English Setter

The English Setter: Its character and astonishing characteristics

Reading time : 6 minutes

THE English Setter, also known as the "English Spaniel", is a breed of hunting dog native to England. Primarily This breed was developed during the 19th century to hunt birds and game birds, and has since become a popular breed for hunters and families.

English Setters are known for their beautiful appearance and silky coats. They have a friendly, affectionate and energetic personality, which is why they are perfect for active families. However they also have a strong hunting instinct, meaning they need to be well trained to avoid unwanted behavior.

Height and weight of the English Setter as an adult

English Setters are a medium to large dog breed.

Size at the withers Weight
Male 61 to 68 cm25 to 36 kg
Female 60 to 66 cm 20 to 31 kg
Size and Weight of the English Setter as an Adult

However, it is important to note that the weight and size of dogs can vary depending on various factors such as age, gender, diet and activity level. It is therefore worth consulting a veterinarian to determine the ideal weight and size for your English Setter in particular.

The brown English Setter

Physical characteristics of the English Setter

The English Setter is an elegant and athletic dog breed with a well-proportioned body and silky coat. Here are some of the distinctive physical characteristics of this breed:

  • Head : The head of the English Setter is medium size with oval, dark-colored eyes and long, hanging ears. The muzzle is well developed and the lips are slightly pendulous.
  • Body : The English Setter has a well-proportioned body with a muscular neck and deep chest. The back is straight and strong, while the limbs are strong and well muscled.
  • Coat : The English Setter's coat is silky and flat, with elegant fringes on the ears, legs and tail. Coat color can vary from white with black, brown or red spots, depending on the English Setter variety.
  • Tail : The tail of the English Setter is of medium length and well feathered, carried horizontally or slightly upwards.
  • Feet : The English Setter's feet are well proportioned, with webbed toes and thick pads for better grip when running.

These physical characteristics give the English Setter an elegant and athletic appearance, making it a popular dog breed for hunting and as a pet.

Character of the English Setter

The English Setter is a Dog Breed friendly, affectionate and energetic, who gets along well with children and other pets. Here are some of the personality characteristics of the English Setter:

  • Friendly : English Setters have a gentle and friendly temperament, which makes them easy to get along with and enjoyable as a pet.
  • Energetic : English Setters are active dogs and need a sufficient amount of exercise and mental stimulation to avoid destructive behavior.
  • Affectionate : English Setters are very affectionate with their families and are often described as “cuddle dogs”.
  • Clever : English Setters are an intelligent and easy to train dog breed, although they have a strong hunting instinct that may require additional training.
  • Sensitive : English Setters have a sensitive temperament and can be negatively affected by overly strict or harsh training methods.
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In general, the English Setter is a loyal and loving companion for the whole family, who can also be an excellent hunting dog thanks to his fine nose and his desire to pursue birds and game birds.

The English Setter: Hunting dog


It is considered one of the best hunting dog breeds, with a long history of working as a pointing dog for hunting birds and game birds. Here are some of the qualities that make the English Setter an excellent hunting dog:

  • Thin nose : They have an excellent sense of smell, which makes them very useful for hunting birds and game birds.
  • Hunting instincte: He has a strong hunting instinct and is naturally attracted to birds and game birds.
  • Endurance : They have great endurance and are able to run and work for long periods of time.
  • Intelligence : English Setters are an intelligent and easy-to-train dog breed for hunting, thanks to their ability to understand commands and work closely with their owner.
  • Calm temperament : They have a calm and easy-going temperament, which makes them easy to train and work with in the field.
  • Elegance : They are elegant dogs in the field, with fluid, graceful movements that help them locate birds and report them to their owner.
The English Setter hunting dog

In short, the English Setter is a very capable and popular hunting dog due to its many qualities, including its fine nose, hunting instinct, endurance and intelligence.

The amazing characteristics of the English Setter

There are lesser-known characteristics that make this breed even more fascinating. Here are four unexpected characteristics of the English Setter:

  1. Emotional sensitivity : The English Setter is a dog that is particularly sensitive to the emotions of its masters. He is able to sense changes in mood and often adapts his behavior accordingly. This quality makes him an excellent companion for people in need of emotional support.
  2. Youthful exuberance : Although the English Setter is a large breed, they often retain their enthusiasm and youthful zest for life throughout their lives. It is important to be aware of this characteristic and adapt your environment accordingly, providing enough space and activities to channel this overflowing energy.
  3. Love of water : The English Setter is a breed that loves water and is very comfortable when it comes to swimming or bathing. It can therefore be an excellent companion for water activities, whether at the beach, at the lake or even in a swimming pool.
  4. Artistic talent : Although it may seem surprising, the English Setter is often considered an “artistic” dog breed. Indeed, their silky coat and graceful movements have inspired many artists and sculptors over the centuries. Thus, it is not uncommon to find representations of the English Setter in works of art, sculptures or dog shows.
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These unexpected characteristics make the English Setter even more endearing and unique. If you are considering adopting an English Setter, keep these characteristics in mind to better understand and appreciate your future companion.

English Setter Education


Training an English Setter can be relatively easy due to their intelligence and desire to please their owner. However, due to their strong hunting instinct, it is important to start their training from a young age. So we offer you some advice for training an English Setter:

  1. Start education from a young age: Start training your English Setter as soon as possible to establish positive habits and prevent unwanted behavior.
  2. Use positive reinforcement methods : English Setters respond well to rewards and praise. From there, you can use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, toys or praise to encourage desired behaviors.
  3. To be coherent : Make sure you are consistent in your training, using the same commands and rewards every time. This will make it easier for your dog to understand what you expect of him.
  4. Socialize your English Setter : You must make sure to introduce your puppy to different people, animals and situations from an early age so that he becomes a balanced and confident dog.
  5. Provide mental challenges : English Setters are intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. Therefore provide him with mental challenges such as chew toys or fetch games to stimulate his mind.
  6. Avoid harsh training methods : English Setters are sensitive dogs, and they can become discouraged very quickly. Therefore you will avoid harsh or punitive training methods. Instead, use positive methods to reinforce desired behaviors.

By following these tips, you can help your English Setter become a well-behaved and happy dog.

Common English Setter health problem

Like all dog breeds, the English Setter is prone to certain genetic diseases and health problems. Here are some of the most common health problems in English Setters:

  • Hip dysplasia : Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not develop properly, so this can lead to pain and difficulty in movement. The English Setter can be prone to this disease.
  • Dilation-twisting of the stomach : This condition, also known as stomach torsion, occurs when the dog's stomach expands and twists on itself, which can cause severe and life-threatening abdominal pain.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy : Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited disease that can lead to progressive blindness in English Setters.
  • Otitis externa : English Setters can develop ear infections due to their long floppy ears which can retain moisture.
  • Skin allergies : English Setters may be susceptible to certain food or environmental allergies, which can cause itchy and irritated skin.
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It is necessary that to take care your pet's health by giving him the opportunity to exercise regularly and having him examined by a veterinarian to screen for any potential health problems. Additionally, by choosing a reputable breeder and performing genetic testing before purchasing a puppy, you can reduce the risk of health problems in your English Setter.

Nutrition of the English Setter

Nutrition is an essential aspect of the health and well-being of your English Setter. This is why you need to provide him with a balanced diet to meet his specific nutritional needs. Here are some nutrition tips for your English Setter:

  1. Choose high-quality food : Opt for one high quality food containing high-quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods with artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers.
  2. Stick to recommended servings : They are greedy and therefore prone to being overweight. By respecting the portions recommended by the food manufacturer, you will prevent your dog from becoming overweight.
  3. Give protein-rich foods : They are active dogs and need protein to maintain their muscle mass and energy levels. High-quality proteins are found in meat, fish and eggs.
  4. Offer vegetables and fruits : Vegetables and fruits can provide important nutrients and fiber to your English Setter. Vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes are particularly beneficial.
  5. Limit treats : Treats can add extra calories to your English Setter's diet, so it is essential to limit treats and give them in moderation.
  6. Consult your veterinarian : If you have concerns about feeding your English Setter or would like specific recommendations, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.

By following these nutrition tips, you can help your English Setter maintain a healthy, balanced diet to support their long-term health and well-being.

The English Setter

To conclude


In conclusion, the English Setter is a beautiful and versatile dog breed, loved for its beauty, affectionate nature, and ability to excel as a hunting dog. Although it has some potential health problems, a balanced diet, regular exercise and proper care can help minimize these risks. Inasmuch as family companion faithful and loving, the English Setter can bring a lot of joy and happiness to those who adopt him. If you are looking for a dog with a friendly and energetic temperament, the English Setter may be the perfect companion for you and your family.

  • Florence Luberton

    Florence Luberton, a passionate pet lover and pet owner. Florence has dedicated her life to educating pet owners on the best ways to care for their furry companions. From training, nutrition, to grooming and behavior, she has a wealth of knowledge that she loves to share with pet owners to help them better understand their animals.

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