Irish Setter grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding
A practical grooming routine for the Irish Setter: coat care, baths, nails and ears.
Brush two to three times a week with a pin brush and a wide-toothed comb, paying particular attention to the feathering behind the ears, in the armpits and on the trousers, where tangles start. Bathe every four to six weeks or after a muddy outing, and dry thoroughly. Trim the hair around the feet and under the ears to cut down on mats and collected debris.
Check the long floppy ears weekly for redness, heat or smell, and dry them after swimming. Trim nails every three to four weeks. Burrs and grass seeds cling to the feathering after field walks, so run your hands through the coat and between the toes when you get home.
Irish Setter grooming in numbers
This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.
| Task | Planning example |
|---|---|
| Brushing | 2 to 3 times a week |
| Bathing | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
| Shedding | Moderate, year round |
| Nail trim | Every 3 to 4 weeks |
| Ear check | Weekly |
| Teeth | Daily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful |
Coat
A flat, silky coat of moderate length, short and fine on the head and front of the legs, with long feathering on the ears, chest, belly, legs and tail.
Grooming needs
Shedding
Drooling