ENGLISH SETTER
Breed Group: Gun Dog
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel Club or American Kennel Club
Average height: 61 - 68 cms (24 - 27 in)
Average Weight: 20 - 36 kgs (44 - 79 lbs)
Coat Length: Medium
Life Span: 10 - 12 years
Colours: Blue belton, orange belton, tri-blue, liver belton, lemon belton, or blue belton and tan
HISTORY
English Setters originated as hunting dogs in England as long as four hundred years ago. They are one of the oldest gun dog breeds.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR ENGLISH SETTER
- They are a big, soft, people-pleasing goofball
- Too big for it, but they do consider themselves a lap dog who loves affection
- Their eyes are pools of melting deliciousness
- They are intensely friendly and are happy as long as they are with you
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- They need space to stretch their legs and the instinct to hunt birds is strong, even in the show lines
- They have high grooming needs
- They can suffer from separation anxiety
YOUR ENGLISH SETTER PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Loose leash walking
- Barking
- Recall
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- Enable access to free running spaces
- Food is the way to their heart and mind
- Invest in good grooming brushes as white hair shows on everything
UPBRINGING
Give them plenty of soft gentle environmental life exposures to the world that will enrich their life to no end. Crate (confinement) training may not suit them at an early age so invest time in ensuring their space to roam is free of hazards in the house. Provide them with plenty of different types of structures to chew on to help alleviate those dentition issues. It's never too early to start recall training. Consider introducing a whistle for those distant meanders.
LIFESTYLE
The biggest challenges with this breed is their size. English Setters are large dogs who need space to move and that might mean upgrading the car or finding larger tables to sit at when out in public. Due to their being a rare breed, be prepared for strangers to cross the road to say hello and be equally prepared for people to argue that your English Setter is in fact a 'long-haired Dalmation'!
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
You can set up hunting and quartering to find 'stuff' with your puppy so that their hunt instinct is managed into your life while at the same time meeting their instinctual need.
EDUCATION
They learn mostly with their stomachs and enjoy chasing games. Playing with this breed is bonding for the future freedoms that this dog needs.
