You've probably seen the classic "Big Red" dog—the flaming, mahogany-coated Irish Setter that looks like a sunset on four legs. But then you stumble across a photo of white Irish Setter puppies and everything feels a bit... off. Is it a rare mutation? A secret breed? Honestly, it’s usually a case of mistaken identity or a very specific piece of history coming back to haunt the modern dog world.
The "white" Irish Setter isn't actually a separate breed. If you see a puppy that looks exactly like a Setter but is mostly white with red patches, you're actually looking at an Irish Red and White Setter. They aren't just a color variation; they are the original blueprint. Before the all-red dogs became the fashion in the 19th century, most Setters in Ireland were particolored.
Finding actual white Irish Setter puppies (meaning the purebred "Red" lineage but born white) is exceptionally rare and usually indicates a genetic anomaly rather than a "designer" trait.
Why People Get Confused About White Irish Setter Puppies
Here is the thing. Most people searching for "white Irish Setters" are actually looking for the Irish Red and White Setter (IRWS). It’s a completely different AKC-recognized breed. While the solid red dogs were bred for the show ring because that deep mahogany looked stunning against a green field, the Red and White version was the gritty hunter’s choice.
Farmers and hunters actually preferred the white base. Why? Because you can see them.
Imagine a solid dark red dog running through heavy brush or a forest in the late afternoon. They vanish. A dog with a mostly white coat and distinct red islands of color pops out like a neon sign. It saved many dogs from accidental shootings and made it way easier for the hunter to track the "point."
If you see a puppy that is entirely white, you aren't looking at a standard Irish Setter. You might be looking at an albino, a dog with extreme white spotting (leucism), or more likely, an English Setter that someone has misidentified. True albinism in the breed is rare and often comes with a host of health issues like photosensitivity and deafness.
The Genetics of the "Flashy" Coat
Standard Irish Setters carry the "ee" genotype at the Extension locus. This basically tells the dog's body: "Only produce red pigment." They can't make black hair. The shade of that red is determined by "Intensity" genes.
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When you see white on a purebred red puppy, it's usually "flashing." This might be a small white star on the chest or a few white hairs on the toes. This is actually allowed under the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, provided it isn't a massive patch. It's a throwback to their ancestors.
But a 50/50 white and red dog? That’s the IRWS. According to the Irish Red and White Setter Association (IRWSA), these dogs nearly went extinct after World War I. It took a dedicated group of breeders, specifically the Noble and Cuddy families in the mid-20th century, to revive the line. They aren't just "Irish Setters with different paint." They are built a bit differently—sturdier, slightly shorter, and often with a more intense work ethic.
Temperament: More Than Just a Pretty Face
If you’re thinking about bringing one of these puppies home, be ready. They are "high-octane."
Irish Setters—red or white/red—stay puppies for about three years. Their brains don't quite catch up to their bodies for a long time. It’s charming but also exhausting. You’ll have a 60-pound dog trying to sit in your lap like a Chihuahua while simultaneously vibrating with the need to sprint three miles.
They are incredibly sensitive. If you yell, they wilt.
Experts like the late Nicholas Waters, a noted canine historian, often pointed out that the Irish Red and White Setter tends to be a bit more "level-headed" than the solid red version. The red ones are the "Giddy Karens" of the dog world sometimes—lovable, but easily distracted by a butterfly. The white-coated cousins tend to be a bit more focused.
Health Considerations for White and Red Puppies
Buying a puppy because it "looks cool" is the fastest way to a heartbreak. You’ve got to check for specific issues.
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- CLAD (Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency): This is a nasty immune system failure. Any reputable breeder will have tested their stock for this.
- vWD (von Willebrand’s Disease): A blood clotting disorder similar to hemophilia.
- Hips and Eyes: Like all large breeds, hip dysplasia is the boogeyman.
For the Red and Whites specifically, you also need to look at Posterior Polar Cataracts. It’s a specific type of cataract that can show up in the breed.
Finding a Legitimate Breeder
If you find an ad for "Rare White Irish Setter Puppies" and they are charging a premium for the "unique color," run. Seriously.
Typically, "rare" is a marketing term used by backyard breeders to justify a $3,000 price tag on a dog that doesn't meet breed standards. A legitimate Irish Red and White Setter breeder will charge a fair price based on the health testing and lineage, not because the dog has "extra white."
Look for breeders affiliated with the Irish Setter Club of America (ISCA) or the Irish Red and White Setter Club of America. These organizations have strict codes of ethics. They aren't breeding for "trendy" colors; they are breeding for the survival of the functional dog.
The Grooming Reality
White fur shows everything.
You think the red hair is hard to manage? Try keeping a white-chested dog clean after a rainy walk. Their coats are "silky," which is a nice way of saying they are magnets for burrs and mud. You’ll need a good slicker brush and a metal comb.
Don't shave them. People think shaving a long-haired dog helps them stay cool in the summer. It doesn't. Their coat acts as insulation against the heat and protects that pale skin from sunburn. If you have a dog with a lot of white on its ears or nose, they can actually get skin cancer just like humans.
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Training and Energy Levels
These aren't "apartment dogs" unless you happen to live next to a massive park and have four hours a day to kill.
A bored Irish Setter is a destructive Irish Setter. They will find things to do. Usually, that involves de-stuffing your couch or seeing if the drywall is edible. They need a job. Whether it’s agility, scent work, or just serious hiking, they need to use their brains.
They respond best to positive reinforcement. If you use "alpha" training or harsh corrections, you’ll break their spirit. They want to be your best friend. They are notoriously "soft" dogs. A firm "no" is usually enough to make them mope for twenty minutes.
The Social Aspect
These dogs love people. They are terrible guard dogs. They will likely lead a burglar to your jewelry box in exchange for a belly rub.
Socializing white Irish setter puppies early is vital. Because they are so high-energy, they can be "rude" to other dogs—jumping in their faces and not taking "go away" for an answer. You have to teach them manners before they hit that 60-pound mark.
Final Practical Advice
If you are set on a puppy with that iconic white-and-red look, do your homework on the Irish Red and White Setter specifically. Don't go looking for a "White Irish Setter" and end up with a poorly bred dog with genetic defects.
- Ask for the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) scores. If the breeder says "the parents are healthy, we don't need tests," hang up the phone.
- Check the coefficient of inbreeding. Because the IRWS came from a small gene pool, responsible breeders are very careful about not doubling up on bad traits.
- Visit the litter. See how the puppies interact. Are they shy? Bold? A "white" puppy that is cowering in the corner isn't "mellow"—it's likely under-socialized.
- Prepare your fence. These dogs are "sight hounds" in spirit sometimes. If they see a squirrel, they are gone. A 4-foot fence is a suggestion; a 6-foot fence is a requirement.
Owning one of these dogs is a commitment to a decade-plus of "managed chaos." They are beautiful, yes, but they are athletes first. If you can handle the brushings, the mud, and the "zoomies" that last for three years, you'll have a companion that is literally a piece of living history.
Skip the "rare color" hype. Focus on the heritage. Whether you go with the classic red or the historical red-and-white, you’re getting a dog with a massive heart and enough energy to power a small city.
Next Steps for Potential Owners:
Check the AKC Marketplace specifically for Irish Red and White Setters if you want the classic particolored look. Download the breed health requirements from the Parent Club website before talking to any breeder so you know exactly which tests (CLAD, vWD, Hip Dysplasia) to ask for. If you're looking for a rescue, contact Save Our Setters; they occasionally get Red and White varieties that need experienced homes.