English Setter

Elegant, passionate and affectionate: the English Setter combines the beauty of its long, belton coat with a sweet temperament and boundless energy in the field.

Features

Height at the withers

Male: Between 65 and 68 cm.

Female: Between 61 and 65 cm.

Weight

Male: Between 25 and 30 kg.

Female: Between 20 and 25 kg.

Life expectancy

Between 10 and 12 years.

Coat

Long, silky and with feathering on ears, chest, belly and legs.

Color

White with orange, lemon, black or brown markings (belton pattern).

Diet

High-quality diet adapted to large, active breeds, with a good protein source to maintain muscle mass.

Care and diseases

Brush several times a week to prevent tangles, monthly baths and regular ear cleaning to prevent infections.

Origins

The English Setter is one of the oldest gun dog breeds in Great Britain, with records dating back to the 19th century. It was developed to locate and point birds in open country. Edward Laverack and R. Purcell Llewellin were the breeders who defined the two main types of the breed.

Characteristics and aptitudes

The English Setter is a large, elegant and athletic dog with a very distinctive long, silky coat. Its temperament is affectionate, gentle and energetic: it loves outdoor life but also enjoys family company. It is sociable with children and other pets, and stands out for its sensitivity and need for a close bond with people.

Care

The English Setter needs intense daily exercise — ideally outdoors in wide open spaces — to channel its energy. It requires mental stimulation and does not tolerate prolonged isolation well. Coat maintenance is demanding and must be checked regularly. Routine vet check-ups should include monitoring of joints, thyroid and hearing.

Most common diseases

The English Setter may be prone to some conditions worth knowing about:

Hip dysplasia: hereditary joint malformation that can cause pain and lameness.
Hypothyroidism: insufficient production of thyroid hormone that affects metabolism.
Congenital deafness: can appear especially in dogs with a lot of white in their coat.
Osteosarcoma: malignant bone tumour more common in large breeds.

A balanced, high-quality diet is key to your dog's health. Discover our selection of dog food.