English Setter Dog Breed Information

English Setter Coat

The English Setter has a flat coat of medium length that should never be curly. The hair on the ears, chest, underbelly, and tail should be feathered and soft, while the remaining hair should be close lying and short. The show English Setters usually have a much longer and heavier coat than the field bred type, and they require much more grooming.

English Setter Character

The English Setter is very gentle and has a very endearing personality. This breed can also be willful and experienced handling is a must as this breed can be sensitive to the sound of ones voice. Given the right environment, training, and socialization, this breed will make a wonderful companion. This breed has very strong pointing instincts and does best in a home where he can have a job to do on a regular basis. The English Setter makes an excellent hunting and/or pointing companion.

English Setter Temperament

Enthusiastic and mild mannered, English Setters do well in a family environment making a great child's companion. This breed loves to bark and makes a great watch or alert dog. They should not be trusted around smaller and more passive animals, however can do well with other more common animals such as the cat and the dog, given they have had the proper socialization. The English Setter is a very quick learner, however vies for human attention and requires much of it or they can become destructive and somewhat of a tyrant.

English Setter Care

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.

English Setter Activity

The English Setter is fairly quiet indoors, however is very lively and energetic when allowed to roam off lead. 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. The English Setter should have at least a large fenced yard to have free roam and run. Burrs and/or sticks should be removed from the coat if any are present after such a session.

English Setter Health 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. Puppies should come with a BAER certificate, and parents of the English Setter puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.