The English Setter Brown is a stunning breed with a rich history. They originated in England in the 16th century as a hunting dog.
Their short, smooth coat is a key characteristic, with a distinctive brown color. This coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
English Setters are an energetic breed, requiring daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They excel in activities like running and swimming.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for families and hunters alike.
Puppy Care
English Setters thrive in company, so they're best suited to living in a household where they'll have someone to hang out with most of the day.
They need an average amount of grooming, with extra attention on their feathered features to keep them looking their best.
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The Basics
English Setters are elegant, medium-sized domestic dogs that belong to the setter group of breeds.
They are long and lean, with an oval-shaped skull and long muzzle, and large, round hazel-colored eyes.
Their ears are set back on their heads and hang down to about eye-level.
English Setters are primarily white with black or brown markings on their medium-length coat.
Some have long, wavy fringes around their belly, ear, and tail, while others have generally short hair.
They can weigh up to 80 lbs and stand up to 27 inches tall.
Female English Setters typically give birth to about six puppies, which often lack the markings on their white coats that adults have developed.
Adults live about 11-12 years.
English Setters are intelligent dogs with a great temperament, often described as 'Gentlemanly' and 'intensely friendly'.
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Care
Puppies need companionship and social interaction to thrive. They should have company for most of the day to prevent boredom and stress.
Some breeds are more prone to separation anxiety than others. If you have a breed that's prone to this, be sure to work on helping them feel relaxed when left alone for short periods.
Puppies require regular grooming to stay clean and healthy. They need an average amount of grooming, with a little more attention on their feathered features if they have them.
As a pet owner, it's essential to establish a routine that includes regular exercise and playtime. This will help your puppy stay happy and healthy.
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Temperament and Training
The English Setter's temperament is truly one-of-a-kind. They're incredibly intelligent, loyal, and friendly, making them a wonderful companion for many families.
Their intelligence is just one of the reasons they're so eager to please and quick to pick up on commands. In fact, they thrive on mental stimulation, so be prepared to engage them in outdoor games and interactive puzzles.
One thing to keep in mind is that English Setters can be sensitive to harsh treatment, so gentle, reward-based training methods are the way to go. This will help prevent them from becoming distressed.
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Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when training your English Setter:
- Respond well to reward-based training methods
- Can be sensitive to harsh treatment
- May have a high prey drive and require extra attention to recall
Overall, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your English Setter will be a joy to train and live with.
Temperament & Intelligence
The English Setter is a beautiful breed that's not only stunning to look at, but also incredibly intelligent.
They're quick to pick up on commands and take great joy in learning new things, making them a joy to train. Their intelligence and desire to learn also require you to provide plenty of mental stimulation, such as outdoor games and interactive puzzles.
English Setters are highly energetic and need an active family to keep up with them. If they don't get enough exercise, they can become bored and engage in mischievous behavior.
Their gentle temperament means they can be particularly sensitive to harsh treatment, so it's essential to use reward-based training methods to keep them happy and engaged.
Here are some key traits to keep in mind when working with an English Setter:
- Gentle and affectionate
- Energetic, but calm if given appropriate exercise
- Intelligent and eager to please
English Setters are great with children of any age, but it's vital to monitor their interactions with young children due to their size and playful nature.
Cons
English Setters can be prone to alert barking, which may not be suitable for apartment living or households with noise restrictions.
Their high prey drive means they may not be the best fit for homes with small pets or where they'll be left alone with them for extended periods.
Some English Setters can suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior or excessive barking when left alone.
English Setters may require more attention and exercise than other breeds to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Here are some specific cons to consider:
- Alert barking
- High prey drive
- Prone to separation anxiety
Health and Wellness
English Setters are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Bloat is one of the conditions that can affect them, and it's a serious issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are two common genetic health conditions that can cause mobility issues and pain in English Setters. These conditions occur when the joints form abnormally.
Hypothyroidism is another condition that can affect English Setters, causing their metabolism to slow down. This can lead to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Allergies are also common in English Setters, and can be caused by environmental or food factors. Identifying the underlying cause can be a process of elimination.
Deafness can occur in English Setters, although it's not a common issue. Some dogs may be born with deafness in one or both ears.
Here are some common health conditions that can affect English Setters:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Congenital deafness
Owning an English Setter Brown
Owning an English Setter Brown is a large responsibility, and you'll need to know what to feed them, how to groom them, and what kinds of health issues they may face in the future.
You'll want to feed your English Setter Brown a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs, and groom them regularly to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coat.
English Setters are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has done health checks on the parents.
Expect to pay around $1,000 for an English Setter pup from a breeder, regardless of pedigree, and make sure to ask about health guarantees and return policies.
If you're considering adopting an English Setter, you can start by contacting setter-specific rescue organizations like Our English Setter Rescue or checking with your local shelters.
Owning a Dog
Owning a dog is a large responsibility. You'll need to know what to feed them, how to groom them, and what kinds of health issues they may face in the future.
English Setters are a high-energy breed, so they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of physical activity every day, whether that's a long walk, a run, or a game of fetch.
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Their beautiful coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This includes brushing them several times a week, and occasional trimming to keep them looking their best.
With proper care and attention, English Setters can live up to 12-14 years. However, they may face health issues like hip dysplasia and eye problems, which can impact their quality of life.
Adopt or Buy
If you're set on bringing an English Setter Brown into your life, you'll need to decide whether to adopt or buy.
You can expect to pay around $1,000 if you buy a puppy from a breeder, regardless of pedigree.
Reputable breeders are a must, as they ensure the puppy is healthy, happy, and well-socialized. This means the breeder has done health checks on the parents and won't release the pups until they're at least 8 weeks old.
If you're willing to put in the time and attention, adopting an English Setter can be incredibly rewarding. Watching your rescue dog come out of their shell is a truly special experience.
To find a reputable breeder, start with the English Setter Association of America. They'll be able to guide you through the process and connect you with a breeder who's done their due diligence.
Grooming and Diet
English Setters require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coats. They have feathering on their legs, abdomen, chest, ears, and tail, which needs to be brushed out at least once a week.
Their diet is also crucial, and they can be prone to obesity if not monitored. High-quality dog food with the right amount of protein and calories is essential, but be mindful of overfeeding.
Regular ear checks, nail trims, and dental care are also necessary to keep your English Setter healthy and happy.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your English Setter.
Brushing your English Setter's coat at least twice a week is recommended, with a soft-bristled brush being a great choice.
Their beautiful coat requires regular trimmings, especially in areas with feathering around the ears, feet, and legs.
You should check your dog's ears regularly to ensure they're clean and free of infection.
Baths should be given every 4–6 weeks, and their nails need monthly trimming to prevent overgrowth.
Their teeth should be brushed a few times a week to prevent dental issues, and you may also want to trim some areas of their feathered coat or around the ears.
A good weekly brush out can help keep their coat in good condition and prevent tangles, mats, or knots from developing in their abundant feathering.
Food & Diet
English Setters need a diet of high-quality dog food with the right amount of protein and calories to match their energy needs.
They can be prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and avoid overfeeding.
English Setters have a tendency to sneak food off countertops and try to steal morsels from plates, so keep a close eye on your food and train them to leave you alone during mealtime.
Food allergies are also common in the breed, so watch for signs of allergic reactions like itchiness or digestive trouble.
Exercise
English Setters are a high-energy breed that needs at least an hour of daily exercise to stay happy and fit.
They love to run around and play, so regular walks, hikes, and trips to the dog park are a must.
You can also try playing games like tag or fetch in the backyard to burn off some of that excess energy.
English Setters are naturally athletic and intelligent, making them a great fit for sports competitions and agility training.
Consider signing your English Setter up for a training course or setting up an agility course in your backyard to challenge them and have fun together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest color of English Setter?
The rarest color of English Setter is dark brown or liver with white markings. This unique color combination is less common in the breed, making it a distinctive and sought-after feature.
Is an English Setter a good family dog?
Yes, English Setters are generally excellent family dogs, known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They're a great choice for families with children, offering a loving and protective companion.
What color is the English Setter coat?
The English Setter's coat is predominantly white with flecks of another color, known as Belton markings. This unique coat pattern features ticking, which can vary in intensity from light to heavy.
Are English Setters a rare breed?
English Setters are considered a rare breed, ranking 98th in popularity among dog breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Their relatively low popularity makes them a unique and special choice for dog owners.
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