English Setters

Appearance:

Body: Moderately long, with deep chest, prominent ribs, short, strong and level back.

Coat: Flat, thick, long, and silky with light, lengthy feathing.

Color: White with black flecks (blue belton), or with orange flecks (orange, lemon, or liver belton) or white with black and tan flecks (tricolour belton).

Ears: Natural, moderate length, set low and well back, with neatly hanging folds and carried close to the cheeks.

Eyes: Moderately large, oval-shaped, dark brown, with an alert intelligent look.

Feet: Compact with tight, well-arched toes and well-developed pads.

Head: Long and lean with an oval skull, moderate occiput, square muzzle and scissor bite. His nose is black or dark brown.

Legs: Forelegs are parallel, well-muscled, powerful, with rounded bones and well-feathered. Hind legs are long and powerful with well-bent stifles.

Neck: Long, elegant, well-muscled, thin and arched at the top.

Size:
Weight: 55 - 66 pounds (25 - 30kg)
Height: 24 - 25 inches (61 - 63.5cm)

Tail: Natural and straight, tapering to a point and feathered.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Good with children
Require lots of companionship from humans or other dogs

The English Setter is graceful, elegant, friendly, and good-natured. He is a quiet dog who will make a good family pet if given abundant attention and exercise. He is an athletic dog with unlimited energy and a mischievous personality that will keep you busy and entertained.

Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy says, "The English is the mildest-mannered, gentlest, most mellow of the setters."

He loves to hunt in any terrain or weather conditions and is capable of chasing his prey and then retrieving it on ground or in the water. He can be stubborn if not interested in your choice of training or exercise. Obedience training should be fun, full of praise, and rewarding, never harsh or abusive. He has an outstanding memory and will learn quickly if trained with love and affection.

The Lawerack is great with children and easily trained. He is devoted to his family and thrives on companionship from humans or other dogs. He is a large and robust dog and may be too much for a small toddler. Be sure supervision is provided to prevent any unintentional injuries.

The AKC standards say, "The mild, sweet disposition characteristic of this breed, combined with the beauty, intelligence, and aristocratic appearance, both in the field and in the home, has endeared it to gundog owners as well as all lovers of a beautiful, active, and rugged outdoor dog. A lovable disposition makes the English Setter truly an ideal companion."

Breed Type

AKC Group: Sporting Group

Bred as a gundog for retrieving and bird setting. With his keen sense of smell and his soft stride, he will quietly locate his prey and then point his tail to let his master know of his find, then wait until given the command to flush the prey for the kill.

He is the oldest of the Setter breeds.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: This a highly energetic dog in need of an abundance of daily exercise.

Grooming: Brush daily with a coarse steel comb and stiffly-bristled brush. Keep his ear canals clean and dry.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 Years

Possible Problems:
Elbow Dysplasia
Eczema
Hip Dysplasia
Hypothyroidism

Recommended Certificates:
BAER - to determine if bilateral hearing is normal
CERF (eyes)
OFA (hips)

Country of Origin

United Kingdom - 1800s

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