How big does a Irish Setter get?

A full-grown Irish Setter typically stands 61–69 cm (24.0–27.2 inches) tall at the shoulder and weighs 27–32 kg (59.5–70.5 lbs). Irish Setter is considered a large breed and may take up to 18–24 months to reach full size.

What is the lifespan of a Irish Setter?

The average lifespan of a Irish Setter is 12–15 years. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care can help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important factors in extending your dog's lifespan — overweight dogs can lose 1–2 years of life expectancy.

What are the personality traits of a Irish Setter?

Irish Setter are known for being active, sweet, trainable, outgoing. They are generally good with children and make excellent family dogs. They are highly trainable and eager to please. They need plenty of space and exercise, making them better suited for homes with yards.

Is a Irish Setter a good choice for apartments and families?

A Irish Setter is a large breed that typically needs more space and exercise, so they may not be ideal for small apartments. They are generally good with kids and make great family companions. Be prepared for significant shedding — regular brushing 2–3 times per week is recommended. They are easy to train, making them great for first-time dog owners.

What are common health issues for large breed dogs like the Irish Setter?

Large breeds like the Irish Setter are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), arthritis, and certain cancers. Feeding a large-breed puppy formula and maintaining healthy weight can reduce joint stress. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the single most effective way to reduce the risk of many of these conditions. Use our BCS assessment tool above to check your dog's condition.

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Irish Setter Weight & Calorie Guide

Q: How many calories does a Irish Setter need per day?

A typical adult Irish Setter weighing about 30 kg needs approximately 1418–1772 kcal per day, depending on activity level and neuter status. Puppies and very active dogs need more, while seniors and neutered dogs need less. Use our breed-specific calculator for an exact number.

Large Breed

Quick Answer

A healthy adult Irish Setter weighs 27–32 kg (59.5–70.5 lbs), according to the AKC breed standard. Puppies reach 50% of adult weight by 6–8 months and full weight by 14–18 months.

Source: AKC breed standard, WSAVA nutrition guidelines

Quick Facts

Ideal Weight

27–32 kg

(59.5–70.5 lbs)

Size Category

large

Breed Type

Daily Calories

~1418–1772 kcal

Adult, neutered

Free Tools

BCS Assessment Calorie Calculator

Ideal Weight Range

27 kgto32 kg

59.5 lbsto70.5 lbs

UnderweightIdealOverweightObese

Data:AKC breed standard·WSAVA guidelines

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Puppy Weight Predictor

For puppies under 12 months. Enter your puppy's current weight and age to predict adult weight.

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How the puppy weight predictor works

This predictor uses growth milestone data from Salt et al. (2017), published in Veterinary Record, which tracked the weight development of dogs across five size categories from birth to adulthood. By comparing your puppy's current weight against the expected growth percentage for their age and size category, we estimate their adult weight range.

Factors that affect adult weight

Genetics play the largest role, but nutrition, neutering status, and overall health also influence growth rate. Puppies fed excessive calories during rapid growth phases may exceed their genetic weight potential, while underfed puppies may not reach it. Large and giant breeds grow more slowly than toy and small breeds, reaching full size at 18–24 months rather than 10–12 months.

Data source: Salt et al. (2017) "Growth patterns of commercial kennel dogs" Veterinary Record • AKC breed standards

Irish Setter Health & Weight Management

Irish Setters are glamorous, red-coated sporting dogs known for their outgoing personality and flowing coat. They are active, athletic dogs that need substantial daily exercise. While not naturally prone to obesity, under-exercised Irish Setters can gain weight, which stresses hips and elbows. Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism are breed concerns; excess weight worsens both. Bloat (GDV) is also a risk.

Exercise: 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise — running, hiking, retrieving, and field work. Irish Setters excel at hunting, agility, and obedience. They are "forever young" and maintain puppy-like enthusiasm well into old age. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys prevents boredom.

Feeding tips: Feed measured meals twice daily using a large-breed sporting formula. Avoid exercising right after eating to reduce bloat risk. Irish Setters are food-motivated but not typically greedy. Limit treats to 10% of daily calories.

Keeping your Irish Setter at a healthy 60–71 lbs (27–32 kg) supports joint health and field performance. Use PawScale’s calorie calculator for Irish Setters to determine daily needs, check body condition with our BCS assessment, and plan meals with the crate size calculator.

Data source: AKC breed standard

Data source: AKC breed standard • Last updated: 2026-08-12

Is your Irish Setter at a healthy weight?

59% of dogs are overweight — can you tell? Take our free 2-minute Body Condition Score assessment.

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Irish Setter Calorie Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a Irish Setter weigh?

The ideal weight for a Irish Setter is 27–32 kg (59.5–70.5 lbs). Weight can vary based on gender, age, and individual build. Use our calorie calculator above to get personalized feeding recommendations.

How many calories does a Irish Setter need per day?

A typical adult Irish Setter weighing 30 kg needs approximately 1418–1772 kcal per day, depending on activity level and whether they are neutered. Use our breed-specific calculator above for an exact number based on your dog's details.

Is my Irish Setter overweight?

59% of dogs are overweight, and most owners cannot tell just by looking. Check your Irish Setter's Body Condition Score (BCS) — if you can't easily feel their ribs or they have no visible waist from above, they may be overweight. Take our free 2-minute BCS assessment above to find out.

When does a Irish Setter reach full adult weight?

Irish Setter puppies reach 50% of their adult weight by 6–8 months and typically reach full adult weight by 14–18 months, according to AKC growth guidelines. Small breeds mature faster than large breeds.

What size crate does a Irish Setter need?

A Irish Setter typically needs a 42-inch crate based on breed size. Use PawScale's free crate size calculator for a personalized recommendation.

References & data sources

1. AKC Official Breed Standard — Irish Setter. akc.org

2. Salt C, et al. “Estimating the expected growth of dogs.” Vet Record, 2017;180(15):376.

3. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.

4. Laflamme DP. “Development and validation of a body condition score system for dogs.” Canine Practice, 1997;22(4):10–15.

5. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines; Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) 9-point BCS scale.

Last reviewed: September 2026

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