Breeds / Large
Irish Setter puppies
Demonstrably affectionate, refined in looks and tremendously active, with an untiring readiness to range and hunt under any conditions. Sociable with people but often too boisterous for small children.
The facts
- Size class Large
- Adult weight 27.2 to 31.8 kg
- Adult weight in pounds 60 to 70 lb
- Adult height 64 to 69 cm
- Energy level Very high
- Grooming Moderate
- Typical lifespan 12 to 15 years
Source: https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/irish-setter/
What to expect at eight weeks
At eight weeks a Irish Setter puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A large breed puppy at eight weeks looks deceptively normal sized and will roughly double every few weeks for a while. Keep exercise short and low impact, the growth plates are wide open. This is a very high energy breed. The mistake owners make is trying to tire it out physically. Training, scentwork and puzzles will do more than distance ever will. Grooming needs are moderate, so build the brushing habit now while the coat is still short and easy. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything it meets calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of its life.
Health worth knowing about
Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA rcd4), detectable by DNA test
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA rcd1), detectable by DNA test
- Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD), detectable by DNA test
- Hip dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme
- Elbow dysplasia, screened under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme
- Inherited eye disease, screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme
From Irish Setter breed information at https://www.royalkennelclub.com/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/irish-setter/. Discuss any of these with your own vet.
Your Irish Setter puppy's first six months
- Vaccination schedule, dated for your country.
- Worming and parasite schedule.
- Feeding calculator. Set expected adult size to Large for a Irish Setter.
- Adult size predictor, to check growth against the 27.2 to 31.8 kg adult range.
- Puppy names and the first week checklist.
Other large breeds
Previous: Havanese · Next: Irish Wolfhound
Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.