Welcome to Breed Atlas’ Comprehensive Guide to English Setter Growth Chart!
Did you know that English Setters are medium-sized dogs that were originally bred over 400 years ago to help hunters locate game birds?
They are now classified within the Sporting Group by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
These exceptionally good hunters are famous for their keen noses and unique “setting” posture when they find prey. This natural instinct develops as they grow, becoming more refined with age.
In fact, it starts to show even in young puppies, making their growth journey even more fascinating to watch!
In this guide, we’ll dive into the growth stages of English Setters, providing you with a handy growth chart and valuable insights to help you track your furry friend’s progress.
English Setter Growth Chart Overview
Let’s start with a simple English Setter Growth Chart overview.
This table focuses on average weights and heights at different ages for both male and female English Setters.
Keep in mind, these are just estimates – every dog is unique and may grow at their own pace.
| Age | Male Weight (lbs/kg) | Female Weight (lbs/kg) | Male Height (in/cm) | Female Height (in/cm) |
| 0-3 Months | 10-20 lbs (4.5-9 kg) | 8-18 lbs (3.6-8.2 kg) | 12-15 in (30-38 cm) | 10-14 in (25-36 cm) |
| 3-6 Months | 25-40 lbs (11-18 kg) | 20-35 lbs (9-16 kg) | 18-21 in (46-53 cm) | 15-19 in (38-48 cm) |
| 6-12 Months | 40-55 lbs (18-25 kg) | 35-50 lbs (16-23 kg) | 22-25 in (56-64 cm) | 19-22 in (48-56 cm) |
| 1-2 Years | 55-70 lbs (25-32 kg) | 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg) | 24-27 in (61-69 cm) | 22-25 in (56-64 cm) |
| 2+ Years | 65-80 lbs (29-36 kg) | 50-65 lbs (23-29 kg) | 25-27 in (64-69 cm) | 23-25 in (58-6 |
Watching your English Setter puppies grow is truly a joy, but it’s important to remember that just like people, dogs grow at their own unique rates (1).
Whether you have the largest individuals or the smallest individuals in the litter, it’s all perfectly normal! They will all make exceptionally good pointers once they grow up!
But here is some friendly advice: make sure to perform regular dog’s weighings as this can help you monitor puppy weight gain.
This way you will know that they are on the right track to becoming well-rounded adults.
English Setter Puppy Growth Chart
Now, let’s take a closer look at the growth stages of your English Setter as they journey from a tiny puppy to a majestic adult.
If you’re comparing breeds, like the Manchester terrier, Basset hound, or even the Belgian Malinois, you’ll notice the unique growth patterns specific to English setters.
The English Setter growth chart can guide you through each stage, from those early months as an eager pup to the time they reach maturity.
We will also track the growth of English setter females and refer to the growth graph of English Setter males, because knowing the typical weight of an English setter puppy at various ages can definitely be a good idea!
Birth To 3 Months
During these first few months, the puppies are nursed by their mother, which is essential for their growth and development.
They spend a lot of time sleeping and dreaming, which is crucial for their growth.
Just like human babies, puppies need plenty of sleep to grow strong and healthy. It’s during these sleepy moments that their bodies are growing and developing, preparing them for their active future (2).
Nearing their third week of age, English Setter puppies are just beginning to explore their world. They open their eyes, start to walk, and begin socializing with their littermates.
By the time they reach three months, they become even more playful and curious, starting to interact more with their environment and showing early signs of their personality.
One thing is for sure, though, these little pups will make you fall in love with their temperament.
English Setter puppies are among the largest individuals in terms of personality, even if they’re the smallest individuals in terms of size!
3 To 6 Months
From 3 to 6 months, your puppy is transforming right before your eyes. This period is packed with exciting changes, so let’s check what you can expect during these lively months.
During these months, English Setter puppies go through significant growth spurts. This is when they start to look less like tiny furballs and more like the majestic adults they will become.
According to the English Setter growth chart, males typically weigh between 25-40 lbs (11-18 kg), and females weigh between 20-35 lbs (9-16 kg).
They’re sprouting up too, with males reaching heights of 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) and females 15-19 inches (38-48 cm).
If we were to compare your English Setter’s growth to other dog breeds, you’ll notice each breed has its own unique growth patterns.
For instance, Bearded Collie puppies of the same age might be a bit larger.
During this phase, you’ll notice them filling out and gaining those signature long legs, long head and long neck that give English Setters their elegant look.
As they grow, English Setter puppies start to show their true personalities. They’re eager pups, full of energy and curiosity. Expect them to be bouncing around, nibbling on everything, and exploring everything with their keen lil’ noses.
This is a great time to start some basic training and socialization.
Taking them on long walks and short runs will help them burn off energy and develop good behavior. They’ll also start to show their natural instincts as good pointers, which is a fun trait to watch develop!
6 To 12 Months
This is when your little Setter puppy starts transitioning from an old puppy into a young adult.
During this time, they continue to grow, though the growth rate starts to slow down compared to the earlier months.
The weight of the puppy English Setter is between 40-55 lbs (18-25 kg), and for females is around 35-50 lbs (16-23 kg).
Their height also increases, with males reaching 22-25 inches (56-64 cm) and females 19-22 inches (48-56 cm).
Now, it is important to note that puppy weight gain should continue to be steady.
This period is crucial for their physical development, so make sure they’re getting plenty of exercise and a balanced diet. A good ol’ tennis ball is a great way to keep them active for a long time, and a high-protein diet will help maintain their muscle mass.
Between 6-12 months, it’s still essential to focus on socialization and training using positive reinforcement techniques. Your English Setter is learning about the world and their place in it.
They may show signs of fearfulness or become very adventurous.
Socializing them with other dogs and people is therefore crucial. Even though they are now bigger than before, they’re still growing and learning!
1 To 2 Years
It seems that a little bit of time has passed, and now your English Setter puppy is nearing full size and starting to show all the signs of a mature, elegant adult.
By the end of their second year, your English Setter will have reached their adult size.
Their behavior will become more predictable and stable. You see, they have likely outgrown many of the playful, sometimes mischievous behaviors of their puppyhood.
However, they still retain a lively and curious nature. You may notice endearing habits such as putting their paw on you to show affection or wagging their tail vigorously to express happiness.
As your English Setter reaches their puppy’s adult size, they will love spending time outdoors.
Now that they are trained and well-socialized, you will enjoy the easiest walks in the park. And since they are quite the adventurers, English Setters will love exploring grassy areas, forests, and trails.
Taking into consideration their heritage, it would be a good idea to engage them in activities that highlight their hunting skills will keep them happy and fulfilled.
But be careful; given their love for the outdoors, pet parents must be vigilant about potential dangers. These include their dog eating a bee, getting injured, or wandering off.
At What Age Is An English Setter Fully Grown?
Believe it or not, English Setters may not be fully grown or matured at age 1.
An English Setter typically reaches full physical maturity and is fully grown between the ages of 18 months to 2 years.
While they may appear quite large and mature at 1 year old, they often continue to fill out and develop their muscle tone well into their second year.
An interesting study was done on German shepherds and Labrador retrievers, which constructed growth curves for male and female individuals.
It found that the duration of growth was slightly longer for males, suggesting that females might reach maturity slightly faster than males (3).
What Is The Healthy Weight For An English Setter?
When comparing male vs. females in the English Setter growth chart, males generally grow larger and heavier than females.
Adult male English Setters usually weigh between 65-80 lbs (29-36 kg) and stand 24-27 inches (61-69 cm) tall.
Adult female Setters usually weigh between 50-65 lbs (23-29 kg) and stand 22-25 inches (56-64 cm) tall.
These gender differences in size and weight are similar to those seen in other breeds.
For example, in the German Shorthaired Pointer breed, males also tend to be larger and more robust than females.
It is important to consider the puppy’s breed and regular dog’s weighings. Why? This way, we will make sure that they are developing correctly.
It’s also important to consider the puppy’s age when developing a proper diet and establishing the dog’s meal times.
English Setters, like many breeds, can face health issues related to weight and growth if not properly managed.
So, being overweight or underweight can lead to joint problems, hip dysplasia, and other orthopedic issues, which are common concerns for this breed.
By following the English Setter growth chart, you’ll be able to ensure your pup grows into a happy, healthy, and well-balanced compawnion!
Enjoy every moment with your growing furry friend.
Bye for now!
References
1. Hawthorne, A., Booles, D., Nugent, P., Gettinby, G., & Wilkinson, J. (2004). Body-weight changes during growth in puppies of different breeds.. The Journal of nutrition, 134 8 Suppl, 2027S-2030S . https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.8.2027S.
2. Kinsman, R., Owczarczak-Garstecka, S., Casey, R., Knowles, T., Tasker, S., Woodward, J., Costa, R., & Murray, J. (2020). Sleep Duration and Behaviours: A Descriptive Analysis of a Cohort of Dogs up to 12 Months of Age. Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI, 10. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10071172.
3. Helmink, S., Shanks, R., & Leighton, E. (2000). Breed and sex differences in growth curves for two breeds of dog guides.. Journal of animal science, 78 1, 27-32 . https://doi.org/10.2527/2000.78127X.
Meet Iram, a devoted veterinarian, passionate dog lover, and current Ph.D. candidate at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Seamlessly blending her roles as a vet and content writer, Iram channels her love for dogs into heartfelt narratives.
Since childhood, Iram nurtured a dream of becoming a vet, a passion that runs deep in her family. Having now fulfilled that dream, she’s eager to share her acquired knowledge. In her writing, Iram not only explores the emotional bond between humans and their canine friends but also integrates her veterinary expertise, offering readers a holistic understanding of their beloved pets.