English Setter
Quick Summary
Elegant sporting dogs ideal for active families, combining gentle temperament with athletic ability. Best suited for owners who can provide exercise, grooming, and companionship.
Contents
Weight Range
45-80 lbs
♂ Male: 65-80 lbs
♀ Female: 45-55 lbs
Height Range
58-69 inches
♂ Male: 25-27"
♀ Female: 25-27"
Life Expectancy
12-12 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #84
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Sporting Group
Originally bred for Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting game birds, these dogs excelled at 'setting' or crouching low when locating birds, allowing hunters to cast nets over the game
Popularity
#94
Moderately popular breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 25"-27" |
| Female Height | 25"-27" |
| Male Weight | 65-80 lbs |
| Female Weight | 45-55 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 3/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($1,000-$2,500), supplies, and vaccinations. Monthly expenses cover premium food, grooming supplies, and preventative care. Regular veterinary checkups and potential health issues add to costs.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
English Setters display a gentle, friendly temperament with high energy levels. They're social butterflies who love family interaction and show patience with children. Their hunting heritage contributes to their keen nose and occasional stubborn streak.
Social Needs
Highly social dogs requiring substantial human interaction and companionship. Get along well with other dogs and pets. Can experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
Breed Overview
English Setters showcase an elegant and athletic build with distinctive speckled coat patterns known as 'belton.' Their graceful movement and medium-sized, well-proportioned frame exemplify sporting dog refinement. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and deep chest, these dogs combine beauty with functionality. Their silky, flat coat features unique feathering on legs, chest, and tail.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Gentle and friendly temperament
- ✓ Excellent with children
- ✓ Athletic and versatile
- ✓ Good hunting companion
Cons
- ✗ Regular grooming required
- ✗ High exercise needs
- ✗ Can be stubborn
- ✗ Moderate shedding
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Mellow, Merry |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Easy Training |
| Grooming Needs | 2-3 Times a Week Brushing |
| Shedding | Regularly |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
English Setters require 60-90 minutes of daily exercise, combining vigorous activities like running and hiking with mental stimulation through hunting games and training sessions. Their high energy level demands consistent, engaging physical activity.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 3-4 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention needed for portion control to prevent weight gain. Active breeds need protein-rich diets with adequate calories for energy.
Feed 3-4 cups of premium dry dog food daily, divided into two meals. Choose protein-rich formulas suitable for active sporting breeds. Monitor weight and adjust portions accordingly, especially during less active seasons.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Best suited for homes with large fenced yards, though can adapt to spacious apartments with sufficient exercise. Thrives in moderate climates and needs access to outdoor spaces for regular activity.
Requires access to a large fenced yard or regular outdoor exercise areas. Adapts well to suburban or rural settings. While they can adjust to apartment living, they need ample space for movement and play.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Sporting dogs emerged in England during the 1800s, developed for bird hunting. Their distinctive hunting style of 'setting' or crouching when finding game birds made them invaluable to hunters before the advent of firearms.
Historical Purpose
Developed in England during the 1800s for hunting game birds, these dogs excelled at 'setting' or crouching low when locating birds, allowing hunters to cast nets over the game.
Fun Fact
Their unique speckled coat pattern, called 'belton,' is a trademark feature that only appears after birth.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular grooming needed for coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Health screening for breed-specific issues recommended.