Quick Facts:

Group Classification: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

Country of origin:  England

Date of origin: 1500

Weight (M):  25-26 kg Height (M): 24-27 inches

Weight (F):  25-36 kg Height (F): 23-26 inches       

Life expectancy:  10 to 12 years

History

The initial undeveloped Setter dog came from France in 1500 and was a crossbreed of the French pointer and Spanish pointer breeds. After three centuries, the breed was taken to Great Britain and the true developer was a tremendously gifted breeder known as Sir Edward Laverack. Laverack discovered the English setter breed from ancient French hunting dogs in the early 1800s. Sir Edward became so instrumental in instituting the breed; that explains the common reference these dogs get-Laverack Setter. English Setters were famous for their magnificent beauty and qualify as the foundation stocks for most current top show dog breeds. Llewellin, who was the other English breeder, came up with the second version of the Setter dogs known as Llewellin Setters. The phrase ‘Setter’ is attributed to the sitting positions of these dogs.

General Description

English Setters fall under the Setter family that consists of black-and-tan Gordon Setters, Irish Setters and Irish Read and White Setters. These dogs are elegant, slim and beautiful with magnificent spotted coats. The spotting can be slightly heavy while markings are in different sizes. English Setters have long and flat hair, which are to some extent wavy. Conversely, the fur comes in a variety of colors like brown, blue, orange and lemon. In addition, other breeds come in three colors, namely brown, blue and white. While heads have pronounced frontal stops and are long, muzzles are moderately square and roughly half the dimension of the dog’s head. Alternatively, eyes are brilliant large, hazel in color with sweet expressions. English Setters have dark noses and reasonably long pendant ears that have furry tips. The underside, tails, legs and ears all have heavy fringes. While chests are by some means deep and not excessively wide, tails are straight and narrow.

Temperament

English Setters are extremely respectful, hospitable and peaceful dogs that are exceptionally good in the company of children and other dogs. Sensitive and mild mannered, English Setters love complete sociability, lively and enthusiastic outdoor environment, although they are inactive under detention and can get stubborn during housebreaking. To prevent bad behavior, dog masters are supposed to start training the dogs at tender ages. English Setters need peaceful, commanding but reliable, firm and self-assured owners though mistreating them is a vice. Additionally, these breeds are not just roamers, good diggers and great jumpers, but also make the most excellent watchdogs.

Health and Care

Dog owners have to be extremely careful while feeding English Setters because when over-fed, the dogs have a susceptibility of gaining more weight. This makes them more prone to hip dyslasia while the female dogs develop high chances of harboring false pregnancies. English setters ought to be brushed and combed on a daily basis, paying more attention to feathery coat portions close to the tail region and legs. This daily care and maintenance ritual is not just for the sake of vanity but to prevent common health problems facing the breeds. For instance, when debris is trapped on the fur of these breeds, it causes irritation, coat damages and flea-infestation. Bathing and shampooing the dogs should be done at least two times a week to avoid other imminent infections. Toenail-clipping is also essential every time the owners bath the English setters.

Pets4You offers listings of English Setter breeders with puppies for sale.