Have you been thinking about adding a new puppy to your family? If so, you might be exploring different dog breeds to figure out which one would be the best fit for you. However, many people will find that few breeds are as well-rounded as the Irish Setter. As their name suggests, this breed originated in Ireland during the 1700s. Although they were initially bred to serve as hunting companions, they have become popular family dogs in recent history. Over the years, these dogs became famous for their loving and loyal personalities. Let’s explore what the price of Irish Setter puppies is in 2024 and discuss other expenses associated with welcoming one into your home.
How Much Does an Irish Setter Puppy Cost?
As with any breed, the final purchase price will vary depending on a few factors. However, the primary influences on price will be your location and the pedigree of your dog. While individuals who live in more urban areas with access to multiple breeders will likely enjoy lower prices, people living in rural communities with few breeders may have to pay more due to scarcity. In addition, if you purchase an Irish Setter with a special pedigree, breeders may charge more due to the prestige of their lineage. In general, prospective owners can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $3,000 for an Irish Setter puppy. However, adoption is a much more affordable option. If you’re lucky enough to find an Irish Setter in a shelter, owners can pay as little as $150 to bring them home.
Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of an Irish Setter
While location and pedigree will be the two biggest determinants when it comes to the price of an Irish Setter, other factors are at play as well. Another huge influence on price is the reputation of the breeder in question. Long-standing, reputable breeders often charge more for their animals, but this extra cost comes with peace of mind. Be very wary if you see someone advertising Irish Setter puppies for well below the typical price threshold as this is often a red flag that unethical breeding is occurring. The low price tag can be hard to resist, but it often means that genetic testing isn’t being performed. You may unknowingly purchase a sick puppy, which is a nightmare for both owner and animal.
The age of the puppy in question can also affect the final purchase price. Older dogs may be slightly cheaper while young puppies will cost more. Finally, prospective owners requesting special fur coloration or texture may have to pay more depending on scarcity and availability.
Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Irish Setters
As with any dog breed, it’s important to bring your new puppy in for a vet visit shortly after bringing it home. Although there’s usually nothing to worry about, these appointments help veterinarians detect underlying conditions that breeders and owners may not have otherwise noticed. This initial health check-up will cost owners about $65. During this time, you can get your dog vaccinated if your breeder hasn’t already done so. Their first set of shots will typically cost around $100, and each additional set of booster shots will cost about $40. Finally, owners may want to get their dog microchipped as well, which will cost roughly $50.
Cost of Food and Supplies for Irish Setters
Irish Setters can grow to be quite large, and many weigh between 55 and 75 pounds at maturity. Dogs of this size should be fed between 3 and 3 2/3 cups of food per day. This comes out to roughly 25 pounds of dry food per month. Depending on what brand you choose, food costs can fall between $40 and $125 per month. It is important to note that this price does not factor in the price of monthly wet food or treats. In addition, owners should set aside roughly $350 to $400 for supplies. If this is the first dog in your home, you may need to buy things like dog toys, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, a bed, and a crate.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure an Irish Setter
Let’s be honest, having a sick pet is one of the worst feelings in the world. However, the situation can become a lot worse when owners cannot afford proper medical treatment for their beloved dogs. Pet insurance is a wonderful safety net to have during the time of a medical emergency. Although it doesn’t typically cover every expense, pet insurance can offset the financial burden of medical treatment greatly. Because of this, families will have more time to focus on what’s really important: the health of their animals. Depending on the type of coverage you desire, insuring an Irish Setter can cost as little as $50 per month.
How Much Does It Cost to Train an Irish Setter
According to the Irish Setter Club of America, “Some believe that the Setter is difficult to train, but this is not so. The Irish Setter is very smart, sometimes smarter than its owner, so one must use care and patience in training this dog. Once learned, a lesson is never forgotten, so it behooves the owner to train a puppy with love and firmness, never harshness and cruelty.” Because of their sharp intelligence and eagerness to please, owners will find that training an Irish Setter at home is easy. However, this task might be time-consuming. While training a Setter at home is certainly possible, some owners may be too busy to fulfill this task. In those cases, training classes are available for as little as $50 per session.
Final Thoughts
Irish Setters are an elegant, intelligent, and loving breed. They make excellent family dogs, and there are truly few downsides to owning one. However, purchasing an Irish Setter puppy is a long-term commitment, as these dogs typically live to be between 12 and 15 years old. Because of this, prospective owners should put a lot of time and thought into this decision. In addition to being an emotional responsibility, purchasing an Irish Setter is also a significant financial responsibility.
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