Irish Setter Growth & Weight Chart
The Irish Setter is known for its striking red coat, athletic build, and playful nature. Bred as hunting dogs in the United Kingdom for decades, they are intelligent, energetic, and flourish on activity.
Still, these dogs demand careful attention to their health, and one fundamental method of achieving that is by monitoring your Irish Setter’s growth and development. This way, you can quickly identify abnormalities and have your dog receive proper care at every stage of life.
Here is a guide to Irish Setter weight, size, and development. We will also cover common questions, such as how much to feed a puppy and other helpful information.
Male Irish Setter Growth & Weight Chart
The growth of male Irish Setters follows a fairly predictable pattern, although individual variations can differ depending on genetics, diet, and lifestyle.
Age (Months)
Weight (Pounds)
Height (Inches)
0-1 months
7-10
9-11
2 months
20-25
14-17
3 months
35-40
17-20
4 months
45-50
20-22
6 months
55-60
22-24
12 months
65-70
24-25
2 years
65-75
25-27
Female Irish Setter Growth & Weight Chart
Female Irish Setters grow slightly slower than their male counterparts and tended to be a bit lighter and shorter. Here is an average of what you can expect.
Age (Months)
Weight (Pounds)
Height (Inches)
0-1 months
5-8
8-10
2 months
15-20
13-16
3 months
30-35
16-19
4 months
40-45
19-21
6 months
50-55
21-23
12 months
55-60
23-24
2 years
55-65
23-25
When do Irish Setters stop growing?
Irish Setters stop developing between 12 and 18 months of age. However, their growth slows down considerably after the first year. Whereas their height is usually close to their final size by the time they are one year old, they may continue to gain weight and develop muscle mass until 18 months of age.
During this period, feeding your Irish Setter appropriately is essential, ensuring they receive the appropriate nutrients to support healthy growth.
It’s common for Irish Setters to seem lanky and awkward during their adolescent months (six to 12 months old) as their body is still filling out. Patience is vital during this time, as it takes time for them to develop into the athletic, well-proportioned adult dogs they are known to be.
How much bigger will my Irish Setter get?
Estimating how much larger your Irish Setter will get can depend on a few factors, such as genetics and gender. However, you can generally expect your dog to approach its final size by around 12 months old. After this, they may gain another inch or two in height, but most of their development will involve filling out and building muscle mass.
Worry not if your dog is around a year old and still seems thin. Irish Setters, especially males, tend to be late blooming. They might take a few additional months to develop their adult shape fully. Most of their bulk will come from muscle development rather than fat, so they get plenty of exercise to promote healthy muscle development.
Pro Tip: You can also use our puppy size calculator to estimate how large your Irish Setter will get.
What is the size of a full-grown Irish Setter?
Male Irish Setters usually stand between 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weight an average of 70 pounds. Females tend to be slightly smaller, standing about 23 to 25 inches tall, and weighing an average of 60 pounds. A full-grown Irish Setter is impressive with its tall, slim body and flowing coat.
These dogs are considered large breeds, and their lean build makes them appear tallest. Irish Setters are known for being incredibly elegant and agile despite their size. They’re not just good-looking dogs but also excellent athletes.
Irish setters are highly active dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Their size means they need lots of space to run and play, so they’re best suited for homes with large gardens or access to open areas where they can exercise.
Whereas Irish Setters are generally known as healthy and energetic dogs, that does not make them disease-proof. Some conditions, like hip dysplasia, are hereditary, and if not managed sooner, the disease can result in arthritis.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is another common concern in larger breeds, not to mention gastric torsion, all of which can be avoided with proper care and grooming. Here are some things you can do to maintain your Irish Setter’s health.
Regular health checkups
Make an effort always to attend all scheduled veterinary checkups. These routine visits are a opportunity to detect and treat underlying issues before they escalate into significant diseases. Make the visits more frequent as your dog gets older or if it has health issues. Your veterinarian will vaccinate, deworm, and provide a customized flea prevention plan, which is essential for your dog’s health.
Before you visit your veterinarian, we recommend purchasing pet insurance for your Irish Setter.
Pet insurance can provide financial support for unpredictable health issues in dogs requiring costly medical treatments, such as injuries or illnesses. You will be reimbursed for a portion of the expenses you might incur for veterinary care related to covered conditions from your pet insurance provider. You also have the option to add wellness plans to help with the vet visit costs of preventive care, including flea/tick prevention, neutering or spaying, and more.
Protect both your pet’s health and your budget by exploring pet insurance options on Pawlicity Advisor. Pavlicy Advisor is designed to save you money over your pet’s life by compiling and comparing personalized policy recommendations for free.
Proper diet
Invest in a balanced diet that fits your Irish Setter’s age, health, and activity levels. If you are unsure what to feed your dog and what to avoid, consult your veterinarian for a detailed meal plan. Remember that poor feeding increases your dog’s risk of obesity, which impacts its joints and increases exposure to other chronic conditions.
regular exercise
Irish Setters are energetic dogs that require daily exercise. Aim for at least one to two hours of physical activity, including walks, playtime, and mentally motivating games. Without enough exercise, they can become restless or destructive.
The Irish Setter is a beautiful, energetic, and affectionate sporting dog breed known for its striking mahogany-red coat and friendly personality. Originally developed in Ireland as a hunting and bird-retrieving dog, the Irish Setter has become a popular family companion due to its intelligence, playful nature, and loving disposition. Understanding the growth and development stages of an Irish Setter is important for providing the correct nutrition, exercise, and healthcare throughout its life. As a large dog breed, Irish Setters experience rapid growth during their first year and continue maturing physically and mentally until they are approximately two years old.
During the first few months of life, Irish Setter puppies grow very quickly.
At around two months of age, puppies are full of curiosity and energy while developing stronger bones, muscles, and immune systems. High-quality puppy food formulated for large breeds is essential during this period because it provides the nutrients necessary for healthy growth. Socialization should also begin early, exposing puppies to different people, pets, sounds, and environments. Positive experiences during this stage help build self-confidence and encourage good behavior later in life.
Between four and six months of age, Irish Setters enter a significant growth phase. Their long legs, athletic build, and gracious appearance become more noticeable as they rapidly gain height and weight. Puppies at this age require plenty of supervised exercise, training, and mental stimulation. Because Irish Setters are highly intelligent and energetic, they flourish when given opportunities to learn new skills and participate in interactive activities. Basic obedience training and leash training are especially important during this period.
As Irish Setters approach puberty between six and twelve months, growth continues but gradually begins to slow. Most dogs reach close to their adult height by their first birthday, albeit they may continue adding muscle mass and body condition for another year. During this stage, owners should focus on maintaining a healthy weight because excessive weight gain can put unnecessary stress on developing joints. Regular exercise remains essential, but activities should be appropriate for the dog’s age and physical condition.
Adult male Irish Setters typically weigh between 30 and 34 kilometers and stand approximately 67 to 69 centimeters tall at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller, generally weighing between 25 and 30 kilograms and standing 61 to 66 centimeters tall. Despite their athletic appearance, Irish Setters are known for their gentle and affection personalities. They usually get well along with children, other dogs, and visitors, making them excellent family pets.
The breed’s lovely coat requires regular grooming to maintain its shine and prevent tangles. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy. Because Irish Setters are highly active dogs, they also benefit from a nourishing diet that supports muscle development, joint health, and sustained energy levels. Regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental care further contribute to long-term health and well-being.
One of the most charming characteristics of the Irish Setter is its youthful spirit.
Even as adults, many Irish Setters maintain a playful, puppy-like attitude and enjoy participating in family activities. Their combination of intelligence, athleticism, and affection makes them ideal companions for active families that can provide plenty of exercise, attention, and companionship.
With proper nourishment, healthcare, socialization, and training, Irish Setters grow into healthy, confident, and loving dogs. Understanding their growth journey helps owners support healthy growth at every stage and ensures these beautiful sporting dogs enjoy a long, active, and happy life.
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