Dog breed · Sporting / Gundog
English Setter
An elegant bird dog that combines a mellow, affectionate house presence with real stamina and drive in the field. English Setters do best with owners who can give them both companionship and exercise.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Sporting / Gundog
- Origin
- England
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–36 kg (45–80 lb)
- Height
- 61–69 cm
- Lifespan
- 11–12 years
- Coat
- Long, silky, flat feathered coat
- Temperament
- GentleSociableMellow at homeBird-driven afield
History
Developed in England over centuries from spaniel-type dogs to locate and point game birds for hunters using nets, then guns.
Appearance
A long, lean dog with a silky feathered coat, most often in a speckled 'belton' pattern of blue, orange, lemon or liver on white.
Exercise and activity
An hour or more daily; field work, long hikes and scent games suit the breed's pointing heritage well.
Care and grooming
Brush several times weekly to prevent mats in the feathering, especially behind the ears and on the legs, and check for grass seeds and burrs after outdoor work.
Health considerations
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Deafness
- Elbow dysplasia
- Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN8)
Honest challenges
Before choosing a English Setter
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: An hour or more daily; field work, long hikes and scent games suit the breed's pointing heritage well. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Deafness, Elbow dysplasia, Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN8)), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice