English Setter

English Setter dog

Elegant British bird dog developed to locate game with endurance and a steady set.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 45 - 80 lbs 23 - 27 inches 11 - 14 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United Kingdom



Own a English Setter? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a English Setter? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed may be less suited to smaller living spaces.

The English Setter developed from old European setting spaniels used by bird hunters long before modern firearms became common. These dogs searched for game by scent and then crouched or "set" when they located birds. Hunters could approach and cast a net over both the birds and, in some methods, the dog. As firearms replaced nets, setters remained useful because they could locate birds and indicate their position for the hunter. The modern English Setter was shaped particularly during the 19th century by two influential British breeding programs. Edward Laverack spent decades developing a refined, consistent strain that became important to show lines, while Richard Purcell Llewellin used Laverack dogs and other working setters to develop animals noted for field performance. The Llewellin name is still used for certain field-bred English Setters today. The breed's speckled coat pattern is traditionally called belton, a term Laverack helped popularize after a village in northern England. English Setters became successful hunting dogs in North America as well as Britain. Modern show and field lines can look quite different, but both descend from dogs designed to cover substantial ground, locate birds with their noses, and remain steady once game was found.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Setter

The English Setter is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The English Setter tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The English Setter generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The English Setter is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The English Setter tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The English Setter is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The English Setter generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The English Setter generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The English Setter is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The English Setter may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.