The Irish Setter is an aristocratic bird dog, with a rich, lustrous red coat and an expressive face. It is a little lighter and speedier than the other setters. It is friendly and amusing, it makes an excellent family dog. The Irish Setter is a very good gundog and watchdog. It enjoys human companionship and is good with children. Sometimes known as "Big Red or the Red Setter"; it has boundless energy and full of high spirits.