English Setter Breeders and Breed Information for Potential Owners

If you're considering bringing an English Setter into your family, you'll want to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

English Setters are a medium to large breed, typically weighing between 45-80 pounds and standing between 23-27 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

English Setters are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and are often described as "velcro dogs" due to their strong desire for human companionship.

The English Setter breed has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest breeds of the setter group.

Developed to help hunters track and locate game on the moors, English Setters got their name from their perfectly still sitting position, or "set", around prey. This unique ability was essential for hunters to net their game.

The breed's specific origin is not entirely known, but some experts believe that the English Setter originated from the breeding of the Spanish Pointer, Springer Spaniel, and Large Water Spaniel. Others think it may have originated in France when a Spanish Pointer crossed with a French Pointer.

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Here are the four historically significant English Setter lines that influenced the breed's existence in America:

English Setters were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 and have been popular bird dogs since the 1500s.

The English Setter is a breed with a rich history that spans over 400 years. Developed in England, they were initially bred to locate game and then crouch until the hunter netted it. This bird-hunting breed has since been adapted for various roles, including companionship, showing, and agility.

Their origins as a hunting breed have shaped their physical and behavioral characteristics. They have a distinctive speckled pattern called "belton" on their silky and feathered coat, which is a result of their breeding history. Their elegant build and expressive eyes add to their charm.

English Setters are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them an excellent choice for families with children. They form strong bonds with their families and are often excellent companions for both adults and children. Their intelligence and trainability make them adept at learning commands and participating in obedience and agility training.

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To understand the needs of an English Setter, it's essential to consider their exercise requirements. They are energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. A daily routine that includes outdoor activities like hiking and running will help keep them happy and healthy.

Here are some key characteristics of English Setters:

These characteristics are a result of their breeding history and natural instincts. With proper care and attention, English Setters can thrive as loyal companions and active partners in various activities.

The English Setter breed has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest breeds of the setter group.

English Setters were developed to help hunters track and locate game on the moors, and their name comes from their perfectly still sitting position, or "set", around prey.

In the 19th century, breeders like Edward Laverack and Purcell Llewellin played pivotal roles in developing the modern English Setter we know today. Laverack's focus was on creating a Setter that was gentle and companionable, while Llewellin's goal was to enhance their field performance.

The English Setter has been popular as a bird dog since the 1500s, and their specific origin is still debated among experts. Some believe the breed came from a Spanish Pointer crossed with a French Pointer, while others think it originated from the breeding of the Spanish Pointer, Springer Spaniel, and Large Water Spaniel.

The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878, and today English Setters use various stances to indicate the presence and location of birds, including standing still and leaning forward intensely, setting, or pointing.

Here are some key historical strains of English Setters that influenced their existence in America:

These historical strains have contributed to the development of the English Setter breed and have helped shape its characteristics and abilities.

If your dog is a mix of breeds, figuring out their breed group can be a challenge.

Check out Wisdom Panel's DNA tests to discover your dog's ancestry.

The English Setter, for example, is a sporting breed.

It's a great example of a breed that's perfect for hunting and the outdoors.

Some breeds are naturally good at certain tasks, like herding or retrieving.

Understanding your dog's breed group can help you tailor their training and exercise needs.

The breed group can also give you clues about your dog's temperament and personality.

For instance, a sporting breed like the English Setter is likely to be energetic and love to run around.

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English Setters are a beautiful breed, and their physical characteristics are just one reason why they're so popular. Their head is long and lean, with an oval-shaped skull when viewed from above.

Their ears are set low, even with or below the eye level, and are covered in the breed's characteristic long, silky hair. This hair also hangs loosely on their tails, creating a lovely fringe.

English Setters have long, lean, and muscular necks that contribute to their elegant appearance. Their tails form a smooth continuation of their topline, tapering to a fine point.

Here are some key physical characteristics of English Setters:

Their coats can vary in length and thickness, with some strains having flat lying, relatively short coats, while others have thick, abundant coats and even a topknot. Show-bred dogs tend to have longer coats and field-bred dogs usually have shorter coats.

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English Setters are a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint, and it's essential to obtain proof of health testing from the breeder before buying a puppy.

Dogs with hip dysplasia can develop arthritis as they age, so it's crucial to monitor their weight and energy levels to adjust their food intake accordingly. Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are also key to managing hip dysplasia effectively.

English Setters can also be prone to hypothyroidism, which results from an abnormally low level of thyroid hormone production. This condition can be managed with daily medication, but it's essential to work with a veterinarian to find the right treatment plan for your dog.

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Here are some common health issues to be aware of in English Setters:

To ensure your English Setter stays healthy and happy, it's essential to feed them a high-quality food that's appropriate for their life stage. A good rule of thumb is to feed them 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals.

English Setters are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Hip dysplasia is a common issue, where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint, causing pain and lameness in the rear legs.

Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are crucial to managing hip dysplasia effectively. You can verify health clearances for hip dysplasia on the OFA website (offa.org).

Deafness is another common issue in English Setters, and while some forms of hearing loss can be treated with medication or surgery, most cases of deafness cannot be cured. Special aids, such as vibrating collars, can assist in communicating with a deaf dog.

English Setters can also be prone to elbow dysplasia, a heritable condition that occurs due to different growth rates of the bones in the elbow joint, resulting in joint laxity. Treatment may involve surgery or medication to manage pain.

Here are some common health issues in English Setters:

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has health clearances for both parents, and to keep an eye out for signs of these conditions, such as pain, lameness, or changes in behavior.

English Setters are eager eaters, which means they can easily become overweight or obese if not monitored closely.

To prevent this, it's essential to carefully measure their meals and account for treats and snacks, making sure they don't make up more than 10% of their daily calories.

Feeding your English Setter requires approximately 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals.

However, the precise amount may vary depending on factors like age, size, activity level, and metabolism, so it's crucial to monitor their weight and energy levels to adjust the food intake accordingly.

High-quality dog food provides essential nutrients and contributes to your pet's overall health and well-being, so look for well-balanced formulas that include protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Regular exercise is also vital for English Setters to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, as they are an active breed with a history of hunting and fieldwork.

English Setters require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and looking their best. Brushing their coats at least three times a week with a stiff bristle brush is essential.

Their flat texture and feathering on the ears, chest, belly, thighs, legs, and tail make them a beautiful breed. Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent infections, and a cotton ball moistened with a veterinarian-recommended cleaning solution is the best tool for the job.

English Setters need regular dental care to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Brushing their teeth two or three times a week is a must, and it's best to start early with a puppy to accustom them to handling and brushing.

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Their nails need to be trimmed regularly to prevent scratching people inadvertently. A long-toothed metal comb is great for preventing tangles and mats in their long, silky coats.

Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:

By following these simple grooming tips, you can keep your English Setter looking and feeling their best.

English Setters are a delightful breed known for their affectionate and gentle nature. They are lively and energetic, yet not overly active to overwhelm their owners.

Their natural alertness makes them great watchdogs, as they'll bark to alert you when someone approaches the home. However, they readily welcome those you introduce to them.

Temperament is influenced by various factors, including genetics, training, and socialization. Meeting at least one of the parents, typically the mother, is essential to assess their temperaments and ensure compatibility.

Early socialization is crucial for English Setters, exposing them to diverse people, environments, and experiences during their formative months. This helps them develop into well-rounded dogs.

Despite their affinity for people, their hunting heritage can make them independent thinkers. Training them with kindness and consistency using positive reinforcement yields the best results.

English Setters are one of the best breeds to have around children, with a mellow temperament, loving nature, and devotion to their families. They love being with their people and are happiest when involved in family activities.

They are sensitive, playful, and get along very well with dogs and other pets, making them a great addition to many families.

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English Setters are relatively easy to train, but they do require a gentle approach. Positive reinforcement is the best training method, as they respond well to reward-based training using treats or favorite toys.

Early socialization is crucial to ensure your English Setter grows into a well-mannered adult dog. This means exposing them to various environments, people, and situations from an early age.

They can be soft to train, but that doesn't mean they're not intelligent. In fact, they're highly trainable, and with the right approach, they can learn to point and back with ease.

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English Setters are natural swimmers and can become water work enthusiasts with early exposure. They'll take to the water like fish, given the chance.

Their love for birds is a great starting point for water work, as they'll often follow their instincts to retrieve game in the water. If you introduce them to water at a young age, they'll become comfortable with it.

Curtis Fry, a seasoned expert, recommends early exposure to water to yield positive results. Once they get used to water, it becomes no big deal for them.

Their ability to perform in the water is closely tied to their retrieving instincts, making them a great breed for water work. They'll love the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of bringing back game.

As with any breed, it's essential to introduce them to water gradually and safely, especially for young puppies. A half-mile walk or jog in the water can be a great way to get them started.

Exercise needs vary depending on age, with children and adolescents requiring at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

As we age, our exercise needs change, with adults needing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

Older adults should aim for 2-3 sessions of resistance training per week to maintain muscle mass and bone density.

Adults with mobility issues can start with short, manageable sessions of 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a week, and gradually increase duration and frequency.

Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Exercise can also improve mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, can help build muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Flexibility exercises, such as stretching or yoga, can help improve range of motion and reduce the risk of injury.

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English Setters are relatively easy to train, but they do require a gentle approach. Positive reinforcement is the best method, using treats or favorite toys to encourage good behavior.

Early socialization is crucial to ensure your English Setter grows into a well-mannered adult dog. This will help them develop good habits and a strong bond with you.

You can't generalize when it comes to training English Setters, as each dog has a unique personality. Some may be softer and easier to train, while others may be more stubborn.

Allowing your English Setter to have a puppyhood is essential to the training process. Don't start training too early, as this can be counterproductive.

A close bond with your dog is essential for effective training. Remember to maintain a sense of humor and be patient with your English Setter.

English Setters are naturally good at pointing, and some may start as early as eight weeks old. Others may take a bit longer, but with consistent training, they'll get there.

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