Do you want to know about the different types of setter dog breeds? Do you want a setter dog breed that is gentle and loving? Or one that is energetic and playful? Perhaps you are looking for a hunting companion?
Whatever it is you are looking for, there is sure to be a setter dog breed that is perfect for you.
Setter dogs are a type of gun dog, named for their ability to “set” or point at game birds. They are used in hunting to find and flush out prey. Furthermore, setters were bred to have a great sense of smell, which makes them excellent at tracking games.
In this article, we will look at the different types of setter dog breeds and their Temperaments to find the perfect setter dog breed for you and your family.
The Primary Job of Setters
Before diving into the different types of setter dog breeds, let’s look at their primary job.
Though they may be best known for their work as hunting dogs, setters have many different jobs. In addition to being used for bird hunting, setters are often employed as search and rescue dogs, working alongside law enforcement and other first responders to find missing persons.Â
They are also sometimes used as service animals, assisting people with disabilities in their daily lives. Setters are well-suited to these varied roles due to their strong sense of smell, their high level of intelligence, and their trainability. Above all, setters are known for their loyalty and dedication, qualities that make them invaluable members of any team.
The Four Different Types of Setter Dog Breeds
Now that we know a little bit more about setters let’s look at the four main types of setter dog breeds.
⓵ English Setter
The English Setter is one of the most popular setter dog breeds. The English Setter was developed in England in the 1800s.
Although their exact origins are unknown, it is believed that pointing and spaniel breeds may have been crossed to create them. They’re smaller and friendlier than the Irish or Gordon setter and don’t shed nearly as much.
Sir Edward Laverack began actively breeding English setters in the 19th century. His dogs were frequently interbred with those of R. Purcell Llewellin. It was from these dogs that the modern English Setter emerged; their ancestry is reflected in the fact that they were sometimes called Laverack or Llewellin setter.
Their coat is white with large spots of black or liver-colored hair. They weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and are 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. Furthermore, they have long legs and relatively long bodies.
They are gentle and affectionate dogs that make great family pets. English Setters are also very friendly and get along well with other dogs and children. However, they can be a bit shy around strangers.
English Setters are highly intelligent and easily trained. They require a lot of exercise and love running and playing. If you are looking for an energetic dog that keeps you active, an English Setter may be the perfect breed.
⓶ Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a large dog breed originally developed in Scotland for hunting game birds. The breed gets its name from the Duke of Gordon, credited with perfecting its distinctive black and tan coloration. He’s a strong, muscular dog who can do work but would want to stay a puppy forever. The Gordon temperament is believed to mature slowly and forever retains a childlike spirit.
Standing 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, the Gordon Setter is slightly taller than most other setter breeds. The breed is also distinguished by its long, thick coat, which is usually black with distinctive chestnut markings. The coat helps to protect the dog from harsh weather conditions when hunting.
Gordon Setters require a firm hand in training, but not so firm that their delicate spirit is harmed. If you train them with consistency, firmness, and fairness using positive reinforcement, you can keep them from being domineering, willful, and stubborn. Having something to focus their minds on, like training, will help them avoid danger.
While it is true that certain Gordons may exhibit aggressive behavior toward other dogs, this is not typical of the breed, and no Gordon should ever be vicious. Gordons tend to be distant toward outsiders, preferring the company of their own kind. In general, they’re cool with outsiders paying them attention, but they don’t aggressively seek it out. Socializing your Gordon Setter as a puppy can help him adjust to new environments and people without developing any negative behaviors. A well-adjusted Gordon is vigilant and courageous, making him a great watchdog.
When it comes to his own kids, Gordon Setter is a reliable friend and a stalwart guardian. Although they shouldn’t have to, Gordons are typically gentle with youngsters and put up with a great deal of taunting and mistreatment at the hands of younger people. It’s crucial always to keep an eye on interactions between kids and dogs.
With proper training and socialization, the breed can make an excellent family pet. However, due to their active nature, Gordon Setters require plenty of exercises and may not be suited for apartment living.
â“· Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is one of the most popular dog breeds because of its eye-catching red coat. It is also known as the Irish Red Setter in Ireland. This makes it easy to tell apart from another native Irish setter breed, the Irish Red and White Setter. The two are related since they were originally thought to be the same breed, and it was common for red and white dogs to have puppies together.
Nevertheless, it was in the early 1800s that the Irish Red Setter was bred specifically for a solid red coat. These solid-colored dogs quickly rose to prominence with their shiny mahogany coats and dignified good looks. They became a favorite at dog exhibitions, among hunters looking for a gorgeous hunting companion, and among pet owners.
The Irish Red Setter’s original red and white ancestor had a thicker coat and a wider skull, but the modern Irish Red Setter is taller and slimmer. This dog was bred to hunt, and it shows its keen sense of smell, its tireless work ethic, and its lightning-quick speed on the field. It can hunt in various environments, including wetland areas.
This irish setter dog is notable for its sluggish physical and mental development into adulthood, a trait shared by other setter dog breeds. Nevertheless, this high-energy hunting breed is extremely wise, and it is not unusual for them to outwit their human masters. Irish Setters are also known for their intelligence and ability to retain new information.
⓸ Irish Red and White Setter
It’s estimated that there are only approximately 500 Irish Red and White Setters in North America, making them a less popular option than their more flashy cousins, the Irish Setters. During World War I, even in Ireland, the breed came dangerously close to extinction. Maintaining the Irish Red and White Setter breed as a viable option over many decades required the unwavering commitment of a small group of breeders.
An Irish Red and White Setter’s primary function is in the field. His natural pointing ability has earned him high accolades from hunters. With his energy and focus, this Irish Red and White Setter can hunt all day. They seem born to hunt and have an innate capacity to adapt to varied environments. Watching an animal follows its natural instincts to find prey, sneak up on it, and establish a pointing stance is a sight to behold. The Irish Red and White Setter is a model of a dog doing what he was bred to do. Either he is standing at a point or bent low to the ground, nearly frozen in his attitude.
The Irish Red and White Setter is a powerful and athletic dog, making him a high-energy pet who may prove to be a handful. Those qualities that make him a treasured hunting companion do not end at the home door. He’s a true sporting dog, full of determination, enthusiasm, and good spirits despite being easily trained and responsive to positive reinforcement.
The IR&WS is a breed that responds well to field training since he is motivated to hunt for you rather than himself. His preferred method of persuasion is subtlety; he dislikes being forced to do anything. This breed responds best to brief, pleasant training sessions.
The Irish Red and White Setter have a lot of natural aptitudes, and he also has charisma and a sense of humor. He’s the perfect hiking, bicycling, or any outdoor activity partner because he’s so nice and helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a Chesapeake bay retriever the same as a labrador retriever?
A: No, they are two different breeds. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were bred to hunt in the cold, icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, while Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to work with fishermen in Newfoundland.
Q: What are the other sporting dogs, and what is their purpose?
A: The other sporting dogs include the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, the American Cocker Spaniel, and the English Springer Spaniel. These dogs were bred to work with hunters in retrieving game birds that had been shot.
Q: Does gun dog training work for all dogs?
A: No, not all dogs are suited for gun dog training. Some breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever, have a natural aptitude for this type of training. Other breeds, such as the English Springer Spaniel, may require more patience and effort to train. Still, other dogs, such as the American Cocker Spaniel, may never succeed in this training. Each dog is an individual and must be evaluated on his own merits to determine if he would be a good candidate for gun dog training.
Q: What is the difference between an Irish Setter and an Irish Red and White Setter?
A: The main difference between these two setter dog breeds is their coat color. As their name suggests, Irish Setters have a solid red coat, while Irish Red and White Setters have a coat that is red with white patches. Both breeds were originally bred as hunting dogs and share many of the same physical and personality traits. However, the Irish Red and White Setter are much less common than the Irish Setter.
Q: Do setter dog breeds make good pets?
A: Setter dog breeds were originally bred as hunting dogs. Therefore, they have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercises. They also require a lot of attention and can be mischievous if bored. For these reasons, first-time dog owners may have better choices than setter dog breeds. However, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to train and exercise your setter dog, you will be rewarded with a loyal and loving pet.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a setter dog?
A: The average lifespan of a setter dog is 10-12 years. However, this can vary depending on the specific breed of a setter dog. Some setter dog breeds, such as the Irish Setter, have a shorter lifespan than others.
Q: What are pointer dogs, and what is their purpose?
A: Pointer dogs are a type of gun dog used to help hunters locate game birds. These dogs use their keen sense of smell to track down the birds and point to the bird so the hunter can see it. Some of the most popular pointer dog breeds include the German Shorthaired Pointer, the English Pointer, and the German Wirehaired Pointer.
Final words
Are setter dogs the right breed for you? If you are looking for a high-energy dog that requires a lot of exercise and attention, then a setter dog is the perfect choice for you. However, if you are unwilling to put in the time and effort to train and exercise your setter dog, consider another breed. Setter dogs are loyal and loving pets but are not the right choice for everyone. Before you decide to get a setter dog, do your research and ask yourself if you are willing to commit to taking care of this high-energy breed.
