English Setter

English setters were developed in England during the 1800s. Bred for field hunting, they were used to point and retrieve birds in the moors. English setters were not named until 1825, when Edward Laverack began breeding them to create specimens for showing, and he developed the dogs into the English setters that appear in the show rings today. Another English setter breeder by the name of Purcell Llewellin set out to create perfected field hunters, which became known as Llewellin setters. In 1884, the American Kennel Club recognized the English setter as a member of the sporting group.

The English Setter is an athletic dog breed that shows great levels of endurance when it comes to running. Its white coat is flat and soft with spots of color. Its coat needs moderate grooming with frequent brushing and occasional clipping. Clad in a medium-length, silky and wavy coat, the English setter is an elegant hunting dog. Its lean physique stands 24 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 50 to 65 pounds. The coat is white with interspersed darker hairs that create a patterned look known as belton. These hairs may be blue, orange, lemon, liver or tricolor. The hair is feathered on the tail, abdomen, chest, ears and legs. The muzzle is square and long. The ears are covered with silky locks and hang downward, and the tail is long, straight and tapered.

Personality

The English Setter is a friendly, calm sweet-natured dog that loves to run and roam. It needs plenty of exercise on a daily basis, otherwise they will get bored and hyper. They are good with children and strangers and get along well with other dogs. The English setter is an amicable dog that gets along well with other dogs, children and strangers. The affectionate English setter thrives on human companionship. The English setter's alertness makes for an effective watchdog. The breed is highly energetic, athletic and playful, needing daily exercise, interactive play and mental stimulation. They are not good candidates for apartment living. English setters are challenging to housebreak, and training is best accomplished by an authoritative figure.

Breed Characteristics

English Setter Build Information

The English Setter is an athletic dog breed that shows great levels of endurance when it comes to running. Its white coat is flat and soft with spots of color. Its coat needs moderate grooming with frequent brushing and occasional clipping. Clad in a medium-length, silky and wavy coat, the English setter is an elegant hunting dog. Its lean physique stands 24 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 50 to 65 pounds. The coat is white with interspersed darker hairs that create a patterned look known as belton. These hairs may be blue, orange, lemon, liver or tricolor. The hair is feathered on the tail, abdomen, chest, ears and legs. The muzzle is square and long. The ears are covered with silky locks and hang downward, and the tail is long, straight and tapered.

Behaviour and Personality

The English Setter is a friendly, calm sweet-natured dog that loves to run and roam. It needs plenty of exercise on a daily basis, otherwise they will get bored and hyper. They are good with children and strangers and get along well with other dogs. The English setter is an amicable dog that gets along well with other dogs, children and strangers. The affectionate English setter thrives on human companionship. The English setter's alertness makes for an effective watchdog. The breed is highly energetic, athletic and playful, needing daily exercise, interactive play and mental stimulation. They are not good candidates for apartment living. English setters are challenging to housebreak, and training is best accomplished by an authoritative figure.

Appearance

An English setter's coat should be brushed two to three times each week to prevent tangling and matting and to remove dead hairs. Professional trimming every 4 to 6 weeks will keep the coat tidy. Clean the ears as needed and keep them dry to prevent infections. Brushing the teeth at least three times each week will significantly reduce the chances for developing periodontal disease.

English Setter Common Health Conditions

English setters live an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Some inherited conditions to watch for in this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans, deafness, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism and epilepsy.

English Setter Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Whether you are an avid hunter or outdoor enthusiast, the English setter's vivacious energy, hunting abilities and playful demeanor will make for a perfect companion. The English setter originated in England. The English setter is also called a Laverack setter. The English setter is a skilled hunting dog and a loving family companion. The English setter stands 24 to 25 inches tall and weighs 50 to 65 pounds. English setters have a high energy level. English setters require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for an English setter is 10 to 14 years.