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English Setter

General
Other Names		Setter
Dog Group Kennel Club		Gundog
Breed Classification		English Setters belong to the gundog group and are working dogs, used as companions and seen in the show-ring.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£4-7.50 per week
Feeding Requirements		The English Setter is an undemanding dog to feed with no special dietary requirements; they generally have a good appetite.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		The average price of a puppy ranges from £350 to £450.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years English Setters have a lifespan of around 14 years.
Average Litter Size		6 The average number of puppies in a litter is 6.
General Physical Description		This glamorous and elegant breed is both symmetrical and of substantial build. They are the epitome of strength, grace and stamina. Their long, flat coats are silky and well feathered. They have a free, graceful action that suggests speed and endurance.
Height Min Max Bitch 61cm (24") 65cm (26") Dog 65cm (26") 68cm (27") Weight Min Max Bitch 25kg (55lbs) 30kg (66lbs) Dog 25kg (55lbs) 30kg (66lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Bitches measure between 61 – 65cms at the withers and weigh around 27kgs. Dogs measure between 65 – 68cms and weigh around 28.5kgs.
Ailments		There are a few breed-specific problems and choosing a pup from healthy stock will reduce the possibility of these arising. These problems include hip dysplasia and PRA, which breeders are screening for. They are also quite prone to skin disorders and cancers.
Common Ailments		Cancer Skin Problems
Susceptibility To Illness		Medium
Other
History		The breed’s origins go back to the 1500’s when it was known to be an affective bird dog. There are three different variations on the breed’s exact history. Some old writings suggest the breed is an offshoot of various Spanish land spaniels. Another theory is that the breed was created by crossings of the old Water Spaniel, the old Spanish Pointer and early Springer types. However there is both editorial and pictorial evidence to suggest that spaniels and setters were distinctly different at that time these crosses would have occurred. The earliest known text which speaks of the setter breeds is a translation, (‘Of Englishe Dogges’ by Dr Johannes Caius) from Latin in 1576 by Abraham Fleming but even this is not absolutely clear on whether or not the writings refer to the ancestors of the modern day setter. Edward Laverack is often credited as the founder of the modern-day English Setter. Around 1920 he acquired two dogs from Rev A. Harrison named Ponto and Old Moll. These lines had been kept pure for some 35 years. Mr Laverack succeeded in producing fine progeny that is today considered the key foundation of the breed. The first breed show to include English Setters took place in 1859 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and from this point on the breed’s popularity grew.
Intelligence		These are intelligent dogs that are easy to train but they can have minds of their own which has to be taken into account. Basic obedience training should begin as early as possible.
Show Characteristics		The head is long and reasonably lean, carried high with a well-defined stop. The eyes are bright, mild and expressive, between hazel and dark brown in colour. In liver beltons only a lighter eye colour is acceptable. The ears should be of moderate length, set on low with the upper part being covered in fine, silky hair. The jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The neck is rather long, muscular and lean with a slightly arched crest and clean-cut where it joins the head. The shoulders are well set back or oblique with very good depth and width between the shoulder blades. The front legs are well muscled and straight with rounded bone. The back legs are strong and well muscled with a good second thigh. The body should be of moderate length with a short, level back. The feet are well-padded, tight with close well-arched toes. The tail should be set almost in line with the back, of medium length and not reaching below the hock and the feathering should hang in long pendant flakes. It can be slightly curved or scimitar shaped but should not be curly or ropy or have a tendency to turn upwards.
Country Of Origin		England
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		80 - 100 minutes per day. This breed needs quite a lot of exercise. They do have a tendency to wander so make sure your garden is well fenced.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Low
Tendency to Bark		Medium
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		English Setters are friendly, good-natured dogs that bond well with their families. They are lively, sociable dogs that will announce the arrival of visitors and then treat them as if they have known them all their lives! They are good with children and have a great tolerance level. They are naturally happy with other dogs and household animals.
Grooming
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		> Once a week
Trimming		Occassional
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		English Setters do need a reasonable amount of grooming and trimming to keep them looking at their best. Regular trimming of the hair between their pads and under their ears is a must. Air must be allowed into their ears to prevent infections. The feathering will need attention now and again. If showing this breed considerably more attention will be required.
Colour		The term ‘belton’ (flecked) is used to describe the English Setter’s coat colour. The ground colour is always white with black (blue belton), or with lemon (lemon belton), or with orange (orange belton), or with liver (liver belton) or tricolour (a mix of
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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