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English setter

The English setter is one of the oldest gundog breeds, developed over four centuries to find and set — freeze in front of — game birds for a hunter.

The modern breed owes its type largely to Edward Laverack and Purcell Llewellin in the 1800s, whose lines still divide show and field dogs.

It is an elegant, medium-large dog with a long silky coat feathered on the legs, chest and tail, and a distinctive flecked pattern called belton — blue, orange, lemon or liver. Setters are gentle, sociable and notably mild-tempered, described in the old books as the gentleman among gundogs.

Origin
England
Size
20–36 kg, 58–69 cm at the shoulder
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Long, silky and flat, with heavy feathering
Temperament
Gentle, sociable, mild, occasionally dreamy
Exercise
At least 1.5 hours daily

Related: American English coonhound · English cocker spaniel · English foxhound · English shepherd · English springer spaniel

2 english setter photos, newest first

English setter feed
  • Apricot, a english setter

    Apricot

    Apricot was promoted to librarian managing an avalanche of blank books; unfortunately, a domino line stops one piece before the finish.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Apricot, a english setter

    Apricot

    The face Apricot makes when the walk ends.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a english setter

The feathering mats and collects burrs; brush two or three times a week and trim around the feet.

They were bred to range widely in front of a gun, and that is what an under-exercised setter does with a garden. Field lines especially need real distance and preferably scentwork.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia occur and should be scored. Congenital deafness appears in the breed and litters can be BAER-tested. Hypothyroidism and, in some lines, autoimmune conditions are also seen. The pendulous ears need checking and drying regularly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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