Group 7 · Pointing dogs
Irish Setter
Setters are elegant, long-coated pointing dogs bred to quarter fields at high speed. They are friendly, gentle and playful, but need plenty of room to run and patient training.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Ierse rode Setter by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 3 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (3)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PCARE: c.3149_3150insC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ITGB2: c.107G>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- general eye examination
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 1 (PRA-rcd1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PDE6B: c.2421G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Ierse rode Setter, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 12/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Hip dysplasia and Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), Elbow dysplasia, Eye disorders and Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 1 (PRA-rcd1). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Irish Setter needs plenty of daily exercise, ideally running freely in a securely fenced area or gundog training. Its long, silky, feathered coat needs brushing a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia and Elbow dysplasia?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This setter is gentle and loyal, but its hunting drive calls for good recall training. It matures late and learns best with patient, kind training.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
