English Setter: Training, Personality, Exercise, Health

Group: AKC Sporting Dog Group, KCGB Gundog Group

Also Known As: Laverack Setter, Lawerack Setter, Llewellin Setter, Llewellyn Setter

AKC Ranking: 98

About English Setter

The word ‘setter’ means ‘almost sitting’ which refers to the position of the dog when he has discovered game. The English Setter is quick, energetic and quiet. He has an excellent nose for game. His coat keeps him comfortable in all types of weather.

The English Setter is a hunter, tracker, retriever, and pointer. He is good in obedience and agility. And he makes a good watchdog.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The English Setter has the typical setter profile with a coat that is white with speckles. The setter profile is tall, long and lean. It has a deep, but not wide chest with more fur than the rest of the body. The head of the English setter is long and the muzzle is about half the total head length and somewhat square with a black nose. The ears hang down but are not any more furry than the rest of the body. The eyes have a sweet and interested expression and are usually hazel in color. The tail is up making a curve that ends about the same height as the top of the head. The tail, ears, legs and underside are well feathered. This is a very striking and elegant dog.

The field type is a bit smaller and lighter than the show type. Field types are also much more active than show types.

Coat Color

The coat is what all over and then has speckling of blue, lemon, orange, or brown. The speckling may be more or less heavy and the markings can be of any size. Some dogs are tri-colored – blue, white, and brown.

Coat Type

These dogs have long hair which is flat, silky, and a bit wavy.

Height

Males: 24 - 27 inches
Females: 23 – 26 inches

Weight

Males: 55 – 80 lbs
Females: 45 – 70 lbs

Do not overfeed these dogs as they tend to gain weight easily. They need to look lean.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The English Setter has a sweet personality. He is gentle with children and makes a great companion dog for families or singles. This is an overly friendly dog, but he will bark to announce the arrival of all of his perceived ‘friends.’ The English Setter is extremely active with the field setters being more active than the show setters.

An English Setter enjoys lots of companionship with people and other dogs. Running, leaping, sniffing, roaming, and retrieving are greatly enjoyed several times a day. It loves to play with other dogs and is happy getting exercise in this way. A fenced dog park is a good option if you do not have other dogs or cannot arrange ‘play dates’ with people who have similarly sized, energetic dogs like setters, retrievers, or pointers.

English Setters are roamers, so a secure fence is necessary. The fence may have to be six feet as they are also jumpers and it may need re-inforcement at the base as they are diggers. The English Setter can be quite vocal, so must be taught early in life when to bark and how to be quiet when told. (A few are droolers but not as much as Mastiffs.)

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

The English Setter likes to live inside with the family but go outside often for a play time.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

English Setters are good dogs for homes with children as they are gentle and love children. They are tolerant, almost placid. Mild-mannered and sensitive, they ‘mother’ children. However, they want lots of active exercise outdoors.

Training

English Setters can be willful, even stubborn, so starting obedience training early and continuing for about two years with periodic re-inforcement for the life of the dog is necessary. Housetraining can be difficult with setters. Never be harsh with this sensitive breed.

Activity Level

How active is the Breed?

English Setters are a very active breed throughout their lives. If not sufficiently exercised, they will be hard to handle. They are very rambunctious and love to run outdoors.

This breed is not recommended for apartment living.

Exercise Need

This dog needs to run free in a safe area (huge field with not roads close by or a large fenced area) every day. Long, brisk, daily walks are absolutely necessary if runs are not an option. Dog parks are a good option. Play dates with other dogs in fenced yards will be greatly appreciated.

Grooming

English Setter’s coats only need occasional brushing and combing. The slickness helps them not to get burs and mats as easily as many other dogs; however, if they are in tall grass and underbrush, their coat should be checked. Be sure to use monthly flea and tick preventive.

They shed twice yearly and need extra brushing at those times.

Trim the feet (especially the bottom) and clip the nails monthly.

Baths are needed from time to time.

Health and Care

Do not overfeed the English Setter. He tends to gain weight easily. He should remain thin so that his ribs can be felt (and seen).

Genetic Problems

Hip dysplasia is about the only genetic problem of this breed.

Breeding the Dog and any Cautions

The female English Setter is prone to false pregnancies.

Litter Size: 6 -10

Life Span: 10-12 years.

National Breed Clubs

British – English Setter Association – www.englishsetterassociation.co.uk
US – English Setter Association of America - www.esaa.com

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, ANCK, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: www.esaa.com/rescue.html