The English Setter is the gentlest, mellowest, and fastest of the three setter dog breeds. The Irish, English and Gordon Setters have similar shapes but widely different coat types and colors. English Setters are elegant in appearance and elegant in their gait and movement.
Distinguished by its medium to long, silky, and slightly wavy coat adorned with feathering, this breed combines the athleticism of a sporting dog with the beauty of a show dog.
The English Setter is a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Sporting Dog Group.
Characteristics and Appearance
The English Setter has a refined appearance and is celebrated for its fluid, elegant movement. These traits both reflect its sporting heritage. The breed’s expressive eyes and elegant stance convey the breeds alert and serene demeanor.
This breed’s coat, is medium to long, silky and slightly wavy with feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail. It can come in various colors from white with patches of black, blue, tan or liver, or even tricolor (black, white and tan).
Male Setters stand between 25 to 27 inches tall and females 24 to 25 inches tall at shoulder height. This breed can carry a healthy weight from 45 to 70 pounds.
English Setters are as well-suited to the field as they are to the family home, embodying the dual qualities of a skilled bird dog and a devoted companion. Despite their genteel appearance, they are robust and active, capable of impressive speed and endurance.
History of The English Setter
English Setters were developed in 19th century England by Sir Edward Laverack and are therefore sometimes called the “Laverack Setter” A second breeder, a Welshman called Llewellyn, crossed some of Laverack’s Setters with his own for both hunting capabilities and attractiveness.
These Setters were used extensively as bird dogs and more recently as wonderful family dogs. It is for some unknown reason, the least popular of the three Setters and was ranked 95th out of 154 dog breeds in 2004 AKC registrations.
Temperament of a English Setter
This handsome and elegant Setter is a strong and active dog. It also combines traits that make it a loving and loyal family dog, that is kind and gentle with children. The breed generally gets along well with pets, other animals and strangers.
This sweet-natured sociable dog needs the companionship of its family – people and/or pets to be happy. Setters can be fairly easy to train but have a stubborn streak which takes the form of quiet resistance rather than outright disobedience.
English Setter puppies can be energetic and need lots of exercise. They can be clumsy and should be supervised with toddlers. Consistent and patient obedience training is advised and the earlier you can start this the better. English Setters are not recommended for first-time or novice dog owners.
Training and Exercise
These Setters are not apartment dogs and need daily walks of several hours as well as activities to keep them busy. The English does much better in the country than in the city, but at the same time it doesn’t do well in isolation. It needs the companionship of its family and other pets. To feel like part of a pack.
Training an English Setter requires patience and consistency, given their intelligent but sometimes stubborn nature. They respond well to positive reinforcement and benefit from early socialization and obedience training.
The breed naturally excel in activities that challenge both their minds and bodies. They take to agility training, tracking, and of course, field trials like a duck to water.
Grooming
In general, this breed is a moderate shedder. Show-type Setters, with their thicker coats, demand thorough brushing twice a week, along with regular trimming and clipping to prevent mats and tangles. Even field or hunting types, with less dense coats, benefit from consistent grooming.
Regular grooming not only keeps shedding under control but also strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
Health Considerations
English Setters generally enjoy good health, with a life expectancy of around 12 years. Occasional health problems can develop though, which include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Low thyroid
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of these conditions developing and spot any changes early.