How Much Does a Irish Setter Cost? (2026 Guide)

Purchasing an Irish Setter from a health-tested, ISCA-affiliated breeder typically costs between $1,500 and $2,500 in the United States, with some lines carrying higher prices depending on championship pedigree and geographic demand. Field-bred Red Setter lines from working hunting stock sometimes command similar prices from reputable breeders with documented field trial performance. Prices below $800 from breeders who cannot produce OFA and genetic clearances should raise immediate concern — the health testing alone costs breeders several hundred dollars per dog, and that cost is reflected in responsible pricing.

Monthly food costs for an Irish Setter running 60 to 70 pounds will typically fall between $60 and $100 depending on brand and formula. A mid-tier premium dry food fed at approximately 3 to 3.5 cups per day for an active adult is the baseline. Working or highly active dogs may need more. Given the breed's elevated GDV risk, some owners and veterinarians recommend feeding smaller meals twice daily rather than one large meal, and puzzle feeders or slow bowls are useful tools that don't add cost.

Grooming is a meaningful ongoing expense for this breed. That silky mahogany coat requires brushing three to four times per week at minimum to prevent matting behind the ears, in the feathering, and along the belly. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks for a bath, blow-dry, and trim is realistic for most owners who maintain basic coat care at home. PetSmart Grooming lists full-service grooming for large breeds in the $75 to $100 range per session, putting annual professional grooming costs at roughly $450 to $800 depending on frequency and location.

Veterinary costs require honest planning given the breed's health profile. Routine annual care — wellness exam, vaccines, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention — typically runs $400 to $700 per year. The more significant financial exposures are GDV treatment, which can cost $3,000 to $8,000 or more for emergency surgery, and hip dysplasia management, which ranges from lifelong joint supplementation and medication to surgical intervention costing $3,500 to $7,000 per hip. Epilepsy management with daily medication runs approximately $50 to $200 per month depending on the drugs required and seizure frequency.

Pet insurance is strongly recommended for this breed given the cumulative risk profile. Monthly premiums for an Irish Setter typically range from $45 to $90 depending on the deductible, reimbursement percentage, and the dog's age at enrollment. Enrolling before any conditions manifest is critical, as pre-existing conditions are excluded universally across providers. Providers like Embrace, Trupanion, and Healthy Paws are commonly cited by Irish Setter owners for their coverage of hereditary conditions when enrolled early, and the annual premium investment is easily justified against even a single GDV emergency.