Irish Setter Growth & Weight Chart
Veterinarian
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 thrive on activity.
Still, these dogs demand careful attention to their health, and one fundamental way 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 each 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 useful information.
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Table of Contents
Male Irish Setter Growth & Weight Chart
The growth of male Irish Setters follows a fairly predictable pattern, although individual variations can vary 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 tend to be a bit lighter and shorter. Here's 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 growing between 12 and 18 months of age. However, their growth slows down considerably after the first year. While 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 proper nutrients to support healthy growth.
It's common for Irish Setters to seem lanky and awkward during their teenage months (six to 12 months old) as their body is still filling out. Patience is critical 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 bigger 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 growth 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 bloomers. They might take a few extra months to develop their adult shape fully. Most of their bulk will come from muscle growth 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 big 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 weigh an average of 70 pounds. Females tend to be slightly smaller, standing about 23 to 25 inches tall, and weigh an average of 60 pounds. A full-grown Irish Setter is impressive with its tall, slender body and flowing coat.
These dogs are considered large breeds, and their lean build makes them appear taller. Irish Setters are known for being incredibly graceful 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 plenty 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.
How do I make sure my Irish Setter is healthy?
While 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 prevented 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 chance 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 vet will vaccinate, deworm, and provide a customized flea prevention plan, which is essential for your dog's health.
Before you visit your vet, we recommend purchasing pet insurance for your Irish Setter.
Pet insurance can provide financial support for unexpected 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, spaying or neutering, and more.
Protect both your pet’s health and your budget by exploring pet insurance options on Pawlicy Advisor. Pawlicy 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 suits 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 affects 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 stimulating games. Without sufficient exercise, they can become restless or destructive.
Grooming
Regular grooming is essential for Irish Setters, whose long, silky coats can mat easily. Brush them weekly, and keep their ears clean to prevent infections.
Training and mental stimulation
Engage your dog with training and interactive toys to support their mental health and prevent behavioral issues.
Final thoughts
Raising an Irish Setter can be an enriching experience, especially when you understand their growth and development milestones. From their puppy stage to full maturity, knowing what to expect can help you provide the best care and ensure they grow into healthy, happy adults. Keep track of your dog's growth to ensure they're gaining weight at a healthy rate, and adjust their diet and exercise routines as necessary.
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Veterinarian
Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.
