How Much do Irish Setter Puppies Cost?

Last Updated on February 7, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The beautiful, red-coated Irish Setter is a popular choice for families looking for an energetic, fun-loving purebred. But buying a puppy of this regal sporting breed represents a significant financial investment. What is the average cost of an Irish Setter puppy and what expenses will you need to budget for?

This article provides a detailed overview of Irish Setter puppy prices and the many factors that contribute to the total cost of buying and raising an Irish Setter.

We'll look at purchase costs, one-time supplies, and ongoing ownership expenses. With some planning and preparation, you can make sure you’re ready for the rewarding commitment of welcoming an Irish Setter into your home.

How Much do Irish Setter Puppies Cost?

For a purebred Irish Setter puppy from a responsible breeder, expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 (≈3 weeks of continuous work at $15/hour). Reputable breeders invest significant time and care in breeding the healthiest puppies and will charge more to recoup these costs.

Show-quality Irish Setters with exceptional pedigree and conformance to the breed standard will cost $2,000 to $4,000 (≈1.5 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour). These puppies have potential for the conformation show ring.

Adopting an Irish Setter from a rescue organization or shelter will cost $300 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour), including medical care and spay/neuter surgery. While not purebred, these dogs make wonderful, loving pets.

According to Hepper.com, Irish Setter puppies from a breeder can cost between $700 and $1,200 (≈2 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour) on average, but prices can range from $550 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage).

A-z-animals.com writes that Irish Setter puppies from a breeder can range in price from $700 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage), while adoption from a rescue or shelter can cost under $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour).

Dogbreedslist.info mentions that the average price of an Irish Setter puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,200 and $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage), while a top-quality Irish Setter puppy can cost as high as $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour).

Greenfieldpuppies.com notes that Irish Setter puppies for sale on this website are priced at $1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour).

Factors Affecting the Price of Irish Setter Puppies

Several variables contribute to the price range for Irish Setter puppies:

• Breeder reputation and lineage - Well-respected breeders with champion bloodlines charge higher prices. Their puppies will likely have exemplary temperaments and conformation.
• Registration paperwork - Prices are higher for puppies that come with American Kennel Club or other breed registry registration papers.
• Show quality vs. pet quality - Puppies bred for conformation showing or breeding stock will cost substantially more.
• Location - Prices tend to be higher for breeders located in competitive areas like large cities.
• Gender - Male Irish Setter puppies often sell for slightly more than females.
• Coat color - Puppies with deeper mahogany coats are more desirable.
• Litter availability - When puppy litters are scarce, prices rise due to demand.

Initial Costs of Owning an Irish Setter Puppy

Once you’ve found your puppy, you’ll need to budget $500 to $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) for initial supplies and veterinary care:

• Collar, leash, crate, bed - Essential gear for transporting, confining and pampering your pup. $200-$300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage)
• Veterinary exam - Expect to pay $75 to $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job) for an initial vet visit including a health check, deworming and fecal exam.
• Vaccinations - A series of shots including DHPP, rabies and bordetella will likely cost $150 to $200 (≈1.7 days working without days off at $15/hour).
• Spay/neuter surgery - If not already done by the breeder, budget $200 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour).
• Puppy food, treats, dishes - Stock up on nutritious chow and other basics for $50 to $100 (≈6.7 hours of continuous work at a $15/hour job).

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Pharaoh Hound, Leonberger, or Greyhound Dog.

Ongoing Ownership Costs

Once you bring your bouncy Irish Setter puppy home, you’ll need to factor in these estimated yearly expenses of care:

• Food - Quality kibble, canned food and treats costs around $300 to $400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour).
• Veterinary - Annual exam, vaccinations and preventatives like flea/tick and heartworm medication averages $500 to $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour).
• Grooming - With their long flowing coat, regular professional grooming runs $500 to $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour).
• Training - Obedience classes and addressing problem behaviors costs $200 to $400 (≈3.3 days of your career at $15/hour).
• Supplies/misc. - License, toys, bedding, waste bags, etc. $200 to $300 (≈2.5 days of labor continuously at a $15/hour wage).

Total Minimum Annual Cost: $1,700 to $2,300 (≈3.8 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour)

Potential Hidden Costs of Irish Setter Ownership

Like any pup, Irish Setters can incur unexpected health problems that require prompt veterinary treatment:

• Emergencies - Accidents, injuries, ingestion of foreign objects. Budget $500 to $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour).
• Hip and elbow dysplasia - This breed is susceptible to these degenerative joint diseases. Surgery can cost $3,000 to $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour).
• Eye issues - Entropion, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy may affect sight. Exams and treatments run $500 to $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour).
• Ear infections - Their floppy ears are prone to infections, costing $200 to $500 (≈4.2 days of your career at $15/hour) for medications or surgery.

Pet insurance can offset unplanned vet costs. Expect to pay $300 to $600 (≈1 week of salary time at $15/hour) per year for good coverage.

Financial Planning for an Irish Setter Puppy

Before committing to an Irish Setter puppy, carefully consider these steps:

• Make a startup budget for supplies, vet fees, training classes, etc. $1,500 to $2,500 (≈4.2 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage)
• Calculate annual ownership costs for food, care, grooming. $2,000 to $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour)
• Factor in potential medical issues or emergencies. Budget $500 to $5,000+ (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour)
• Look into pet insurance to manage unexpected vet bills. $300 to $600 per year
• Ensure you can afford expenses for the puppy's lifetime (12+ years).

With thoughtful financial planning, an Irish Setter can be a treasured and rewarding pet for years to come. These beautiful, fun-loving dogs make wonderful companions for active households.

Frequently Asked Questions about Irish Setters

Do Irish Setters Bark a Lot?

Irish Setters are not excessive barkers, but they will use their deep, booming voice at times. As watchful dogs bred to warn hunters, Irish Setters will bark to alert you of anything unusual.

They may also vocalize when excited, lonely, or wanting your attention. With training and regular activity, excessive barking can be minimized in this intelligent breed.

How Long Do Irish Setters Live?

The average lifespan for the Irish Setter is 12 to 15 years. With proper health care, nutrition, exercise and love, it's not uncommon for this vigorous breed to live even longer as cherished family companions. Reputable breeders focus on producing puppies from long-lived, healthy bloodlines.

Can Irish Setters Be Left Alone?

Irish Setters are loving and affectionate dogs bred to constantly work alongside people. They form very strong bonds and don't do well left alone for long periods of time.

If an Irish Setter is frequently left alone all day, he may develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors. Providing companionship, and activity and preventing boredom is very important for this people-focused breed.