English Setter

also known as Llewellin (or Llewellyn) Setter, Lawerack, Laverack

Pros History


The English Setter is a breed of dog that has a long and rich history dating back to the 16th century. The breed is believed to have originated in England and is known for its elegant appearance, friendly personality and excellent hunting skills. The breed's name, "English Setter," comes from the breed's method of "setting" or crouching low to the ground to indicate the presence of game birds.

The origins of the English Setter can be traced back to the 16th century in England, where it was developed by crossing Spanish Pointers with local land and water spaniels. The breed was used primarily for hunting game birds, such as grouse and partridge, and was known for its excellent sense of smell and ability to locate and point game birds. Over time, the breed was refined to have a more elegant appearance, with a long, silky coat, and a distinctive "set" or crouch when pointing game birds.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the English Setter became a popular breed among the upper classes and was often depicted in paintings and literature of the time. The breed's popularity continued to grow in the United States in the 19th century, and the first English Setters were imported to the US in the late 1800s. The English Setter was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1884.

During the 20th century, the breed's popularity declined due to the increasing popularity of other pointing breeds, such as the German Shorthaired Pointer and the English Pointer. However, the breed's popularity began to recover in the late 20th century, and the English Setter is now a popular breed in both the United States and Europe. The English Setter was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1906.

The name "English Setter" is believed to have originated from the breed's hunting technique of "setting" or crouching low to the ground to indicate the presence of game birds, which is unique to this breed. This behavior, which is called "setting" or "crouching" is a key characteristic of the breed and is an important aspect of its hunting abilities. As the breed was developed in England, it was named after the country of origin which is "English" and the action that the dog does when hunting which is "Setter".

Breed Information


Type

Is English Setter a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were English Setters originally used for?

Bird Setting, Retrieving

Lifespan

How Long Do English Setters Live? What is average life expectancy for an English Setter? How long can English Setters live?

10-12 years

The average English Setter lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

English Setter Height & Weight


How big is a full grown English Setter?

What is the average height of an English Setter? How big is an Purebred English Setter height? English Setter dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 25-27 inches (63.5 - 68.6 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 24.0 inches (61 cm) 26.0 inches (66 cm)
Female 23-25 inches (58.4 - 63.5 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm)
What is the average weight of an English Setter? How much should English Setters weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 60-80 pounds (27 - 36 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 62.5 pounds (28 kg)
Female 45-55 pounds (20 - 25 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 34.0 pounds (15 kg) 52.5 pounds (24 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do English Setters get fat easily?

They are known for having a strong tendency to become overweight. It is important to find a balance between providing enough exercise and controlling their food intake. To maintain a healthy weight, it is recommended to increase the frequency and duration of daily walks and to engage in more playtime with the English Setter.

Hypoallergenic

Are English Setters Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the English Setter is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an English Setter personality? What are English Setter dogs best known for?

Strong
Willed
Gentle
Intelligent
Mischievous
Energetic

Shedding Level

Are English Setters heavy shedders? How Much Does an English Setter Shed?

English Setter dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your English Setter. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an English Setter dog?

The English Setter dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do English Setters come from?

England

Ancestry

What are English Setters descended from?

Gundog, Setter, Pointer, Hunter

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the English Setter breed?

Unknown

Date of Birth

When were English Setters first bred? How old is the English Setter breed?

1300s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an English Setter?

Sporting (AKC:1884)
Gun Dog (UKC)

English Setter Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are English Setter eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can English Setter nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can English Setter coat be naturally?

Brown
Red
Blue

Coat Length

How long is an English Setters coat?

The coat of an English Setter is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The English Setter Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an English Setter?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an English Setter have in a litter? How many puppies can an English Setter have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

An English Setter can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

English Setter dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

English Setter Health Issues


Health Issues

Do English Setters have a lot of health problems?

The English Setter is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an English Setter?

Deafness
Hip Dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to English Setters?

Ectropion
Hemophilia
Atopic Dermatitis

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for English Setter breed?

Eye
Hip
Elbow
Hearing
X-Rays
Physical Examination

English Setter Needs and Activities


Energy

Do English Setters have a lot of energy?

English Setters are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do English Setters need socialization? How social are English Setters?

English Setter have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should English Setters get?

The English Setter needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an English Setter have? Do English Setters sleep a lot?

English Setters dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does an English Setter drool a lot?

The English Setter is a dog that is known for its low drooling tendency. If you dislike drool marks on your clothing, the English Setter could be a suitable choice for you.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The English Setter is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do English Setters exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

English Setter dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are English Setters mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an English Setter running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do English Setter dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do English Setters enjoy doing? How do I keep my English Setter busy?

Walk, Run, Hunt, Walking, Chase, Fetch, Shake, Dog Parks, Cuddling, Swim, Beach, Cuddl

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an English Setter? How much energy does an English Setter have?

Medium

English Setters are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an English Setter walk each week? How many miles should an English Setter walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For English Setter, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an English Setter should exercise a day? How much activity does an English Setter need?

60 minutes

In general most English Setters usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an English Setter?

The English Setter is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an English Setter?

Daily

Ideally, English Setter should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for English Setters?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an English Setter eat?

3.2 cups

For an average 60-80 pound (27 - 36 kg) English Setter feed 3.2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an English Setter Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of an English Setter is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an English Setter Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of an English Setter is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

English Setter Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an English Setter?

The English Setter breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an English Setter dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are English Setter dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do English Setter do well in apartments? Are English Setters good indoor dogs?

The English Setter is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are English Setters good with kids? Are English Setters good around children?

A English Setters typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are English Setters good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are English Setters good with cats? How friendly English Setters are toward cats?

English Setters are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do English Setter dogs get along with other dogs? Are English Setters OK with other dogs?

English Setters are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do English Setter dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are English Setters friendly with strangers?

English Setters are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do English Setters like to play? Are English Setters playful?

The English Setter is a playful dog. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your English Setter is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15-20 minutes, and it will mean the world to them.

Trainability

Are English Setter easily trained?

English Setter dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Friendly
    English Setters are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companion dogs.
  • Cat Friendly
    English Setter dogs have a temperament that allows them to coexist peacefully with cats.
  • Beautiful Coat
    English Setters have a beautiful and silky coat that comes in a variety of colors.
  • Boat Dog
    English Setter breed commonly relishes the experience of being on boats.
  • Energetic
    English Setters are energetic dogs that enjoy being active and playing.
  • Intelligence
    English Setters are intelligent dogs that can excel in a variety of activities.

Cons

  • Not Apartment Friendly
    The English Setter breed may not be ideal for apartment dwellers.
  • Exercise Needs
    English Setters require a significant amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    English Setters may not be able to handle the distractions of an office.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    English Setters are inclined to have weight issues.
  • Barking
    A distinctive trait of this breed of dog is their loudness.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    English Setters may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Needs
    English Setters have a long and silky coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance.