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English Setter

English Setter is a large sporting breed from England.

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English Setter

Breed overview

English Setter is a large sporting breed from England.

A gentle-mannered gundog from England, refined in the 19th century (from spaniel and pointer ancestry) to "set" (freeze) when finding game birds, allowing nets to be thrown over prey.

People looking into English Setter usually prepare for High exercise needs, High grooming needs, 45–80 lbs • 25–27 in.

History and origin

English Setter is tied to originating from England, specifically English countryside, with sources often placing its development around 1400 CE.

English Setter is described here as placed in the Sporting group and marked as an established breed.

A gentle-mannered gundog from England, refined in the 19th century (from spaniel and pointer ancestry) to "set" (freeze) when finding game birds, allowing nets to be thrown over prey.

Browse dog breeds from England Browse more Sporting breeds

Quick facts

Breed group
Sporting
Size
Large
Origin country
England
Region
English countryside
Origin year
1400 CE
Weight
45–80 lbs
Height
25–27 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Breed status
Established

Traits and day-to-day fit

Energy level
4 / 5
Trainability
4 / 5
Good with children
5 / 5
Shedding level
4 / 5
Barking tendency
2 / 5
High exercise needsHigh grooming needsChildren score: 5/5Trainability: 4/5

Coat and classification

English Setter is grouped here with these coat and texture descriptors.

LongSilkyFeathered

English Setter is also listed as recognized by these kennel-club organizations.

Recognized by AKCRecognized by FCIRecognized by CKCRecognized by KCRecognized by KCA

Appearance and build

  • Elegant, medium-sized sporting dog
  • Distinctive flecked coat pattern (belton)
  • Long, silky coat with feathering
  • Gentle, noble expression

What this breed is known for

  • A gentle-mannered gundog from England, refined in the 19th century (from spaniel and pointer ancestry) to "set" (freeze) when finding game birds, allowing nets to be thrown over prey.
  • English Setters have a unique speckled coat pattern called "belton" in colors like blue (black/white), orange, or tricolor.
  • Known for their sweet, affectionate nature, they make excellent family dogs. In the field they are elegant and methodical hunters with an excellent nose.

Health and care notes

English Setter is noted here for High exercise needs and High grooming needs.

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Hypothyroidism

Coat details: Long, Silky, Feathered

These are informational breed-guide notes, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the English Setter come from?

English Setter is closely associated with England, especially English countryside in the sources used for this page.

How big does a English Setter get?

Typical size details for English Setter on this page are 45–80 lbs, 25–27 in, 10–12 years.

What is the English Setter known for?

A gentle-mannered gundog from England, refined in the 19th century (from spaniel and pointer ancestry) to "set" (freeze) when finding game birds, allowing nets to be thrown over prey.

Sources and citations

References below include kennel-club profiles, breed standards, and supporting background links for deeper reading.
  1. American Kennel Club breed profile
    American Kennel Club
  2. Royal Kennel Club breed profile
    The Royal Kennel Club
  3. Royal Kennel Club breed standard
    The Royal Kennel Club • Breed standard
  4. English Setter reference page
    Wikipedia

Use the linked breed directories and standards for deeper reference. Breed guides are informational and do not replace veterinary or breeder advice.