English Setter Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the English Setter?

Setters were hunters and have dated back in England for almost 400 years now. They were likely the result of a cross between several types of hunting pooches that included spaniels and pointers.

The 19th century saw the development of the dog breed that we now recognise today and it was developed by Edward Laverack and R.L. Purcell Llewellin, an Englishman and a Welshman.

The Setter desired to be like other dogs, affectionate and a companion to those that owned them. This was Laverack's approach to breeding stock, whereas Llewellin wanted dogs like this but that excelled in their performance on the field.

As such, the cross-breeding taking place would be quite a mix to get the English Setter dog that we see today. Both types of setters created would be imported over to America in the late 1800s and gained popularity there.

This breed is a fairly rare one in comparison to other dogs and they rank around 98th amongst breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.

Who are English Setter dogs best for?

As far as dog breeds go, the English Setter is best for those that want a friendly and gentle dog that's got great manners and will get on with pretty much any dog or human they see.

From their history of crossing with a Spanish Pointer to a Cocker, they have certainly inherited a great personality that makes them great for families of all shapes and sizes. Whether it's a family with younger children or those that need a dog that's going to give them a lot of attention and love.

Whilst they can be alert dogs with a protective attitude, they'll calm down with the right command and obedience training from an early age.

How much grooming does a English Setter need?

The English Setter has a beautiful coat that's sure to keep you warm at night, cuddled up on the couch or in bed if they're allowed. With longer fringes of hair over certain areas of the body, they're beautifully presented dogs when groomed.

Their colours range from orange or lemon Belton to liver Belton hearken and blue Belton and tan.

Brushing their coat at least three times a week is going to help keep the dog's hair free of mats and tangles. This dog does shed but with the regular brushing, you should see a lot fewer falls out as a result.

It's important to bathe them regularly too and this should be every month or so and any time when they might have rolled into something smelly.

Be sure to keep an eye on his floppy ears for infections and brush their teeth around two to three times a week. You'll also benefit from trimming their nails regularly to keep them neat.

Do English Setter bark much?

The English Setter will often bark to gain attention but they generally bark at anything and everything they come into contact with. It's their way of communicating.

And for some dog owners, this isn't a desirable quality and will likely put them off. But for some particularly living on farms or with a large garden and few neighbours, it can be acceptable.

Do English Setter bite?

To keep your English Setter well behaved, it's important to ensure both puppies and toddlers are well acquainted with each other. Young children should also be taught to be gentle with the dog too and vice versa.

English setters in general will tend to do well with other dogs and animals, so it's good to raise them with other breeds in the household. If the dog has a habit of nipping or biting, make sure to curb this sooner rather than later.

What is the temperament & personality of a English Setter?

There isn't really anything not to love when it comes to this breed. They're kind, gentle and affectionate. They make for a lively pup and anyone who wants a get-up-and-go attitude will love the temperament of this breed.

They do need to be socialised properly though and trained in a way that's going to deliver on that temperament. Their personality though is one that they'll have from a young age and it's one that you'll certainly fall in love with!

The English Setter puppy should be given plenty of attention and you'll start to notice personality traits from a young age.

What is the weight & size of a English Setter?

The weight and size of a Setter are often fairly similar from one dog to another. The average height is 63 to 70 cm for males and females between 58 to 63 cm. The weight is 33 to 40 kilos for males and 45 to 55 pounds for females.

How much training does a English Setter need?

Ideally, you want this type of dog to be in a fenced yard to stop them from wandering off. These dogs need plenty of exercise when it comes to their development from a puppy to their adult stages.

It's good to schedule your Setter with a routine of exercise and to fit around your daily habits whether you work from home or leave them alone for a few hours at a time.

Be sure to give them obedience classes where possible from a young age to instil a good-natured attitude in them.

What are some of the most common health issues for a English Setter?

There are a couple of health problems that the English Setter can encounter, despite being generally healthy dogs. Here are a couple of those health issues to expect.

Elbow Dysplasia - A heritable condition that's caused by growth rates in three bones that form the elbow that has not formed properly. This can lead to joint laxity, lameness and arthritis.

Hypothyroidism - Having an abnormally low level of hormone produced in the thyroid gland can lead to this condition. Obvious signs of this can include obesity, low energy levels and infertility.

What is the lifespan of a English Setter?

The lifespan of the dog is down to how well they've looked after. Adult English setters can live a long and healthy life if given the right amount of exercise and diet. The average lifespan for the modern English Setter is 10-12 years old.

How much should you feed a English Setter?

When feeding this dog, you want to aim for around 2 to 3 cups of dog food per day that's divided over two meals. This will help ensure they have enough energy for the day and that they'll maintain a healthy weight.

What is the price of a English Setter in Australia?

The English Setter Association can give you plenty of information when it comes to finding the right breeder for this dog type. For health English setters, pups can cost around $500 upwards and are worth every dollar.

It's worth checking out rescue centres and shelters where possible. It's unlikely that they'll be readily available but you might get lucky!