English Setters are medium to large-sized dog breeds known for their elegant beauty and charm. The English Setter features a speckled coat pattern of colors that comes in liver, lemon, and orange colors; Belton is what people call it. Their coats are long, silky, wavy, and beautiful, matching their large hazel eyes perfectly.
English Setters are known to be graceful family dogs who love people. They are also known to be mild-mannered and can quickly adapt to any living conditions. If you’re an inexperienced owner looking for a mellow dog to raise, then the English Setter might be for you.
English Setter Breed Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Sporting |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Height | 25-27 inches (male); 23-25 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male); 45-55 pounds (female) |
| Lifespan | 12 years |
English Setter Breed Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
English Setter History
The English Setter is a hunting dog from England that was developed about 400-500 years ago. They are among the oldest gun dog breeds and were originally known as a setting spaniel. And it is believed that several dogs were crossed to develop the English Setter.
However, the modern English Setter we know today was developed in the 19th century by two men, Laverack and Llewellin. The development began in 1825 with two dogs, Ponto and Old Moll, the breed’s foundation.
Laverack’s goal was to develop a breed that was gentle and companionable. But it must also do better in show rings than in the field. Llewellin improved Laverack’s line of dogs by improving their field performance, adding a great sense of smell and fast speed.
This resulted in two types of English Setters – the show ring and field ring. Both types reached the US in the late 1800s. By the year 1878, the American Kennel Club registered the breed.
Now, the English Setter is considered a rare dog breed and currently ranks 94th as the most popular breed in America. Regardless of the type you get, show ring or field ring, both will make excellent family companions.
English Setter Temperament
Although there are two types of English Setters, the temperament of two kinds are most likely the same. The field type English Setters are the ones with strong hunting instincts, while the show type English Setters are more laid back and require a lesser amount of exercise.
But, regardless of the type, English Setter dogs are generally friendly, mellow, and merry dogs. They are never aggressive dogs and are mostly affectionate, kind, and gentle to everyone. They are known to be the mildest-mannered out of the three setter breeds.
With their sociable personalities, they shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. You should make sure someone is with them, even if it’s other pets; English Setters are known to be good with other pets.
If someone suspicious comes in your home, he will surely bark at them. But they are also quick to come down once introduced. They are amiable dogs, even with strangers.
Early socialization and training will make them more well-rounded dogs. You might experience a form of resistance, but persistence is all you need. You must also be able to instill in them that you’re their leader.
English Setter Care Requirements
- Nutrition: English Setters will do well with a high-quality and well-balanced meal daily. Meals should contain all the essential nutrients that will supply their daily energy needs. High-quality ingredients are necessary to have in home-cooked meals. Protein should comprise the largest component of your dog’s meal. Then, it must also contain fat and carbohydrates. You can buy some fresh animal meal, fish oil, chicken oil, and whole grains. Add some fruits and vegetables, too, to help aid better digestion. If you want to feed him dog food, make sure you choose the premium quality ones. These don’t contain fillers and additives that may harm your dog. If your dog has allergies to any food, make sure to take note of those and always pay close attention to the ingredients.
- Grooming: English Setter dogs have long and beautiful silky coats that shed regularly. It needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week if you don’t want dead hair all over your floor and furniture. This will also help prevent tangles or mats from forming, which may cause skin problems. Regularly trim the areas around the face and feet to keep them looking neat. As for baths, you can bathe them once a month, or depending on how much they need it. Just make sure to clean their ears to avoid ear infection regularly. Nails should be cleaned and trimmed regularly to avoid pain and discomfort to your dog.
- Exercise: English Setters are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Generally, these dogs are content running around an enclosed fence. However, if you don’t have a secured area for them to run around, take them for a walk on-leash. Other activities you can do are biking, jogging, long walks, and hiking. This is perfect if you’re a lover of the outdoors as well. No need for high-impact activities as these may cause damage to their joints.
- Health: English Setters are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. The more you’re aware of what diseases they are prone to, the more you can prevent it. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common to dogs of this size. This is why it’s essential to give them the right amount of exercise to keep their bones and joints healthy. Other common diseases to watch are hypothyroidism and deafness. Try to observe your dog’s behavior daily and record any particular changes. If there is, take him immediately to the vet for a check-up. You can also let your dog undergo some screening tests to detect other health conditions at an early stage.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of English Setters is 12 years.
Famous English Setters
- Ponto and Old Moll: The foundation of all modern English Setter dogs
- Winks: President Roosevelt English Setter
Fun Facts about English Setters
- English Setters originated from England about 400-500 years ago.
- They were used as a status symbol in the early 17th century; no common man is allowed to own them.
- There are two types of English Setters – show ring and field dogs.
- They have a unique coat pattern called Belton.
- It’s a rare dog breed.
Check Out Other Sporting Dog Breeds:
American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Brittany, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Kooikerhondje, Labrador Retriever, Lagotti Romagnoli, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Pointer, Spinoni Italiani, Sussex Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Wirehaired Vizslas