If you’re thinking about adding an English Setter to your family, you may be wondering what does an English setter look like? The English Setter is known for their elegant-looking coats and their regal bearing. But what does an English Setter look like under all that fur? This breed info will provide an in-depth description of the breed, including their physical characteristics and personality traits. We’ll also discuss some of the pros and cons of owning an English Setter so that you can make an informed decision before bringing one home.
English Setter Breed History
The English Setter is a relatively new breed developed in England in the early 19th century. The breed was created by crossing various pointing breeds, including the Spanish Pointer, the Gordon Setter, the Red Irish Setter, and White Setter. The goal was to create a dog that could work as both a pointer and a setter, and the English Setter was the result.
Edward Laverack and Welshman Purcell Llewellin Setter were the first to develop the breed. English Setters were once known as Laverack or Llewellin Setters, which reflected their ancestry. However, the paths of this breed finally diverged. The Laverack line became recognized as the show-dog type, whereas the Llewellin line was known for its field qualities.
The English Setter is a breed of dog traditionally used for hunting, but in recent years they have also grown popular as pets for families. They are gentle, affectionate dogs that get along well with children and other animals. And while they require some exercise and attention, they are generally low-maintenance dog breeds that can adapt to various lifestyles.
English Setter Breed Appearance
The English Setter is a medium to a large-sized breed of dog. They belonged to the sporting breed group and were originally bred for hunting. The English Setter is an exquisite dog breed with a long neck, slender body, and long legs. They have a silky coat that is white with black or liver-colored spots. The spots, also known as “ticking” or “Belton,” help the English Setter blend in with its hunting environment.
Let’s take a look at the breed appearance at a more detailed level:
- Head: The head of an English Setter is long, with a slightly rounded skull and a tapering muzzle.
- Body: The English Setter has a long body with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. Their back is level, and their loins are short and muscular.
- Eyes: They have dark brown eyes set well apart and give the English Setter an intelligent expression.
- Ears: The ears are long, set low on the head, and covered in feathering.
- Nose: The nose is black or solid brown and slightly large in proportion to the head.
- Neck: The neck of an English Setter is long, muscular, and slightly arched. It flows smoothly into the English Setter’s well-sloped shoulders.
- Tail: The tail is medium in length and has a slight bend to it.
- Coat: The coat of an English Setter is medium in length and can be either wavy or flat. The hair is fine and dense, with feathers on the legs, tail, and ears.
- Color: English Setters are typically white with ticking or Belton speckles. The most popular type is blue or orange Belton.
- Weight: Male English Setters typically weigh between 50 and 70 pounds, while females usually weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.
- Height: Male English Setters are usually 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are 22 to 24 inches.
English Setter Coat Color and Pattern Variations
English Setter has six recognized coat colors: blue, orange, lemon, liver, tricolor, and black and white Belton.
The ticking or spotting pattern on an English Setter’s coat can vary in intensity. Liver and orange dogs typically have heavy ticking, while blue English Setters often have light ticking. Tricolor English Setters usually have very little ticking.
Black and white English Setters are not born with their coloration. Instead, they are born black with white markings on the head, chest, and legs. These markings eventually fade to create the English Setter’s unique adult coat color.
- Blue Belton: This is the most popular coat color, characterized by black or liver spots on a white background.
- Orange Belton: This coat color is similar to blue Belton, but the spots are orange instead of black or liver.
- Lemon Belton: English Setters have liver or black spots on a white background with a lemon hue.
- Tricolor: Tricolor English Setters are black, brown, and white. The coat is usually two-toned, with black and brown being the predominant colors.
- Black and white: As the name suggests, these English Setters are black and white with no other colors.
- Liver and white: These English Setters are liver (a reddish-brown color) and white, with no other colors.
English Setter Personality and Temperament
The English Setter is a gentle, affectionate one that makes a great house dog. They are patient and good-natured, which makes them excellent pets for families.
- Suitable with children: English Setter is good with children if they socialize with them from an early age.
- Good with other animals: English Setters generally get along well with other animals, including dogs, cats, and livestock.
- Intelligent: English Setters are intelligent and quick to learn new commands. They excel in obedience and agility trials.
- Protective: English Setters can be protective of their family and home, but they are not aggressive.
- Sensitive: English Setters are very sensitive that do not do well in a chaotic or noisy environment. They need plenty of love and attention from their owners.
- Comfortable with people: English Setters are comfortable with people and love to be around them. They dislike being left alone for long periods of time.
While they require some exercise and attention, English Setters are generally low-maintenance that can adapt to various lifestyles. They are not prone to excessive barking, and they do not require a lot of grooming.
However, English Setter is not the best choice for everyone. They are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise and can be escape artists. They are also known to be “mouthy,” which means they like to chew and carry things in their mouths. Furthermore, they are not suitable for apartment living, as they need a yard or access to open spaces.
How to Care for an English Setter
A dog breed with such a beautiful glossy coat is sure to be high maintenance, and the English Setter is no exception. While English Setters shed moderately, their coat maintenance, training, and exercise requirements will necessitate a significant amount of your time.
Here are some pointers on how to care for an English Setter:
🔴Grooming Needs
In terms of grooming your English Setter, maintaining their appearance requires time and effort.Â
🔴Bathing and Brushing
English Setters have a silky coat that does not require a lot of grooming. However, they shed moderately throughout the year and more heavily during shedding season. Brushing them once or twice a week will help reduce the amount of hair on your furniture and clothing.
They also only need to be bathed when necessary, usually every few months. When bathing them, use a mild shampoo that will not strip the natural oils from their coat.
🔴Ear Cleaning
English Setters also have long ears that can be susceptible to infection if not cleaned regularly. Be sure to check their ears weekly and clean them with a cotton ball dampened with ear cleanser.
🔴Nail Trimming
English Setters have medium-sized nails that need trimming monthly. They are probably too long if you hear their nails clicking on the floor.
Be sure to use a sharp nail trimmer and only cut off the tips of the nails. You should also avoid cutting into the quick, as this can be painful for your English Setter.
🔴Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is essential for an English setter. Be sure to brush your English Setter’s teeth at least once a week and more often if possible in your routine care. You can use a canine toothbrush and toothpaste, or you can use a finger brush and water. Either way, you should make sure to get all of the plaque and tartar off of their teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to several health problems such as gum disease, tooth loss, and infection. It is essential to practice good dental hygiene from an early age to help prevent any dental disease.
🔴Exercise Needs
English Setters are a high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercises. They should be taken on long walks or runs daily and given access to a large yard or open space where they can run and play.
Plan to spend at least an hour a day exercising your English Setter to burn their excess energy. Playing fetch or Frisbee are also great ways to tire them out. Furthermore, if your English is competitive, they excel at many dog sports, such as agility and flyball.
If they do not exercise enough, English Setters can become destructive and difficult to handle. They may start chewing on furniture or other household items, become restless, and bark excessively.
🔴Training Needs
English Setters are intelligent and are relatively easy to train. However, like all dog breeds, they will need patience and consistency to learn basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel.
They may also require additional training to curb their “mouthiness.” It is possible to accomplish this by teaching them to “leave it” or “drop it” while they have something in their mouth.
In addition, English Setters need to socialize from an early age. It means exposing them to different people, places, and situations so that they learn how to behave around others.
🔴Diet and Nutrition
English Setters need a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. They should be fed dry kibble or wet food designed exclusively for large breed dogs.
They also require a lot of water to stay hydrated, so be sure to fill up their water bowl several times a day.
Recommended daily amount of food:
- English Setter Puppy: Up to four cups per day
- Adult English: Two to three cups per day
- Senior English: Two cups per day
English Setters are also prone to obesity, so monitoring their food intake and weight is essential. If they start to gain weight, you may need to reduce their food intake or increase their exercise.
Always remember that how much your English Setter eats will also depend on their activity level, age, and pet health condition.
🔴Environment
The ideal environment for an English Setter would be a home with a large yard or open space. They are not suitable for apartment living but can live in a small home if given lots of daily activity. English can live outside in cooler climates, but they should have a warm, dry shelter to protect them from the elements. They should also have access to a water source at all times.
English Setters love spending time with their family and should not be left alone for long periods. If you are away from home for extended periods, you may need to hire a dog sitter or walker to provide them with exercise and companionship.
English Setter Adaptability
When we say “adaptability,” we talk about how well an English Setter can adjust to different environments and situations.
The English Setter is a reasonably adaptable breed, but there are some things you should know before getting one:
- English Setters are not good at apartment living. They need a lot of space to run and play, and apartment living is not conducive to that.
- English Setters can be left alone for short periods but do not like it. They much prefer the company of their family and will become anxious if left alone for too long.
- English Setters can tolerate hot weather, but they prefer cooler climates. If you live in a hot environment, you’ll need to provide them with plenty of shade and water to stay cool.
- Cold weather is not a problem for English Setters as long as they have a warm, dry shelter to protect them from the elements.
Health and Lifespan of an English Setter
Generally, English Setter is a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. However, like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to breed-specific health concerns. These includes:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: This condition causes the joints to develop abnormally, leading to pain and lameness. In severe cases, it may require surgery to correct.
- Eye problems: English Setters are prone to several eye conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Eye conditions are manageable with medication, but some may require surgery.
- Ear infections: Their long ears make them susceptible to ear infections. Be sure to check their ears regularly for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Bloat: This potentially life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with air and twists. Symptoms include restlessness, panting, drooling, and an enlarged abdomen.
- Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Symptoms include weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy.
- Allergies: English Setters can be allergic to various things, such as pollen, dust mites, and certain foods. If you notice your English Setter is scratching a lot or has any other symptoms of skin infections, talk to your vet.
- Deafness: English Setters can be born deaf or may develop deafness as they age. If you suspect your English Setter is deaf, have them checked by a vet.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning an English Setter
Now that you know a little more about what an English Setter looks like and their personality, it’s time to decide if they are the right breed for you. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of owning an English Setter:
Advantages
- They have a sweet, loving personalities.
- They make great family dogs.
- They are good with children.
- They are relatively easy to train.
- They are medium-sized, so they’re not too big or too small.
- They can be a wonderful companion.
- Their appearance is extremely elegant.
Disadvantages
- Love to dig
- Habitually obstinate
- Sheds moderately to a lot
- Prone to obesity
- Prone to separation anxiety
- They require a lot of exercises
- They need a lot of space
- Some obedience training may be challenging
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the distinction between English and Llewellin Setter?
All Llewellin Setters are English Setters; however, not all English Setters are Llewellin Setters. The significant difference between English and Llewellin setters is their purpose. English setters were bred to be used primarily for hunting, while Llewellin setters were bred specifically for field trials. While some differences in appearance, the two breeds are very similar overall.
Q. What are the most popular English Setter cross breeds?
Among the most common English Setter cross breeds are:
- English Setter/Labrador Retriever mix – known as the “Shollie.”
- English Setter/Poodle mix – known as the “Spaniel.”
- English Setter/Golden Retriever mix – known as the “Angus.”
- English Setter/Pointer mix – known as the “Setter Point.”
Q. When do English Setters get their ticking or Belton?
The ticking or Belton pattern is a coat marking that appears as tiny dots of color on a white background. An English Setter is born with a solid-colored coat, and the ticking or Belton pattern usually starts to appear around six weeks of age. The amount of ticking or Belton can vary for every English Setter. Some may have a very light sprinkling of color, while others may be heavily ticked or belted. Ticking or Belton is not a sign of poor health or nutrition and does not affect the English Setter’s ability to hunt.
Q. How much water does an English Setter need daily?
Maintaining sufficient hydration is also critical for English Setters. Water makes up more than 70% of their bodies, just like humans. English Setters need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So, a 50-pound English Setter would need about 50 ounces of water, or about six cups, each day. It’s important to ensure your English Setter has access to fresh, clean water.
Q. Do English Setters bark a lot?
While English Setters can bark when they want to, they are not known for being a particularly vocal dog breed. If an English Setter bark excessively, it could signify boredom, fear, or anxiety. If you think your English Setter is barking too much, talk to your vet or a professional dog trainer to get some tips on reducing the barking.
Q. Do English Setters smell bad?
No, English Setters do not typically smell bad. Although, like all dog breeds, they can sometimes have a “doggy” smell. If your English Setter smells bad, it could indicate an underlying health condition or that they need to bathe them more frequently. If you’re concerned about why your English Setter smells, talk to your vet to rule out any medical causes for the bad odor.
Q. Do English Setters drool?
No, English Setters do not typically drool. They may drool when excited or nervous, but it is not a common trait for the breed. English Setters are also known for being a very clean breed. If you think your English Setter is drooling more than usual, it could indicate an underlying health condition, and you should talk to your vet.
Final Thoughts
Overall, English Setters make great companions. They are loving and affectionate with their family, but they can also be independent and stubborn sometimes. They require a lot of exercise and space, and some obedience training may be necessary. If you’re looking for a loyal and playful dog to add to your family, an English Setter may be the perfect choice for you!
Do you have an English Setter? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below! And, if you’re looking for more information on other dog breeds, check out our other breed guides.
