Bulldog Temperament: Five universal personality traits of the English bulldog

The English Setter is one of the most elegant and attractive gun dog breeds, renowned for its long, silky coat, graceful bearing, and gentle, affectionate temperament. Bred to work in the field, setting (crouching low) to indicate the presence of game birds, the English Setter has a long history as a working dog and continues to be kept both as a field dog and as a companion. If you are considering owning an English Setter, this guide covers everything you need to know.

English Setter Appearance

The English Setter is a medium to large breed, with males typically standing between 65 and 69 cm at the shoulder and females between 61 and 65 cm. The breed has a distinctive, flowing coat with feathering on the ears, chest, belly, back of the legs, and tail. The coat colour is described as belton — a term unique to the breed — which refers to a white base coat flecked with coloured ticking. Common colourings include orange belton (white with orange flecks), blue belton (white with black flecks), lemon belton, liver belton, and tri-colour (blue or liver belton with tan markings).

The English Setter has a long, lean head with a gentle, intelligent expression, and a moderately long neck leading to a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. The tail is carried level with the back and feathered. The overall impression is of a dog combining power and elegance.

English Setter Temperament

The English Setter is known for being gentle, affectionate, and good-natured. They are typically sociable with people and generally get on well with children and other dogs. They form strong bonds with their families and do not tend to be aggressive or dominant. They can be reserved around strangers initially, but most warm up quickly.

English Setters have an enthusiastic, lively nature and enjoy being active, but they are also capable of being calm and gentle in the home. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to patient, positive reinforcement-based training. They do not respond well to harsh or heavy-handed handling.

English Setter Exercise Requirements

The English Setter is an active breed with significant exercise needs. At least one to two hours of vigorous activity per day is recommended. They excel at free running and enjoy working their nose. Access to a safely enclosed area where they can run freely is beneficial. Without adequate exercise, English Setters can become bored and restless.

English Setter Grooming

The English Setter’s flowing coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Brushing several times per week is needed to prevent tangles and remove debris. The feathering on the ears, legs, and tail is particularly prone to matting. Professional grooming every few months, including trimming around the feet and ears, helps to keep the coat manageable. The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, as the drop-ear shape can make the breed more susceptible to ear infections.

English Setter Lifespan and Health

The typical English Setter lifespan is between 10 and 12 years. Health conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and deafness (which is associated with white pigmentation in some lines). Responsible breeders carry out relevant health testing and BAER hearing tests where appropriate.

How Much Does an English Setter Cost?

In the UK, an English Setter puppy from a reputable, health-tested breeder typically costs between £1,000 and £2,000. Always buy from a Kennel Club registered breeder who carries out relevant health tests and allows you to see the puppy with its mother before purchase.