English Setter Dog Breed

AKC Dog Breeds: English Setter

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Sporting Group
Height:23-27 inches Weight: 50-70 pounds Color: White with overlay markings

A graceful, elegant gundog, the English Setter today excels in the show, obedience and agility rings as well as in the field. Although similar in function to the Irish and Gordon Setters, the English is a distinct breed, differing personality and appearance. Their beautiful feathered coat is white with an intermingling of darker hairs resulting in markings called "belton." Belton markings can be orange, blue, tricolor, lemon and liver. One of the oldest gundog breeds, the English Setter was developed in England more than 400 years ago. Believed to have developed from Spaniel stock, the breed was originally called a Setting Spaniel. Before the use of firearms, this "Setting Spaniel" would find the birds and then crouch down on its front legs or "set" to allow the hunter to throw a net over the game. When guns became widely used, a more upright pointing stance was bred into the Setter so he could be more easily seen. The English Setter was registered by the AKC in 1878.

General Appearance
English Setters are beautiful, elegant, slim setter with a unique speckled coat. The specking may be more or less heavy and the markings may be of any size. The long hair is flat, silky and a bit wavy. The coat comes in white with blue, lemon, orange, or brown speckling. Some dogs are tri-color (blue, white & brown). The head is long, with a pronounced frontal stop. The muzzle is approximately half the total length of the head, and is fairly square. The eyes are large and brilliant, with a sweet expression and they are hazel in color. The nose is dark. The moderately long pendant ears have a velvety tip. The tail, ears, legs, and underside are all heavily fringed. The tail is straight and tapers to a small point. The chest is quite deep, but not wide.

Temperament
A lively and spirited dog with grace, energy, enthusiasm, and a sweet nature, the English Setter has plenty to offer to families. This is a devoted and responsive dog that loves to shower his family with affection and devotion. The English Setter loves the companionship of his owners and family, and is a very sociable creature. These dogs have plenty of energy, and will thrive on spending time with their loved ones enjoying some activity and exercise. The English Setter does not like to be neglected and left alone for long periods, and is therefore not suited to those that do not have the time to commit to looking after and paying attention to a pet. This said, the sweet nature of the English Setter means that he is well suited to both experienced and inexperienced owners. The English Setter loves children and gets along very well with them, although his size and energy levels may prove a problem around very young children. He also tends to get along well with other pets as well as strangers, and has a very sociable disposition. Some English Setters can be willful and stubborn, and this can lead to resistance. They have very good memories and are quick learners, but can also develop bad habits that can be difficult to break. You may find that the English Setter is slow to housebreak.

Grooming
The English Setter requires regular brushing if the coat is to stay in good shape. The feathering of the coat should be checked for burrs as they have the tendency to get stuck in the coat. The English Setter that is used for show should be groomed two three times a week with long brushing sessions and regular cleaning of the coat. Dry shampooing is often used so the natural oils are not removed from the beautiful and long coat. The coat of the show English Setter is commonly heavier and longer than that of the field Setter.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the English Setter is around 10-12 years, and this is generally a healthy and hardy breed with fewer health problems than many other breeds. Some of the health problems and disorders that have been linked to the English Setter include cancer, thyroid problems, HD, and deafness.

Activity Level
English Setters are extremely active dogs, and regular, vigorous exercise is required in order to keep them happy and healthy. Being that this breed was bred for running all day long, they have infinite energy and love to run which requires at least two hours of exercise daily, preferably with some running or other energetic play involved.

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