English Setter

Among the hunting dog breeds, the English Setter stands out in the bird-hunting category. Besides its skill at finding game, it's also an excellent companion dog thanks to its overall traits.

If you're thinking about getting an English Setter, you should first learn about its temperament, behavior, and what needs it has to have met. Want to learn more about this fabulous breed? We'll tell you... EVERYTHING!!

Origin of the English Setter

The English Setter is a breed whose history goes back 500 years. It most likely emerged from a cross between the Spanish Pointer and the English Springer Spaniel. It's a breed bred to hunt birds, since its job was to freeze in place once it located them. The breed evolved to match what breeders were after, eventually settling into the appearance we know today.

The work of establishing the "final version" of the Setter is credited to Edward Laverack, from England. During the 19th century, the breed migrated to the United States, where it quickly grew popular.

Physical Characteristics of the English Setter

The English Setter is an excellent pointing dog. In hunting work, its skill is comparable to the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon's, thanks to its outstanding tracking and locating abilities.

This is a medium-sized dog with a high-held head and elegant movement, as described in the breed standard registered with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). The Setter's skull is oval, and its head has a dark nose, either black or liver-colored. The back is short and level, with rounded ribs, a deep chest, and wide hips.

The eyes are oval, with a bright dark iris ranging from hazel to chestnut. As for the ears, they're low-set and medium-sized, falling against the skull in soft folds and waves. The Setter's muzzle is elongated and well defined, the jaw doesn't protrude and closes in a scissor bite. The tail, meanwhile, is long, curved, and thickly feathered.

The English Setter's coat is one of its biggest draws. It's long and silky to the touch, waving without curling at the back of the head. It's also longer behind the thighs and front legs, even reaching the ground. The coat appears as a base color with patches, with varieties including black and white, orange and white, liver and white, tricolor, and others.

Height between 65 and 68 cm in males and between 61 and 65 cm in females Weight between 29 and 36 kg in males and between 20 and 29 kg in females Long, thick coat, solid base with patches Friendly, easygoing temperament Average health, prone to some congenital conditions Estimated life expectancy of approximately 12 years

Temperament and Personality of the English Setter

The Setter is an excellent hunting dog, but it also has wonderful qualities as a life companion and household pet.

It's a friendly, good-natured dog, very affectionate and attentive toward its owners. Its gentle personality makes it an excellent dog for living alongside other pets and children, since the English Setter gets along well with others.

Disciplined and elegant, it's not difficult to train, thanks to its intelligence and its eagerness to please. Setter puppies are curious, so they need supervision to prevent them from hurting themselves.

You won't have trouble training it, and it will make an excellent companion dog with wonderful qualities, such as a great sense of smell. Its hunting background also keeps it from being overly barky.

Care the English Setter Needs

As with other breeds, socialization and training are recommended from puppyhood. Puppies' curiosity needs guidance, as does their use of their nose, since they love following scent trails. Without training, this can lead them to follow their instincts regardless of the consequences.

Scolding affects the Setter emotionally, so it's best to train it using positive reinforcement. Keep some treats on hand to reward it, along with petting and kind words when it does what you ask. Aside from that, it's very easy to train.

Although they adapt well to apartment living, their energetic personality calls for a house with a yard or life in a rural setting, where they'll happily enjoy the freedom to run through nature. Before turning two, it's recommended to only take it on walks, since its bones are still forming and lack the strength needed for other activities.

From age two onward, the English Setter is the perfect dog for running or cycling alongside you, which lets it exercise properly. Don't forget the leash or harness to keep its instincts from leading it toward smaller animals.

After its daily run or walk, it enjoys staying home and taking part in family life, where it shows a calm, very gentle attitude.

Common Diseases in the English Setter

With regular vet visits, exercise, and quality food, the Setter is a healthy dog. That said, the breed is prone to a few conditions, such as:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Ear infections