The English Setter is a large sporting breed that is gentle and friendly. This native of England requires plenty of exercise.

Physical Characteristics

• Slim and elegant with unique speckled coat
• Long hair is flat, silky and bit wavy
• Coat comes in blue, lemon, orange or liver (brown); some could be tri-colored
• Large eyes
• Black or dark brown nose
• Long pendant ears with velvety tip
• Weight: 24-26 inches
• Height: 45-80 pounds
• Average lifespan: 10-14 years

Temperament

• Gentle, lively, friendly, mild-mannered, sensitive, calm
• Interaction with people: Excellent with children
• Interaction with animals: Enjoys playing with other dogs
• Level of attention needed: Needs lots of human companionship
• Training: Needs early training and socialization; can be difficult to housebreak

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments
• Needs daily exercise
• Needs average-sized yard
• Enjoys running free in safety of fenced yard

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Coat needs extra care when shedding
• Needs regular combing and brushing
• Check for burrs and tangles
• Trim hair on bottom of feet and clip nails

Brief History

• English setter developed from early French hunting dogs around 1860 in England by Sir Edward Laverack
• Registered in the Kennel Club in London since 1873
• Many noble families in England kept kennels of setters for hunting and shooting
• Different interests among breeders led to today’s division in the breed of show dogs and working dogs

Fido's Facts

• One of the oldest breeds of gun dog
• The word "setter" comes from the sitting-like position exhibited when the breed discovers game
• Contrary to popular belief, the three setters - English, Gordon and Irish - are three separate breeds, not different colors within the same breed