Irish setters typically reach their full height by 10-12 months but will continue to gain weight slowly until around 12-18 months. Most Irish setters grow to be between 24-28 inches in height, and 55-75 lbs in weight, depending on gender.
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Irish Setter Puppy Growth Timeline
Using a growth chart can be helpful to compare how your puppy is growing and the progress he’s making. The chart lists the averages. Some setter puppies may be a little slower or even ahead of the curve, and that’s perfectly fine.
Average Irish Setter puppy growth timeline in weight:
| Month of Age | Male Irish Setter Weight (rounded average) | Female Irish Setter Weight (rounded average) |
| 4 Months | 30 pounds | 28 pounds |
| 6 Months | 40 pounds | 38 pounds |
| 8 Months | 50 pounds | 46 pounds |
| 10 Months | 56 pounds | 52 pounds |
| 12 Months | 60 pounds | 56 pounds |
| 14 Months | 64 pounds | 58 pounds |
| 16 Months | 68 pounds | 58-60 pounds |
| 18 Months | 70-72 pounds | 58-60 pounds |
Keep in mind, not all setters will grow to be at their maximum weight. Some may be lighter than others and will therefore appear to be a little behind on the chart.
How Big Do Irish Setters Get?
After speaking to and confirming with Irish setter owners, it seems true that the generic breed standard weight and height ranges are accurate.
The average size of an adult MALE Irish Setter:
● Height: 26-28 Inches (66-71 cm)
● Weight: 64-74 Pounds (29-34 kg)
The average size of an adult FEMALE Irish Setter:
● Height: 24-26 Inches (61-66 cm)
● Weight: 55-64 Pounds (25-29 kg)
What if your setter doesn’t fall within these ranges? It’s totally fine! Some setters are going to be bigger or smaller than their averages for their gender, that’s normal.
Factors That Affect The Growth of Your Irish Setter
Let’s run through some of the factors that will affect the overall size of your Irish setter.
1. Genetics
The number one factor, without a doubt, is genetic and blood lineage. Some setters are destined to be larger or smaller than others due to their parents either being larger or smaller than average.
Typically, setters with a stronger working background tend to grow to be bigger and stronger due to their constant workload. This can sometimes cause a strain of particularly large setters, especially if the breeders have been selective with their breeding.
If you keep breeding only large setters with other large setters, guess what?… you get more large setters!
2. Quality of Diet
Next in line would be the quality of their diet. Diet and nutrition are obviously very important and can affect their growth potential a lot.
Diet can be a very long and complex topic, but to keep it relatively short, here are the main things to consider:
● Is your setter consuming a high-quality kibble formulated for puppies?
● Are the macronutrients in the correct proportions? High protein, medium to high fat, low carbs.
● Are plenty of fatty acids like DHA and Omega contained?
● Is your setter getting on well with the food? Digestion is equally important.
Focusing on the last point there is crucial. You may have chosen an awesome kibble that will certainly provide all the nutrients necessary for a fast-growing puppy, but if he isn’t digesting it well, it doesn’t matter.
Maldigestion or malabsorption will prevent your puppy from receiving essential nutrients, and could effectively hinder growth.
3. Adequate Rest, Sleep and Recovery
Ensuring your setter gets all the sleep he needs is vital. And at the same time, it’s important not to be overexercising him.
While he’s young, his bones joints and muscles will be growing rapidly. This usually involves a lot of sleep and recovery periods. That’s exactly why puppies can sleep up to 18 hours per day!
Whenever your pup needs to sleep it’s important not to disturb him. Although this is easy for us to understand, it’s not that easy for kids to understand…
And that’s really about it, aside from genetics, diet, and the amount of rest he gets, there isn’t really anything else to affect his growth.
Popular Irish Setter Articles on The Puppy Mag
● Can Irish Setters Actually Be Black?
● Do Irish Setters Need To Be Bathed Regularly?
● Do Irish Setters Like To Cuddle? 7 Signs of Affection
The Importance of Vet Check Ups
If you don’t have any routine check-ups scheduled, it may be a good idea to call your veterinarian and create some. Especially while your setter is a puppy.
Your vet will be able to track her progress, guide you in the right direction and their opinion on her weight and current state of health is invaluable!
I know it’s something that a lot of owners put off, but it’s always great to know your pup is in full health. And despite how much we love to Google and self-diagnose (I’m guilty of it too!) nothing beats a professional opinion.
Thank you for reading! I hope I have answered your questions on this topic. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I am always happy to hear feedback and help further where I can.
Other resources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/irish-setter/