# Irish Setter (*Canis lupus familiaris*) The Irish Setter is a friendly and playful dog known for its beautiful, shiny red coat. They love to run and play, making them great companions for families. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Red Setter ![Irish Setter](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424734/objects/4435.jpg) ## Appearance The Irish Setter has a striking, rich mahogany or deep red coat that is long and silky, with distinctive feathering on its legs, chest, tail, and ears. Its elegant, athletic build and flowing hair distinguish it from other setter breeds. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Irish Setters have long, drooping ears that feel like velvet. - The famous red coat only became common in the 19th century. - Their original job was to help hunters find birds like pheasants and quail! - They are sometimes called 'Red Setters' because of their fiery, beautiful fur. ## Special abilities - **Endurance Runner:** Irish Setter has incredible stamina that helps them run for long periods over varied terrain without getting tired. - **Pointer Power:** Irish Setter can 'point' by freezing and aiming its body towards hidden game, helping hunters find birds. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 60-70 cm - **Weight:** 27-32 kg - **Lifespan:** 11-15 years - **Speed:** 48 km/h - **Litter Size:** 6-10 - **Gestation:** 60-64 days ## Diet & Feeding Irish Setters are omnivores, enjoying a mix of specially formulated dog food, some meat, and safe vegetables. - **Primary Foods:** dog kibble, cooked meat, certain vegetables, healthy treats ## Ecological connections - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Provides care, food, and shelter; receives companionship. - **Hunts:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — May instinctively chase and catch small rodents. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Fleas can live on their fur, feeding on blood. - **Parasitizes:** Brown Dog Tick (*Rhipicephalus sanguineus*) — Ticks often attach to their skin, especially outdoors. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always be gentle and kind around dogs. Let them come to you and ask an adult before petting them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Irish Setter? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Irish Setter? 60-70 cm ### How much does Irish Setter weigh? 27-32 kg ### How long does Irish Setter live? 11-15 years ### How fast can Irish Setter move? 48 km/h ### What does Irish Setter eat? Irish Setters are omnivores, enjoying a mix of specially formulated dog food, some meat, and safe vegetables. ### How many babies does Irish Setter usually have? 6-10 ### How long is Irish Setter's gestation? 60-64 days ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Irish Setter: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/irish-setter)