English Setters: A guide to dogs and puppies of the English Setter breed

The English Setter!

The English Setter is a bred for a mix of athleticism and endurance. They are gun-dogs. They are built to assist hunters to find and retrieve game, usually birds. The English Setter’s coat is flat with light feathering of long length. They have a flowing coat that requires regular grooming. The English Setter is a beautiful, elegant, slim setter with a significant speckled coat. The specking may be heavy. The markings however may be of any size. The English Setter’s hair is silky, flat and a bit wavy. The coat comes in white with blue, lemon, orange, or brown speckling. Some English Setters are tri-color (blue, white and brown). The head is long with a pronounced frontal stop. The muzzle is approximately half the total length of the head and is fairly square. The eyes are hazel with a sweet expression. English Setters have a dark nose. The long pendant ears have a velvety tip. The ears, underside, and legs are heavily fringed. The chest is quite deep, but not wide. The tail is straight and tapers to a small point.

Some Quick Facts:

Life Expectancy:
12-14 years

Energy Level:
Gentle but playful.

Living Conditions:
XXXXXX.

Barking:
Less than average.

Exercise Needs:
Long brisk walk and chance to run free.

Breed Group:
Sporting

Size:
Medium-Large

Height:
23-27 inches

Weight:
45-80 pounds

Standard Hair Colors:
White with blue, lemon, orange, or brown speckling.

National breed club:
English Setter Association of America

English Setter Skills

The first fundamental English Setters were developed in France in 1500, obtained from the Spanish Pointer and the French Pointer. After three centuries, a very intelligent breeder developed them from the early French hunting dogs in the early 1800’s. Because of Laverack’s role in breeding the English Setters, sometimes this breed is called the “Laverack Setter.” Llewellin, another English breeder, created a second famous hunting lineage of English Setters. These are often called “Llewellin Setters.” The English Setter is energetic and swift. It is a breed of quiet workers with a very efficient sense of smelling. The English Setter’s talents include retrieving, hunting, agility, watch dogging, and pointing.

English Setter Personality

The English Setter can be described as a friendly and good natured breed. They are gentle and affectionate. However, it can also be strong-willed and irresponsibly playful. They are people-oriented dogs who are full of energy. English Setters are fit for families who have ample time to give them attention and engage in various activities with them. English Setters will also be suitable for hunters since they are well-accustomed hunting dogs.

Exercise Needs

All English Setters need plenty of exercise. If possible, they should be given the chance of running free. If they don't get a long, brisk, daily walk, they will be difficult to manage.

Living Conditions

English Setters are suitable for the urban life. They can adapt well in an apartment as long as they are given the opportunity to have enough exercise. They are inactive indoors. With that, they are more fit to be at their best when placed in an average-sized yard.

Grooming Requirements

Regular combing and brushing of the soft, flat, medium-length coat is all that is required to keep it in excellent condition. It is important to check for burrs and tangles, and to give extra care when the dog is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. Trim the hair on the bottom of the feet and clip the nails. This breed is an average shedder.

Health Issues

The breed is a relatively healthy one. However, some ailments sometimes occur in this breed. Canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and canine hypothyroidism are some of the more well-known ailments that can affect the English Setters. Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. Elbow dysplasia is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow-joint. Lastly, Hypothyroidism is the disease state caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.

If you liked this dog…

...you will also like the Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, is a breed of gundog. They are energetic, affectionate, intelligent, high-spirited and full of energy.