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Pet Insurance for Irish Setters

Find out all about Irish Setters and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 21st, 2023       

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Price range

$500 –$1,500

Height

55cm - 68cm

Weight

25kg - 34kg

Personality

Energetic, friendly, outgoing

Coat length

Long, silky

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 15 years

Irish Setter

Overview

The Irish Setter, with its stunning red coat, is an even older breed of gun dog than its close cousins, the Gorden Setter and the English Setter. They are also closely related to Scottish Setters, which is where the breed may have its origins. They were developed in Ireland as hunting dogs, but their playful nature did not make them very successful at this role, so they were often adopted as household pets. The breed almost faced extinction during the World Wars, when it was decimated by the eye disease Progressive Retinal Atrophy. However, this gene can now be tested for, and has almost been eliminated from the breed. Their numbers have steadily increased since that time and now they are no longer considered endangered. 

The Irish Setter is an energetic and affectionate large dog breed that is quite muscular and holds its head up high. They have a beautiful long red silky coat that does require regular grooming. Irish Setters are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, and they are good with children. They are highly active and thrive in homes with owners who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation.  

Common diseases and conditions of Irish Setters

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): A serious condition where the stomach twists, potentially causing a life-threatening emergency. 
  • Allergies: Many Irish Setters are known to be allergic to penicillin and other antibiotics. 

Breed-specific issues:  

The energy level of Irish Setters make them excellent jogging companions, and they require regular strenuous exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need early introduction to cats if they are to learn to live in harmony with them, as they have a strong prey drive.

How much does pet insurance cost for an Irish Setter?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Irish Setters

Do Irish Setters shed a lot of hair?

Yes, Irish Setters have moderately long and silky coats that do shed, although they are not among the heaviest shedders. Regular grooming, including brushing a few times a week, can help manage shedding and keep the coat healthy and shiny. 

Are Irish Setters easy to train?

No. Irish Setters are intelligent dogs, but they can also be a bit independent. This independence can sometimes make them appear stubborn, so it's important to remember that they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods. Early socialisation and consistent, patient training are key to ensuring they grow into well-behaved adults. 

Are Irish Setters good family dogs?

Yes, Irish Setters are renowned for their affable nature, making them exceptional family pets. Their friendly disposition, sociable attitude, and love for companionship make them an excellent addition to households with children. They enjoy being part of an active family environment and often form strong bonds with their human family members, making them loyal and loving companions. 

Do Irish Setters bark a lot?

Irish Setters are not known for excessive barking. While they may bark on occasion to alert their owners to something unusual or unfamiliar, they are generally not considered a particularly vocal breed. However, like all dogs, individual behaviour can vary. 
 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Irish Setter

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