ENGLISH SETTER

Temperament: Friendly, Mellow, Merry

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 94 of 196

Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 45-55 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 12 years

Group: Sporting Group

ABOUT THE ENGLISH SETTER

The English Setter dog breed was named for these dogs’ practice of “setting,” or crouching low, when they found birds so hunters could throw their nets over them. After the development of the gun, breeders developed the dog so they would stand in the more traditional Pointer style.

Like many sporting dogs, the English Setter is divided into two types. Those bred for the field have less feathering — long fringes of hair, usually on the legs, belly, and tail — and their coat is not as abundant. They are somewhat smaller than English Setters bred for the show ring. You may hear them called Llewellin or Llewellin-type English Setters after the British gentleman who most influenced their development.

PERSONALITY

The English Setter should be affectionate, kind, and gentle. He’s lively, as befits a sporting dog, but not so active that he’ll exhaust you. An English Setter will bark to let you know someone is approaching the home, but he welcomes people that you introduce to him.

English Setters are quiet indoors, but outside they love to run and play with other dogs and people. A daily run, off-leash play in a fenced area, or an energetic hike through a nearby park or wilderness area will be just this English breed’s cup of tea. While he’s generally mild mannered and sensitive, the English Setter can be a little willful. Counter that tendency with kind but firm training from early puppyhood, and set boundaries so he knows exactly what you expect.

NUTRITION

Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Once the dog is a year old, feeding a good-quality dog food twice a day is ideal. Keep in mind that English Setters can easily overeat and become obese, so you’ll need to monitor your dog’s diet his entire life to make sure he maintains a healthy weight.

HEALTH

Not all Setters will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed.

Hip Dysplasia

Hypothyroidism

Deafness

Elbow Dysplasia

CARE

An English Setter needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ideally this could be a daily vigorous run or play session in a large, securely fenced area. Many owners don’t have access to such an area, however, so they may ride a bicycle with their English Setter alongside on a leash, jog with him, or take him for long walks or hikes.

Even though they are energetic athletes when outdoors, English Setters will usually settle right down as quiet companions in the home after their daily run or walk.

GROOMING

To keep their long, silky coats beautiful, English Setters need to be brushed at least once a week with a soft bristle brush. A long-toothed metal dog comb can also come in handy for gently working through areas where tangles may be beginning to form. Left unattended, tangles and mats are uncomfortable for your dog and can cause skin problems to develop. Regular trimming around the face, feet, and other areas can keep your English Setter looking neat.

Source: dogtime, akc.