The Irish Setter, known for its striking red coat and graceful stature, typically presents a picture of balanced elegance combined with robust health. Adult male Irish Setters generally weigh between 65 to 75 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, usually weighing between 55 to 65 pounds. Height-wise, males stand about 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and females are a bit shorter, measuring around 23 to 25 inches. This breed is characterized by its slim, athletic build, which supports their reputation as energetic and agile dogs, adept at various canine sports and activities.
Male Irish Setter Weights & Heights by Age
The following chart contains the average weights and heights of male Irish Setter from newborn to 3 years of age. Please note these are only averages. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your Irish Setter’s growth.
| Age (Months/Years) | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Height (inches) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | 7 – 10 | 3.2 – 4.5 | 9 – 11 | 23 – 28 |
| 2 | 20 – 25 | 9 – 11.3 | 14 – 17 | 36 – 43 |
| 3 | 35 – 40 | 15.9 – 18.1 | 17 – 20 | 43 – 51 |
| 4 | 45 – 50 | 20.4 – 22.7 | 20 – 22 | 51 – 56 |
| 6 | 55 – 60 | 24.9 – 27.2 | 22 – 24 | 56 – 61 |
| 12 | 65 – 70 | 29.5 – 31.8 | 24 – 25 | 61 – 64 |
| 2 years | 65 – 75 | 29.5 – 34.0 | 25 – 27 | 64 – 69 |
| 3 years | 65 – 75 | 29.5 – 34.0 | 25 – 27 | 64 – 69 |
Female Irish Setter Weights & Heights by Age
The following chart contains the average weights and heights of female Irish Setter from newborn to 3 years of age. Please note these are only averages. Always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your Irish Setter’s growth.
| Age (Months/Years) | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Height (inches) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | 5 – 8 | 2.3 – 3.6 | 8 – 10 | 20 – 25 |
| 2 | 15 – 20 | 6.8 – 9.1 | 13 – 16 | 33 – 41 |
| 3 | 30 – 35 | 13.6 – 15.9 | 16 – 19 | 41 – 48 |
| 4 | 40 – 45 | 18.1 – 20.4 | 19 – 21 | 48 – 53 |
| 6 | 50 – 55 | 22.7 – 24.9 | 21 – 23 | 53 – 58 |
| 12 | 55 – 60 | 24.9 – 27.2 | 23 – 24 | 58 – 61 |
| 2 years | 55 – 65 | 24.9 – 29.5 | 23 – 25 | 58 – 64 |
| 3 years | 55 – 65 | 24.9 – 29.5 | 23 – 25 | 58 – 64 |
These tables are based on general guidelines and can vary greatly depending on individual dogs. Always consult with a veterinarian or professional breeder for more specific information about your pet’s growth and development.
FAQs about a Irish Setter Puppy’s Growth and Development
1. What should I expect in terms of growth in the first month?
In the first month, your Irish Setter puppy will grow quickly from about 7 to 10 pounds. They are learning to walk and will be very playful. It’s important to ensure they have a safe environment as they begin to explore.
2. How much will my Irish Setter puppy weigh at 6 months?
By 6 months, your Irish Setter should weigh between 55 and 60 pounds. This rapid growth phase requires plenty of nutrition, so ensure you’re feeding a high-quality puppy formula. Regular vet check-ups during this time can help monitor their health and growth.
3. What is the average height of an Irish Setter at 12 months?
At one year old, a male Irish Setter typically stands about 24 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Females will be slightly shorter. This marks the transition from puppyhood to adolescence where growth slows down.
4. Is my Irish Setter growing too fast?
Rapid growth can lead to joint and bone problems. If your Irish Setter puppy seems to be gaining weight too quickly or showing signs of discomfort when moving, consult your vet. Proper diet and exercise are crucial.
5. How can I tell if my Irish Setter is underweight?
Visible ribs, hips, and spine are signs your Irish Setter might be underweight. Puppies should have a slight fat layer over these areas. Feeding them a balanced diet and consulting your vet can help manage their weight.
6. What are the signs of proper growth in Irish Setters?
Proper growth is indicated by steady weight gain, a healthy appetite, and active behavior. Your puppy should also have clear eyes, a shiny coat, and be free from digestive troubles with regular, firm stools.
7. How do I choose the right food for my growing Irish Setter puppy?
Look for puppy-specific formulas that cater to the needs of large breeds like the Irish Setter. These foods help manage growth rate to prevent bone and joint issues and should be rich in protein and balanced in calcium and phosphorus.
8. When do Irish Setters stop growing?
Irish Setters generally reach their full height by 18 months, but can fill out and gain muscle until they are about two years old. Some may continue to mature until they are three.
9. Can over-exercise affect my puppy’s growth?
Yes, excessive exercise can harm a growing Irish Setter’s joints and bones. Stick to gentle play and short walks until they are at least two years old, when their joints have fully formed.
10. What are common growth-related health issues in Irish Setters?
Hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis, and panosteitis are common growth-related issues. Regular vet visits and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime can help manage these risks.
11. How often should I weigh my Irish Setter puppy?
Weighing your puppy monthly is a good practice to ensure they are on a healthy growth curve. Adjust their diet and exercise based on their growth and health needs.
12. Why is my Irish Setter puppy sleeping so much?
Puppies, especially of large breeds like Irish Setters, need a lot of sleep for growth and development. Expect your puppy to sleep up to 18 hours a day including naps throughout the day.
13. What should I do if my puppy is not growing at the expected rate?
If growth seems stunted, consult your vet to rule out any underlying health issues. Ensure that your puppy is eating enough and that their food is nutrient-dense.
14. How does neutering/spaying affect my Irish Setter’s growth?
Neutering or spaying can affect growth by influencing hormone levels that regulate bone and joint development. Discuss the best timing with your vet to minimize impact on growth.
15. Should I give my Irish Setter puppy supplements?
Generally, a balanced puppy food should provide all the necessary nutrients for your Irish Setter. Supplements are usually not needed unless recommended by your vet.
16. How much water should my Irish Setter puppy drink?
Puppies need about a half cup of water every two hours and should always have fresh water available. Their needs will increase with exercise and hot weather.
17. What are the milestones in an Irish Setter’s growth?
Key milestones include teething at around 4-6 months, reaching half their adult weight by 6 months, and achieving full height around 18 months. Emotional and behavioral maturity continues to develop well into their third year.
18. How do growth rates differ between male and female Irish Setters?
Males typically grow larger and heavier than females. Expect a male Irish Setter to be about 10-15 pounds heavier and a few inches taller at full maturity than a female.
19. What should I feed my Irish Setter to support healthy growth?
Feed a diet formulated for large breed puppies, which helps control growth rate to prevent bone and joint problems. Meals should be spaced throughout the day to support their metabolism.
20. How to socialize a growing Irish Setter puppy?
Socialization is crucial for emotional growth and behavior development. Introduce your puppy to various people, pets, and environments early on to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and confident.