English Setter Hereditary Health and Longevity Guide

The English Setter is a medium-sized dog breed from the setter family, originally bred as a working gun dog. Today, it is cherished as an active and affectionate companion, thriving in a lively home with plenty of exercise and attention.

This breed has a distinctive medium to long coat with long fringes on the legs, belly, and tail. Typically, their coat is white with flecks of other colours creating a ticked appearance. English Setters stand up to 27 inches tall and weigh up to 36 kg. There are working lines, which tend to be sturdier, and show lines, which are usually lighter and finer.

Known for being playful yet gentle, English Setters require an outdoorsy family lifestyle that can keep up with their need for endurance and fitness. Before choosing to bring an English Setter into your family, it's vital to understand the breed’s hereditary health, lifespan, and what responsible ownership entails.

English Setter Longevity and Lifespan

The average lifespan of an English Setter ranges from 11 to 13 years, with some dogs living up to 15 years when well cared for. Recent UK studies have recorded an average lifespan of around 13.1 years, which is slightly above the average for many purebred dogs. Cancer is the most common cause of death in older English Setters, typically diagnosed after the age of ten. However, many live healthy lives well into their teens with appropriate care.

Understanding Genetic Diversity in English Setters

The breed has a coefficient of inbreeding (a measure of relatedness within the gene pool) of about 14.5%, which is notably higher than the recommended 6.25% or less for pedigree dogs aimed at maintaining healthy diversity. This relatively high inbreeding rate indicates a limited gene pool, which poses risks of hereditary health issues and potential long-term viability concerns for the breed.

Efforts to reduce inbreeding and improve genetic diversity are encouraged among English Setter breeders, who work with small effective population sizes (estimated at 27 in the UK). Responsible breeders use careful mate selection to help maintain a healthier gene pool.

Health Screening and Testing for English Setters

The English Setter benefits from a range of health screenings aimed at detecting hereditary issues early and guiding responsible breeding decisions. These include:

• Hip score testing: A mean hip score for the breed is approximately 15.9; breeders are advised to select breeding dogs with scores below this to reduce dysplasia risk.
• Elbow score testing: Ideally zero, since elbow dysplasia can lead to joint pain and arthritis.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) testing: This incurable degenerative eye disease leads to blindness, so testing helps prevent its inheritance.
• DNA testing for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: A degenerative nervous system disorder causing neurological problems.

Regular veterinary checks and breed-specific health monitoring are essential for early detection and management of these conditions.

Other Hereditary Health Concerns

In addition to the above, English Setters are known to sometimes develop hereditary or predisposed conditions for which there are currently no mandatory breeding tests, including:

• Various cancers, especially lymphoma and trichoepithelioma, most common in older dogs.
• Pancreatic disease, which affects digestion and causes large volumes of foul-smelling faeces.
• Hypothyroidism, where insufficient thyroid hormone causes lethargy and weight gain; manageable with lifelong medication.
• Lysosomal storage disease, leading to liver degeneration due to enzyme deficiencies.
• Atopy, a sensitivity causing skin allergies and severe itching.
• Osteochondrosis of the shoulder, resulting from abnormal bone and cartilage development.
• Ectropion of the eyelids, causing outward turning of the eyelids and eye irritation.
• Malassezia dermatitis, a fungal skin inflammation.
• Panosteitis, an inflammatory bone condition.
• Deafness in some lines, potentially linked to the predominantly white coat gene.

Promoting Responsible Ownership and Breeding

Choosing a reputable breeder who performs all recommended health screenings and prioritises genetic diversity is paramount. Animal welfare organisations and kennel clubs emphasise ethical breeding practices to safeguard the health and longevity of the breed.

Potential owners should engage with breeders who provide detailed health histories, offer support, and encourage ongoing health checks. Ensuring your English Setter receives a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care is key to a long, happy life.

Questions to Ask When Buying an English Setter Puppy

Before committing to buying or finding an English Setter puppy, ask the breeder:

• What health tests have the puppy’s parents undergone?
• Can you provide genetic health certificates?
• What is the inbreeding coefficient of the litter?
• Are the puppies raised in a healthy environment with early socialisation?
• What support do you offer new owners regarding health and care?

Conclusion

The English Setter is a beautiful, energetic breed with a respectable average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. Understanding the hereditary health challenges and the importance of genetic diversity helps owners and breeders make informed decisions for the welfare of the breed.

By selecting puppies from responsible, health-conscious breeders and providing attentive care throughout their lives, English Setter owners can enjoy many years of companionship with a loyal and vibrant friend.