Quick Take
- Spaying or neutering your Irish setter at the "standard" age could set them up for serious health problems down the road. See the timing risks →
- Most new owners switch their dog's food too early, and Irish setters end up paying the price for it. Check the food switch advice →
- Irish setters do eventually calm down, though probably not when you're hoping they will. Find out when they mature →
- This breed has a teething quirk that can silently damage adult teeth if owners don't catch it in time. Learn about retained teeth →
Irish setters are beautiful gundogs that were initially bred to hunt and locate birds. They are still used in hunting today, but they also make fantastic companions. Their coats are long and silky, and they have feathered ears. Irish setters come in many colors, but red, chestnut, and mahogany are the most common. This breed is intelligent and social. They love to play and are very affectionate towards their owners. So, if you are interested in owning one of these beauties, learn about Irish setter progression to get a feel for how quickly they develop and what to expect.
Irish Setter Growth and Weight Chart by Age
| Age | Male Weight | Female Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | 0.7 to 1 pound | 0.6 to 1 pound |
| 1 Month | 5 to 7 pounds | 3 to 5 pounds |
| 2 Months | 15 pounds | 14 pounds |
| 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 |
| 18 Months | 70 pounds | 60 pounds |
When Will My Irish Setter Stop Growing?
Because of their large size, Irish setters grow relatively quickly. They usually stop growing between 12 and 18 months. However, some sources suggest males may to be slower to reach full size than females. It may take males a full 18 months to reach their adult weight and bulk.
Males tend to mature more slowly than females, and may not reach their full size until 18 months.
©Kseniia Kolesnikova/Shutterstock.com
How Big Will My Irish Setter Be When It’s Fully Grown?
When fully grown, male Irish setters stand up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 70 pounds. Females reach up to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 60 pounds.
When Should My Irish Setter Be Spayed or Neutered?
While many believe that you should spay and neuter your dogs between 4 and 9 months, it depends on their size and maturity. For example, because Irish setters are large dogs, you should wait to have them neutered or spayed until they have reached sexual maturity. Breeders recommend waiting until at least 18 months. However, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian so they can determine when your dog is ready for the surgery. If an Irish setter is spayed or neutered too young, it can make them more susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia.
When Should My Irish Setter Be Housebroken?
The ideal age to start potty training an Irish setter is between 8 and 12 weeks. However, you can begin training at any age. In fact, the earlier you establish a routine, the better. Take your puppy out as much as possible. It helps if you take them to the same spot every time. Having a routine is the best way to house-train your dog. For example, take them out first thing in the morning, after naps, playtime, eating, and before bed at night. Get to know your puppy and watch them. If they start circling, sniffing, or squatting, take them outside immediately.
When they do relieve themselves outside, praise them with love and cuddles. Also, use phrases like “go potty” or “make” so they know what you expect of them. Repeat this phrase every time you take them outside, and give them a treat or praise when they listen. Sometimes, house-training your Irish setter might be frustrating, but don’t get mad or upset. Instead, be patient and consistent. Stick to your routine; eventually, your pup won’t need supervision anymore.
The ideal age to start potty training an Irish setter is between 8 to 12 weeks, but you can begin training at any age.
©Reddogs/Shutterstock.com
When Should My Irish Setter Stop Eating Puppy Food?
While many people switch from puppy food to adult food when their dogs reach 12 months old, Irish setters may need to stay on puppy food until they are 12 to 15 months old. This is because they are still growing during this time and need the nutrients to aid their development. However, once they reach 12 months, they will need more food than before. There are several puppy foods on the market for large breeds, so ensure you choose a high-quality brand.
When Will My Irish Setter Start Losing Teeth?
Irish setters start to lose their teeth at about 4 months old. If their puppy teeth don’t fall out as the adult teeth come in, it can cause damage or infection to the adult teeth. This breed is susceptible to retained teeth, which is when baby teeth do not fall out as the adult teeth erupt, causing food and debris to become trapped between them. If left untreated, it causes bad breath, painful gums, and adult tooth loss. When your pup begins teething, you can soothe its discomfort with chew toys. Irish setters are also known for acting out when teething, so expect behaviors like chewing on anything and everything.
When Should I Start Training My Irish Setter?
Irish setters are easy to train because of their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, they are also stubborn and independent, so training might require some patience. This breed responds best to positive reinforcement training methods involving praise, rewards, and consistency. Irish setters don’t respond well to anger or abuse; they need a gentle hand. Owners should start training their pups as soon as possible to establish good habits and basic obedience.
Owners should start training their pups as soon as possible to establish good habits and basic obedience.
Training sessions must be interesting and playful to prevent boredom, as these dogs can lose interest very quickly if things are too repetitive. Owners must also ensure that their Irish setters are socialized from a young age so they feel comfortable in different situations around strangers and other animals. With a lot of patience and consistency, these pups can become obedient and well-behaved companions.
What Cues Should I Teach My Irish Setter First?
When training your Irish setter, start with 3-7 minute sessions, as they are easily distracted. You can lengthen the sessions as your dog matures. Start with the basic commands like “heel,” “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
When Will My Irish Setter Calm Down?
Unfortunately, Irish setters take longer to reach emotional maturity. So, you will have a puppy-like dog on your hands for a while. These dogs only calm down between 2 and 3 years of age. Even then, don’t expect perfectly calm behavior. Irish setters have a lot of energy and will exhibit rambunctious behavior even after they have calmed down. You can curb this behavior through mental stimulation, physical activity, and socialization. Enrolling your pup in obedience classes or training programs can also help.
Irish setters take longer to emotionally mature, so you will have a puppy-like dog on your hands for 2-3 years.
©Canden Scales/Shutterstock.com
Common Health Issues Your Irish Setter Might Experience
Irish setters are generally a healthy breed, and reputable breeders test for genetic issues like eye disorders and hip dysplasia. However, Irish setters are also prone to bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen that can come on suddenly. Owners must learn to recognize the symptoms and what to do if it occurs. These dogs are also prone to other health issues, including:
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD)
- Blood disorders such as hemolytic anemia.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
