How Much Does a Irish Setter Really Cost?
Calculate monthly expenses, annual budgets, and lifetime costs for owning a Irish Setter. Adjust food quality, insurance, and grooming to match your lifestyle.
Understanding Irish Setter Ownership Costs
Irish Setters are stunning, energetic bird dogs requiring substantial grooming investment, bloat awareness, and massive daily exercise commitment. Weighing 30kg with a 13-year lifespan, Irish Setters have significant food costs ($80-130/month) for their athletic build. Their long, silky red coats demand professional grooming every 6-8 weeks at $70-100 per session ($550-900/year) plus regular brushing to prevent tangling. As tier 2 health dogs, they face bloat/gastric torsion (emergency surgery $2,000-7,000), hip dysplasia ($1,500-6,000), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) causing blindness, and hypothyroidism. Monthly costs average $250-450 including food, grooming, substantial exercise needs, insurance, and preventative care. Irish Setters require 90-120 minutes daily vigorous exercise—understimulated setters become hyperactive disasters. This calculator accounts for large food needs, high grooming investment, tier 2 health including bloat risk, massive exercise requirements, and 13-year commitment. For very active owners wanting a beautiful, energetic companion and budgeting $35,000-62,000 lifetime.
💡 Key Cost Factors for Irish Setter
- High grooming: silky red coat needs professional care every 6-8 weeks ($70-100/session)
- Bloat risk: deep-chested breed with 15-20% lifetime risk, emergency surgery $2,000-7,000
- Very high activity: requires 90-120 minutes daily exercise non-negotiable
- Health tier 2: hip dysplasia, PRA, hypothyroidism, and bloat create moderate costs
💰 Budget Estimator for Irish Setter
Adjust the sliders below to match your lifestyle and see real-time cost estimates.
Where Does Your Money Go?
Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Setter Costs
1. Are Irish Setters prone to bloat?
Yes—deep-chested breeds like Irish Setters have 15-20% lifetime bloat risk. Bloat (gastric torsion) is life-threatening requiring emergency surgery ($2,000-7,000) within hours. Symptoms: swollen abdomen, retching, restlessness. Preventative gastropexy during spay/neuter ($400-800) reduces risk significantly. Feed smaller meals, avoid exercise after eating, use slow-feed bowls. Budget for this potential emergency or get preventative surgery.
2. How much does Irish Setter grooming cost?
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks at $70-100 per session costs $550-900/year. Their long, silky feathering requires expert trimming, de-shedding, and bathing. Home maintenance includes brushing 2-3x weekly (15-20 minutes) to prevent tangles. Show-quality grooming costs more ($85-120/session). Total annual grooming $650-1,100 including home supplies. Over 13-year lifespan: $8,500-14,500 grooming investment.
3. How much exercise does an Irish Setter need?
Irish Setters need 90-120 minutes daily vigorous exercise (running, hunting, dog sports). Costs include training/activities ($300-1,000/year), doggy daycare if working ($300-800/month), or dog walker ($600-1,500/month). Understimulated setters become hyperactive, destructive ($1,000-4,000 damage), and develop nuisance behaviors. They're famously high-energy well into adulthood. Exercise isn't optional—it's prevention against expensive behavioral problems.
4. How much does an Irish Setter cost monthly?
Monthly costs average $250-450 including food ($80-130 for athletic 30kg), grooming ($50-75 averaged), exercise/enrichment ($50-100), insurance ($40-70 recommended for bloat risk), toys/treats ($25-35), and preventative care ($30-50). Very active owners providing DIY exercise pay less; working owners needing daycare add $300-800/month. Lifetime costs over 13 years: $35,000-62,000.
🐾 Ready to Bring Home a Irish Setter?
Now that you understand the financial commitment, explore our guides on Irish Setter care, training tips, and dog-friendly destinations perfect for your new companion.
Disclaimer: Cost estimates are based on average market prices and typical breed characteristics. Actual expenses vary by location, individual dog health, lifestyle choices, and unforeseen circumstances. Always consult with veterinarians and pet professionals for personalized advice.