Do you want to know the ins and outs of the English Setter personality? Do you want to know what to expect from this breed and how to best care for them? If so, this guide is for you.
The English Setter is a medium to large-sized dog originally bred in England for hunting game birds. They are gentle, loving, and friendly dogs that make great family pets. They are also relatively easy to train and are good with children.
However, you should know a few things about the English Setter personality before bringing one home. Read on to learn more about this wonderful breed.
History of the English Setter
The English Setter is a descendant of the Old English Setting Dog, which was used in England for hunting game birds. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1874.
Edward Laverack developed the modern English Setter in the 19th century. His breeding program focused on producing dogs with good hunting instincts and a gentle, loving temperament.
The English Setter was originally bred in various colors, but the most popular color today is blue belton, orange belton, liver belton, and chestnut belton.
During the 19th century, the English Setter became one of the most popular breeds in England and America. They were used extensively for hunting and were also popular show dogs.
However, the English Setter’s popularity declined in the 20th century as other breeds became more popular for hunting and retrieving games. Today, the English Setter is still used for hunting in some parts of the world but is more commonly kept as a pet.
Types Of English Setters
There are two kinds of English Setters.
The original field/hunting variety commonly referred to as the “Llewellin Setter,” is smaller, has a broader, more natural-looking head, and has significantly less hair. These dogs have a high energy level and need daily exercise due to their innate hunting drive.
The English Setter bred for the “bench” or “show” is a tall dog with a long, narrow head and a lot of silky hair that needs regular grooming. Compared to field lines, these dogs are more chill and happy to just go on long walks and play the occasional game of fetch.
English Setter Dog Breed Information And Characteristics
✅ Size: 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder
✅ Weight: 40-80 pounds
✅ Coat: Long and silky, can be wavy or curly.
✅ Color: Blue Belton (a mottled blue and white), liver Belton (a mottled liver and white), tricolor (black, white, and brown), or a solid color with ticking (small dots of color)
✅ Life expectancy: 12-15 years
✅ Activity level: High
✅ Trainability: Fairly easy to train
✅ Good with children: Yes
✅ Good with other pets: Yes
✅ Shedding: Seasonal
✅ Routine Care: Regular brushing and grooming required
Common English Setter Personality Traits
Just like people, each English Setter dog has their own unique personality. However, some common traits are seen in most members of this breed.
🐕 Friendly
The English setter is a friendly dog known for its outgoing and affectionate personality. This breed is known to be particularly good with children, and they are often described as being “second best” only to the Labrador retriever in terms of their friendly and relaxed demeanor.Â
A key factor in the English setter’s friendly nature is that they are not overly protective of their home and family, which means they are less likely to become defensive or aggressive when meeting new people or animals.
🐕 Loving
The English setter dog is a loving and devoted breed that forms strong bonds with its family. They are known for being particularly attached to their owners and may become anxious or depressed if left alone for too long. This breed is also known for being very affectionate and loving towards their family members, and they will often try to sit on laps or lean against their owners for attention and affection.
🐕 Gentle
The English Setter’s gentle nature is due partly to its working dog history. Unlike some other breeds, it was not selectively bred for aggression or fighting purposes. Instead, its gentle temperament was prized by hunters who valued a calm yet responsive partner in the field.
This breed’s gentle nature also makes it an excellent choice for families with small children. While they may be too large and energetic for very young children, their gentle nature makes them less likely to knock over or injure a child when playing accidentally.
🐕 Easy to Train
Like Irish setter, the English setter is an intelligent dog breed that is relatively easy to train. This breed is eager to please its owners and responds well to positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise. However, they can also be stubborn at times and may require patience and consistency when training.
🐕 Good-Natured
The English setter is a good-natured breed known for its cheerful and friendly personality. This breed is often described as being “happy-go-lucky” and is always up for a game of fetch or a walk in the park.
This breed’s good nature also makes it an excellent choice for families with small children. They are unlikely to become defensive or aggressive, even when provoked, and will usually only bark if they feel their family is in danger.
🐕 High Energy Level
The English setter is a high-energy breed that requires daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This breed is known for its strong hunting instinct and will often try to chase small animals, such as squirrels or birds. If not given an outlet for their energy, they may become restless and destructive.
While the adult English setters high energy level can be a challenge for some owners, it also means that this breed is always up for a game of fetch or a walk in the park. They are also known for being very enthusiastic and love to play with their family members.
🐕 Sensitive
The English setter is a sensitive breed known for its responsive and intelligent nature. This breed quickly learns new commands and responds to its owner’s cues. However, they may also quickly pick up on negative emotions, such as stress or anxiety.
This breed’s sensitivity means they may do best in a calm and quiet home where they can feel safe and secure. They may also benefit from having a predictable daily routine, as sudden changes can be stressful for them.
English Setter Interesting Breed Facts
The energetic English setter requires regular and extensive physical activity, especially as a young pup. This breed is ideal for those who spend much time outdoors, such as hikers or joggers. Without vigorous daily exercise, the dog could grow unruly. A young English setter or a puppy should only be overexercised once the dog is 12 to 14 months old.
English setters are known for their extreme sociability. He’s not a fan of being confined to the yard or a doghouse. He requires more human company and participation in human activities than the average dog.
If you don’t brush the coat at least once a week, it will tangle and mat. English setters are average shedders.
This is a strongly people-oriented breed that does not like to be left alone for more than a few hours. If you work all day, this is different from the breed for you. Without human companionship, the English setter can become anxious, stressed, and even depressed-destructive behaviors.
An English setter will only do well in an apartment or condo if you are willing to take him out for several long walks or runs daily. This breed needs at least an average-sized yard. Some growing English setters have a strong prey drive and will chase small animals.
This is not a breed for first-time dog owners. The English setter requires a patient, firm, and consistent owner in their training methods. This breed is intelligent and quick to learn, but they can also be stubborn at times.
English Setter Breed Specific Health Concerns
The English setter is a relatively healthy breed. However, there are a few health concerns that owners should be aware of.
❎ Dental Disease
The most frequent chronic condition in pets is dental disease, which affects 80% of dogs by age two. Additionally, your English Setter’s dental health is more vulnerable than other canine breeds. Initial symptoms include visible tartar buildup and eventual infection of the gums and tooth roots.Â
Your friend will lose their teeth and be at risk for complications with her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints if you don’t care for her dental health. It may shorten the lifespan of your English Setter by as much as three years!
❎ Skin infections and Allergies
The English setter’s long, silky coat is beautiful but also susceptible to skin infections and allergies. The most common problem is Hotspots, which are painful, itchy sores that can become infected. If your dog is licking or scratching itself excessively, check for red, inflamed areas on the skin. Other common allergies include environmental (grass, pollen, dust mites) and food allergies.
❎ Cancer
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of two, and English setters are especially susceptible. The most common types of cancer in this breed are lymphoma and mast cell tumors. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so take your English setter to the vet for regular check-ups.
❎ Hip Dysplasia (HD)
In this genetic disorder, the thighbone is malformed and does not fit properly into the hip socket. While some dogs with hip dysplasia exhibit lameness and pain in their hind legs, others may show no difficulty. Arthritis is a common condition among senior dogs.
It’s not okay to breed dogs who have hip dysplasia. If you’re looking to acquire a puppy, be sure the breeder can provide documentation indicating both of the parents have been checked for hip dysplasia and found to be healthy. While genetic predispositions play the largest role in hip dysplasia, environmental factors, including rapid development due to a high-calorie diet or accidents sustained from jumping or falling on slippery flooring, can help bring on the condition.
❎ Deafness
It’s not uncommon for dogs to be born deaf, which presents many difficulties for both the dog and the owner. While some forms of hearing loss and deafness can be helped with medicine and surgery, the condition is seldom healed. A deaf dog needs your patience and attention, but various devices are available to help, such as vibrating collars. Consider carefully whether you have the time, energy, and resources necessary to care for a dog with hearing loss or complete deafness. No matter what you decide, it would be best to let the breeder know so they can take precautions to prevent a repeat of the breeding.
❎ Elbow Dysplasia
Sadly, this is a genetic problem that affects many large-breed dogs. It’s a group of conditions that can cause the elbow joint to develop abnormally. The result is pain and lameness in the front legs. While there is no cure, surgery may help to relieve the symptoms. As with hip dysplasia, it’s important to avoid breeding dogs with elbow dysplasia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the English setter’s temperament and personality traits?
A: The English setter temperament is a lively, friendly, and affectionate dog. They are good with children and other pets and love to play. They are also very intelligent, so they can be stubborn and require patience when training.
Q: How can the pet health problems of an English setter be prevented?
A: The best way to prevent pet health problems is to buy from a responsible breeder who health tests their dogs. You should also take your English setter to the vet for health care and regular check-ups.
Q: Does an English setter puppy need a companion?
A: Yes. English setters are social creatures and need companionship to be happy. The English setter dog breed is known for its kind nature. They’re happy to socialize with both human and canine companions. Roaming, digging, and jumping are just some of the activities that these dogs delight in. As puppies, they are full of energy, but as adults, they tend to slow down quite a bit.
Q: How do Gordon setter and English setter differ?
A: Gordon setters were bred to hunt in the Scottish Highlands, while English setters were bred to hunt in the lowlands of England. Gordon setters are larger, with longer legs and a more compact body. They also have a shorter coat, mostly black with small patches of tan. English setters are larger, with a long white coat with large patches of black or liver-colored ticking. They also have longer legs and more slender bodies.
Q: Are there English setter rescue organizations?
A: Yes. There are a number of English setter rescue organizations across the United States. These organizations take in unwanted, abandoned, or abused English setters and find their new homes.
Q: Can a health problem be cured?
A: Some health problems can be cured, but many cannot. Deafness, for example, is a condition that you cannot cure. However, various devices are available to help, such as vibrating collars. Elbow dysplasia is a condition that often requires surgery to alleviate the symptoms. You can often manage hip dysplasia with medication and weight control, but it is a degenerative condition that will eventually require surgery.
Final Words
English setters are beautiful dogs that can make excellent companions and pets. They get along well with children because they are so laid back. Their calm demeanor makes them ideal therapy dogs.
All they want to do is spend time with their families. Therefore, restricting them from the kitchen while preparing dinner could make them upset. The English setter gets along nicely with other pets, including cats. They are good watchdogs because of their natural wariness with strangers. Just make sure you socialize them early so they can be comfortable.
