The English Setter: Graceful Gundog


The English Setter is one of the oldest gundog breeds, and is believed to have been developed over 400 years ago. Originally from Spaniel stock, the breed was formerly known as the Setting Spaniel, because of the position it adopted on finding a bird.
Although similar to the Irish and Gordon Setters, the English Setter is a distinct breed, with a unique temperament and appearance. Their beautiful feathered coat has marking referred to as a “belton”, white with an intermingling of darker hairs. Belton markings may be orange, blue (white with black markings), tricolor (blue belton with tan points), lemon or liver.
These graceful, elegant gundogs excel in the show ring, and in obedience and agility competitions, as well as in the field.
If you’re thinking of getting an English Setter you’ll be getting a gentle, devoted family dog who loves being with people. Setters are athletic and energetic dogs, so they require vigorous daily exercise. Their beautiful coat is high maintenance requiring regular brushing and clipping.
ENGLISH SETTER FACT FILE |
| Group: Sporting Country of origin: England Date of origin: 1300′s Originally bred for: Bird hunting Current function: Companion Size: Large Coat length: Medium Shedding: Yes Grooming requirements: At least once a week Town or Country: Either Ideal home: Large house Minimum garden size: Large Exercise requirements: At least 2 hours per day Lifespan: Over 10 years |
If you enjoyed this page on the English Setter, check out some of the other dog breed links below.