English Setter

These beautiful slender dogs almost always cause a stir at a dog show with their proud demeanor and flowing coats. They originally come from England where they were called "Setting Spaniels." According to the English Setter Association of America, "Before the use of firearms became widespread (19th century), hunters used nets to ensnare game birds. They would spread a large net over a wide area, including the dog. When the hunter made a loud noise to cause the birds to fly, they would be caught in the net and easily harvested. The Setting Spaniel, and later the Setter, crouched down on its front legs as though bowing to indicate the presence and location of birds." They were first bred over 400 years ago in England and it is believed that the origins of English Setters come from Spanish land spaniels.

The English Setter is an elegant and substantial animal with a sweet disposition and a love of children. The English Setter is much more suited to suburban and rural life than urban.

Interesting Breed Facts: Popularity: 86th in 2008; with 752 registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). First recognized as a breed: The first show for English Setters was held in England in 1859. They were first recognized as an AKC breed in 1878. AKC Grouping: Sporting. Size: Average height for females is 24" and for males, 25". Weight in proportion to height: males: between 65 and 80 lbs., females: between 45 and 55 lbs. English Setters bred for field training are slightly smaller. Appearance: A long and lean head with a defined stop and oval skull. The muzzle is long and square with pendulous flews (lips). The English Setter's coat is straight and flat with feathering on ears, chest, legs, underbody and tail, but this should not be excessive. AKC allowed colors include orange belton, blue belton, liver belton, lemon belton, and tricolor. The colored markings on an English Setter are in a flecking pattern named after a village in England, Belton. Blue belton is a white haircoat with black flecking; liver belton has brown flecking; and so forth. The tricolor is a blue belton with tan markings on the muzzle, eyes, and legs. #1 preventable health problem: Coarse and dull haircoat, with breaking feathering. This can be prevented with a good, healthy diet and regular grooming. Preferences: They love their family and, of course, running the fields with their families. Best features: Patient, affectionate personalities and ability and love of hunting. Biggest challenge to owners: Training and keeping them well exercised. They need long walks or fieldwork.