exercise, mental engagement, and consistent, positive training to channel its enthusiasm.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
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Browse all puppiesWhere this breed shines
- Capable, biddable bird dog with strong natural instincts
- Friendly, affectionate, and good with children and other dogs
- Healthier genetic diversity efforts from its careful revival
Things to consider
- Very high exercise needs; unhappy and destructive if under-exercised
- Slow to mature and playful well into adulthood
- Feathered coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats
History
Red and white setters predate the all-red Irish Setter and were the original setter type of Ireland, used by hunters from at least the 17th century. The breed declined severely as the solid red became fashionable, nearly disappearing by the early 1900s before a dedicated revival led by figures including Rev. Noble Huston. It was recognized by the AKC in 2009 and remains rarer than the Irish Setter.
Temperament
Irish Red and White Setters are friendly, spirited, and affectionate, thriving on human companionship and activity. They are eager and biddable gundogs, generally more focused than the flashy red setter, but still exuberant and slow to mature. They need plenty of exercise, socialization, and reward-based training.
Questions to ask a Irish Red and White Setter breeder
- Have the parents been tested for CLAD and PPP1R3A (canine multifocal retinopathy/related) and hip-screened?
- Are the parents worked or shown, and what is their temperament?
- How does the breeder support genetic diversity in this rare breed?
Health considerations to discuss
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD). A DNA test exists; ensure parents are tested clear or clear-by-parentage.
Hip dysplasia. Request hip evaluation results for both parents.
Von Willebrand disease / PPP. Ask about relevant DNA testing and bleeding history in the line.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: American Kennel Club · The Kennel Club (UK) — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Irish Red and White Setter litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Irish Red and White Setter puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Irish Red and White Setter listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How can I tell if a Irish Red and White Setter breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.