Description

The English Setter is one of the oldest breeds of gun dogs and has been a treasured bird retriever for the last four hundred years. English Setter is a large graceful dog with a lively sprit who will have unconditional devotion to his whole family. English Setter thieves on human companionship or with other dogs. Newborn puppies are born white and after the first week begin to change in color.

Size of Male: Height: 25 – 27 inches Weight: 60-80 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23 – 25 inches Weight: 50-75 pounds

Temperament

The English Setter is a very gentle, placid, friendly dog. English Setter is excellent with children. English Setters are mild mannered and sensitive. They loves affection. The English setter are enthusiastic and lively outdoors, but relatively inactive indoors. They are somewhat willful and can be difficult to housebreak. Training should start early to prevent development of bad habits, but should never be harshly treated. It needs lots of companionship and enjoys playing with other dogs. English Setters are adequate watchdogs. They like to roam and are diggers and good jumpers. There are two types of English Setter: field and show. The field types are generally a bit smaller and lighter, and very active so they need more exercise than the show types. Both types need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy and must have a fenced yard. The English Setter tends to be quite vocal and can become a nuisance barker if not discouraged early in life. Some English Setters may drool, although not obsessively like some of the Mastiff type dogs.

Living Conditions

English Setters are not recommended for apartment living and does best with at least an average-sized yard. Unless you are ready to commit to bringing your dog for long exercises daily, this may not be the right breed for you.

Upkeep

The English Setter needs a lot of exercise every day, requiring at least an hour of hard exertion. English Setter does best when it can live inside and play outside. The long coat of the English Setter needs regular brushing every two or three days. The white coat may be difficult to keep gleaming in some areas. Some clipping and trimming every month or two is advisable for optimal good looks.

Health

Major concerns: deafness, Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, Osteochondritis dissecans

Life expectancy: 10 – 14 years