English Setter
Description
The English Setter is a historic gun dog breed dating back to the 14th century, originally bred in England to locate upland game birds like quail and pheasant by crouching low, a behavior called 'setting.' Two key breeders, Edward Laverack and R. Purcell Llewellin, shaped the modern English Setter through selective breeding focused on both appearance and hunting skill. This breed stands out for its elegant, athletic build and distinctive speckled coat patterns, including Blue Belton, Lemon Belton, and Liver Belton. Known for a gentle and friendly demeanor, English Setters typically get along well with children and other pets. They can be stubborn but respond well to consistent training. Their moderate barking suits family life, but their active nature demands regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
Grooming
English Setters have a medium-length double coat that requires regular attention to stay healthy and tangle-free. Brush your Setter three times a week, increasing frequency during heavy shedding seasons in spring and fall. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose fur beneath the silky topcoat, which helps reduce shedding around the house. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks keeps the coat clean; follow with blow-drying to effectively remove dead hair and maintain coat texture. Their speckled coat colors, such as Blue Belton and Lemon Belton, don’t need special stain treatment but do benefit from gentle shampoo to preserve natural sheen. - Brush 3× weekly, more during shedding - Undercoat rake for dead hair removal - Bathe every 4–6 weeks - Blow-dry for thorough de-shedding Pro tip: Schedule grooming sessions before walks to keep the coat free of debris and tangles.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
English Setters need about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to manage their stamina and keep boredom at bay. Morning walks can be brisk and focused on physical exercise, while evening strolls offer a chance for mental stimulation through varied routes or scent exploration. Their athleticism suits longer walks or light jogging, but watch for signs of fatigue or overheating. Example routine: - Morning: 50-minute brisk walk with off-leash time in a secure area - Evening: 50-minute relaxed walk incorporating scent games and socialization This schedule balances physical exertion with mental engagement, helping your Setter stay content and well-behaved indoors.
Boarding
When boarding an English Setter, provide a crate at least 48 inches long to accommodate their medium-large size comfortably. They thrive with two active play sessions daily, incorporating scent and brain games to keep their minds sharp and prevent restlessness. Staff should be aware that while friendly, these dogs can be stubborn and benefit from consistent, patient handling. Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders or scent trails help mimic their hunting instincts and reduce stress. Playstyle is energetic but controlled; they enjoy interactive fetch or gentle tug games rather than roughhousing. Quiet time in the crate after activity helps them settle. Boarding facilities should ensure ample outdoor space for exercise and mental stimulation to maintain the English Setter’s well-being during their stay.