Irish Setter Weight & Growth Chart
Complete weight guide with growth charts for male and female Irish Setters from puppy to adult.
Irish Setter Weight Overview
Adult Irish Setters typically weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, with males generally being larger than females. Males average 60–70 lbs while females typically weigh 51–61 lbs.
Males 70 lbs, females 60 lbs. Should appear elegant and athletic, never heavy or coarse. A tall, rangy breed that needs space to move..
Irish Setter Growth Chart
When Does a Irish Setter Stop Growing?
The Irish Setter stops growing in height (target: 25–27 inches) around 15–24 months of age, but may continue adding weight toward 70 lbs for several more months. Males 70 lbs, females 60 lbs. Should appear elegant and athletic, never heavy or coarse. A tall, rangy breed that needs space to move..
Their long coat may also undergo changes during this period, reaching its adult texture by maturity.
Irish Setter Male vs Female Size Differences
Male and female Irish Setters differ noticeably in size, a pattern common in large breeds. Males typically weigh 60–70 lbs, while females weigh 51–61 lbs. Both sexes stand 25–27 inches tall at the shoulder, though males tend to fall at the upper end of this range.
These size differences can influence practical ownership decisions. Larger males require more food, larger crate sizes, and stronger leash handling. Female Irish Setters at the lower weight range may be easier to manage physically for smaller handlers or families with children. Both sexes share the same temperament and health profile, so size preference should be a practical decision rather than a temperament-based one.
Is My Irish Setter Overweight?
To determine if your Irish Setter is at a healthy weight (60–70 lbs target):
- Rib test: You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, with a thin layer of fat covering them
- Waist check: Viewed from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs
- Tuck-up: From the side, the abdomen should tuck up behind the rib cage
Their long coat can mask weight gain, so hands-on assessment is essential. If your Irish Setter is overweight, work with your veterinarian to develop a safe weight loss plan. Even a 10% reduction can reduce the risk of Hip Dysplasia and other conditions.
Irish Setter Weight Management Tips
Maintaining your Irish Setter at a healthy weight between 60 and 70 lbs is one of the most impactful things you can do for their long-term health. Studies consistently show that lean dogs live an average of 1.8–2.5 years longer than overweight dogs of the same breed.
Portion control: Use a measuring cup for every meal rather than estimating. Feed the amount recommended for your Irish Setter's ideal weight, not their current weight if they are overweight. Divide daily food into two meals for adults and three meals for puppies under six months.
Treat management: Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake. Use small, low-calorie training treats and consider using pieces of your dog's regular kibble as rewards during training sessions. Avoid table scraps entirely, as they add unpredictable calories and can introduce foods that are toxic to dogs.
Exercise alignment: With an exercise needs rating of 5/5, the Irish Setter requires vigorous daily activity. Insufficient exercise paired with full feeding portions guarantees weight gain. Ensure at least 60 minutes of activity daily, combining walks with active play sessions.
Regular weigh-ins: Weigh your Irish Setter monthly and track the trend. Gradual weight gain of even one to two pounds per month can lead to significant obesity over time. Your veterinarian can establish your dog's ideal weight during wellness visits and recommend caloric adjustments as needed.
Feeding Recommendation
Daily food for an adult Irish Setter: 0.9–1.4 cups of high-quality dry food in two meals, budgeting $65–99/month. Puppies growing toward 60–70 lbs need three to four daily feedings until around six months old. Bloat is the most pressing health concern. The breed has benefited from the elimination of CLAD through DNA testing, a landmark achievement in canine genetics.—treats count toward daily calorie intake.
Irish Setter Weight by Age Table
The following table shows expected weight ranges for male and female Irish Setters at key developmental milestones. Individual dogs may fall slightly outside these ranges depending on genetics, nutrition, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian if your Irish Setter's weight deviates significantly from these benchmarks.
| Age | Male (lbs) | Female (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 12.9–15.1 | 10.9–12.9 |
| 6 months | 29.0–34.0 | 24.6–29.0 |
| 9 months | 41.9–49.1 | 35.5–41.8 |
| 12 months | 51.6–60.4 | 43.7–51.5 |
| 18 months | 61.2–71.8 | 51.9–61.2 |
| 24 months | 64.5–75.5 | 54.6–64.4 |
Health Risks of Incorrect Weight in Irish Setters
Both underweight and overweight conditions pose serious health risks for the Irish Setter. Understanding these risks reinforces the importance of maintaining your dog within the 60–70 lb target range.
Overweight risks: Excess weight places additional strain on joints, increasing the risk and severity of conditions like Hip Dysplasia. Overweight Irish Setters also face higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, respiratory compromise, heat intolerance, and reduced lifespan. Even moderate excess weight, just 10–15% above ideal, shortens life expectancy and reduces quality of life.
Underweight risks: A Irish Setter consistently below 60 lbs may be experiencing inadequate nutrition, parasitic infection, dental problems that prevent eating, or underlying illness. Underweight dogs have weakened immune systems, poor coat quality, reduced energy, and slower healing. If your Irish Setter appears thin despite normal feeding, veterinary examination is essential to rule out medical causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Breeds You May Also Like
If you are interested in the Irish Setter, you may also want to explore these breeds with similar size, temperament, or group classification.