English Setter Informationuse keyboard arrows for additional information about this breed | ![]() |
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General Description
The English Setter is a beautiful, elegantly built setter with a slim body and a distinctive speckled coat. They have a deep, narrow chest and an elongated head with a defined frontal stop. The muzzle is approximately half the length of the dog’s head. Their eyes are large in size, hazel in color, and possess a friendly expression. They have a dark nose and comparatively long ears that are pendant-shaped. Their straight tail tapers to a small point. The speckled coat of the English Setter can feature speckles in a variety of different sizes and patterns. The coat is long, flat, silky in texture, and slightly wavy. Coat colors for this breed include white with blue, lemon, brown, or orange speckling. Some English Setter are tri-color (white, blue, and brown). The tail, ears, and legs of this breed are heavily fringed.
There are two types of English setter. Bench/Show type and Field type. The field type is more active and has less hair on the ears, legs and chest. The bench type or the one depicted in the main photo, is more laid back. Their fur is often more soft on the head and a tri-color's legs can be very frizzy
Character
The English Setter is mild-mannered, friendly, and mellow. Because of their sensitivity and gentleness, this breed is outstanding with children. They love affection and crave human companionship. They are good diggers and jumpers, and they enjoy playing with other dogs. The English Setter is lively and energetic while playing outdoors, but is relatively inactive indoors. They make decent watchdogs. This breed has a willful streak and can sometimes be difficult to housebreak. It’s important for them to be properly trained from an early age to prevent the onset of bad habits. There are two types of English Setter: field and show. The show variety tends to need less exercise than the field variety, but both types need plenty of daily physical activity to stay physically and mentally fit. This breed has a propensity to bark.
English Setters are a particularly loyal dog that never shows any sign of aggression and will actively seek help from their masters if challenged. They are sometimes hard to train because of their laziness. A female is the better option for first time dog owners as they can be food orientated and thus more receptive to training.
General Health
Because of the English Setter’s propensity to gain weight, they should not be overfed. Like many other larger dog breeds, the English Setter is prone to hip dysplasia. Females of this breed are susceptible to false pregnancies. The English Setter typically lives for 10 to 12 years.
History
The first breed of setter came about in France in the year 1500. This basic breed was developed using the Spanish pointer and the French pointer. Three hundred years later, this same setter arrived in Great Britain, where an intelligent breeder named Sir Edward Laverack was able to develop the English Setter. In order to accomplish this feat, Sir Edward incorporated a variety of early French hunting dogs into the mix. Sir Edward’s careful and efficient breeding was an instrumental part of the English Setter’s creation, and as a result, many people refer to these dogs as “Laverack Setters”. A different breeder named Llewellin developed a second variety of English Setters that possess great natural hunting abilities. The English Setter has a number of natural talents including tracking, hunting, retrieving, pointing, agility, and watching.
Maintenance
Other than regular brushing and combing, the long-haired, silky coat of the English Setter requires very little grooming and maintenance. Owners should check the coat frequently for mats and burrs, and extra care should be given to the coat when the dog is shedding. This breed should be bathed and dry shampooed only as necessary. Hair should be kept trimmed on the bottoms of the feet and nails should be clipped short. The English Setter is an average shedder.
Ideal Environment
The English Setter is not suitable for life in a small household or apartment. This breed is happiest with at least a medium-sized yard. English Setters need plenty of daily physical activity. While they prefer to run free, daily long walks are sufficient.
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English Setter Q&AAsk a Question
BreedersAnyone know of a breeder that specializes in the Bench English Setter (the larger one)? Thanks!
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
How can I get my english setter to stop pulling on the leash?How can I get my english setter to stop pulling on the leash?
Asked by Anonymous - 5 answers
how many puppies do they have?how many puppies do they have?
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
