Quick Stats for the English Setter Dog
- Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 24 – 27 inches (61 – 69 cm) ; bitches: 23 – 26 inches (58 – 66 cm)
- Weight: dogs: 55 – 80 pounds (25 – 36 kg) ; bitches: 45 – 70 pounds (20 – 32 kg
- Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
- AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1884
- Shedding: average shedder
- Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; best with average sized yard (minimum)
Personality of the English Setter
The English Setter is a particularly amiable breed of dog that is most often calm and relaxed, and make great house pets. Genetically, they were bred to hunt and cover miles upon miles of ground distance, therefore, physical exertion and running is a favorite pastime for the English Setter. This is one dog that cannot be kept indoors without exercise for too long at a time.
History of the English Setter Dog
Long before shotguns were used to kill birds when hunting, nets were used to catch the foul, which were helped by dogs that were trained to crouch whenever they pointed game. “Setters” as these dogs were called, were the foundation of today’s English Setter.
The English Setter is the oldest dog known from these groups. In fact, it is theorized that they date back well before the 15th century. Their function was to locate game and then remain still, practically frozen, until the game was taken away by hunters.
The English Setter’s ancestors were probably the Large Water Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and the Spanish Pointer. Beginning around the year 1825, specific breeding for the production of the English Setter was started by a man named Edward Laverack. He continued to breed his Setters for well over 30 years. In fact, these are the dogs that created the base-line of all English Setters of today.
Other breeders continued to produce English Setters, but with specific emphasis on other functions. One such person was named Purcell Llewellin. He started with Setters that came straight from Edward Laverack and based his breeding entirely on field ability.
Mr. Llewellin mixed his Laverack Setters with outside English Setters which created some of the most outstanding field dogs of his time. Eventually these dogs were imported to the United States and has enjoyed steady growth as a popular household pet ever since.
The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1959.
The English Setter Dog Care and Grooming
As previously mentioned, upkeep for the English Setter requires intense daily physical stimulation. Lots of exercise each and every day is a requirement, at least one good hour of fast-paced running.
This dog is best to live indoors, but should be able to roam outside most of the day-time hours. Due to its long coat, the English Setter’s fur may prove to be difficult to keep clean and shiny. It needs regular brushing every two to three days, minimum.
Health Problems of the English Setter
The average life expectancy of the English Setter is about ten to twelve years.
Major health concerns for this breed are:
- hypothyroidism
- CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
- deafness
- elbow dysplasia
Minor health issues include:
- PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
- OCD
These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:
- epilepsy
- false pregnancies
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
[...] during the 1800s, French sportsmen crossed small local Spaniels with English Setters. Their goal was to develop a dog that could suit their needs. Several of the resulting offspring [...]