English Setter

English Setter History

The English Setter is a gundog that was originally bred in the United Kingdom to hunt, point, and retrieve. The English Setter is one of Britain’s oldest gundogs, with documentation of its ancestry going back to the 16th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the English Setter was the most popular gundog in Britain. However, the breed became less popular with the rise of modern sporting rifles and the development of sports like hunting. In the mid-20th century, the Kennel Club of England voted to discontinue recognition of the English Setter, but this decision was overturned by enthusiasts.

English Setter Physical Characteristics

The English Setter is a medium sized, long coated breed of gundog. They differ from the larger Irish Setters in that they have smaller heads and shorter legs. They have a medium length, feathered tail and a thick, water-repellent, wavy or curly coat that can be red, orange, or lemon in color with white or buff markings. Their ears are rounded, erect, and wide at the base. Their eye color is dark brown. They have a slight under bite and a straight, deep muzzle. Their nose is black and their feet are round and well-arched. The average height of setters is 28 inches for males and 26 inches for females. English setters have been bred for hundreds of years to hunt in heavy cover. They are known for their ability to flush game to the gun.

English Setter Health

Description of breed health.

English Setter Temperament and Behaviour

The English Setter is an elegant, dignified, and confident breed. They are very athletic and agile, and excel in many activities such as agility, tracking, and hunting. They are good-natured, calm, and attentive, but can become easily distracted and bored if they are not given enough mental stimulation. Their coat requires a lot of grooming, but overall they are a low-maintenance and decent-sized breed.

English Setter Activity Requirements

The English Setter is a fun, high-energy dog that loves to play. They are an excellent hunting dog, but they are also very adaptable. They are great companions for an active family or for an older person who wants to stay active. While English Setters can be lazy at times, they do require regular exercise. They are best suited to homes with fenced-in yards where they can run around. An hour or more of vigorous play per day will help your Setter stay happy and healthy.

Kennel Club Recognition