English Setter

• The English Setter dog breed is known for its beautiful, elegant physique and uniquely wavy and speckled coat. The hair is long, flat, and silky and may be white with blue, orange, lemon, or brown speckling.

• The head is long, with a square muzzle and brilliant, large hazel eyes that have an always-sweet expression.

• The ears, tail, underside, and legs are heavily fringed, the chest is deep, and the straight tail tapers to a point.

———————— Temperament ————————

• English Setters are gentle, friendly, placid dogs that are both mild mannered and sensitive. They love affection and are excellent with children. Lively and enthusiastic outdoors, they tend to be calm and inactive indoors.

• Dogs may be willful and hard to housebreak, so training should start early. They can also be vocal, so barking should be discouraged when they are young.

• This breed gets along very well with other dogs. They like to wander and are good jumpers and diggers. Field types are more active and require more stimulation than show types.

———————— Height and Weight ————————

• Adult males tend to be 24-27 inches tall and weigh around 55-80 pounds.

• Adult females are generally 23-26 inches tall and weigh about 45-70 pounds.

———————— Living Conditions and Exercise ————————

• The English Setter dog breed does best with an average-sized yard, and is not recommended for apartment living.

• These energetic dogs need daily long walks and time to run free in a fenced-yard if possible. Under-exercised dogs will become difficult and restless.

———————— Life Expectancy ————————

• Well-cared for dogs can be expected to live 10-12 years.

———————— Grooming ————————

• The coat can be kept in excellent condition with regular brushing and combing. Check for tangles and burrs. Dry shampoo or bathe only when necessary.

• The hair on the bottom of their feet should be trimmed, and nails should be kept well-clipped.

• They are average shedders.

———————— History ————————

• The English Setter dog breed is part of the Setter line. Setters were initially bred as a combination of the French Pointer and Spanish Pointer, then brought to Great Britain. Sir Edward Laverack, a skilled breeder, developed the English Setter for its beauty and skill, and dogs from his line are often known as Laverack Setters. Llewellin, another English breeder, created a hunting strain known as "Llewellin Setters".

• Setters get their name from the sitting position they assume when they have located game in the field.

• English Setters were bred for their excellent nose, tireless work ethic, ability to hunt in both cold and hot weather, and talents for hunting, retrieving, watchdogging, tracking, and pointing.

———————— Group and Recognition ————————

• Grouping: Gun Dog, AKC Sporting

• Recognition: CKC, ACR, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC

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