The Irish Red and White Setter is an extremely intelligent dog and responds well to gentle positive training. They are great family pets that are devoted, loyal and usually love everyone, although some can be more reserved until they get to know you. The IRWS is very energetic and loves to exercise, they have succeeded in agility, hunting trials, rally, dock-diving and other sports, but really they just want to be actively participating with you in whatever you ask them to do. This breed has excellent hunting instincts, and is used as a bird dog in many countries. They are easily groomed and fairly low maintenance. Most importantly, the Irish Red and White Setter needs to be part of the pack, however your family is composed  be it one person or ten, other pets or none, they need to belong.