The English Setter is an elegant, medium-sized dog that comes in a variety of colors. Wondering if the English Setter is the right family member for you? We explain what characterizes its personality, activity level and health, as well as what you should consider in your everyday life as an English Setter owner.
race facts
Family friendly
Activity level
Fur care
Training needs
Clearing
Size
Facts about the breed
The English Setter originated in Great Britain and is primarily a hunting dog. They are considered the oldest of the setters with a history of several hundred years. It is said that the English Setter was bred to hunt birds with its hunter owner. When not hunting, it would spend time with its family in the woods and fields. The English Setter is likely a cross between the Spanish Pointer, Water Spaniel and Springer Spaniel. If all of its physical and mental needs are met, your English Setter will be a great family dog.
What can you expect as an owner of an English Setter?
Personality
Personality
English Setters are good bird dogs with a great hunting instinct. They are also very friendly, sociable and have a calm temperament. English Setters are good family dogs and need a lot of companionship. They are bred for an active life and are a great fit for people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors. English Setters are known for being very patient and get along well with children and other pets. Remember that young children should never be left alone with dogs.
Activity level
Activity level
The English Setter is a very hardy breed that needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. If you are considering getting an English Setter, make sure you are willing to walk it in pouring rain, year-round. You will need to have plenty of time and energy to give it enough physical and mental stimulation every single day. Walks around the neighborhood are often not enough for an English Setter. Therefore, feel free to take your dog hunting, jogging, cross-country skiing or cycling.
Training
Training
English Setters are not particularly difficult to train, but they are not the easiest either, as they can be independent and a bit stubborn. They are considered incredibly intelligent with a good memory, so once they have learned something, it will stick for good. Be consistent and use positive reinforcement, as with any other dog breed.
Health
Health
Weight and size
A male English Setter typically weighs around 25 kg and is between 58 - 64 cm tall.
The bitches weigh on average just over 20 kg and are between 54 - 60 cm tall.
Lifespan
10-12 years
Hereditary diseases
It is common for some dog breeds to be more prone to hereditary diseases than others. The English Setter is considered an above average healthy dog breed, but has some more common problems to watch out for such as hip dysplasia , elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy . Some English Setters are also born deaf .
Fur
Fur
English Setters have long fur that comes in several colors. With white as the base color, it can be combined with black, yellow, orange or brown. It can also have three different colors with either dots or spots. On the head and front legs, the fur is somewhat shorter, but just as smooth and silky. English Setters shed a lot and the fur should be brushed regularly. In winter, the paw hair should be clipped to prevent ice clumps and the hair behind the ears can also quickly tangle. As English Setters love walks in the forest, you need to watch out for twigs, pine needles and loose hair in the fur after a walk.
Food and nutrition
Food and nutrition
When choosing food for an English Setter, you should choose a dog food that is adapted to the dog's health. They have a lot of energy, but are also a breed that can put on weight quickly. Therefore, choose the amount of food based on their lifestyle.
English setter
If you want to own an English Setter, you should make sure to find a reputable breeder. Some breeders focus on the dog's hunting abilities, while others focus on the dog's appearance. Therefore, be aware and research which line interests you before getting an English Setter. How much an English Setter costs will vary, but you can expect an English Setter price of around 17,000 to 19,000 kr.
It is important to choose a seller who provides you with information about how the dog was bred to ensure that you are not contributing to uncontrolled or illegal dog trade. Unfortunately, not everyone breeds properly and properly, which can lead to serious diseases in the puppies. Being well prepared and finding a reliable breeder is therefore in the best interest of both you and your dog.
