English Setter Shedding: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed

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Posted Sep 28, 2024

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Red Belton English Setter on Grass Field Near Body of Water
Credit: pexels.com, Red Belton English Setter on Grass Field Near Body of Water

English Setters are known for their beautiful, silky coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

They shed moderately, with the heaviest shedding occurring in the spring and fall when they blow their coat.

This breed is not considered hypoallergenic, so they may not be the best choice for people with severe allergies.

Their coat can be a challenge to maintain, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be managed.

Breed Information

The English Setter breed is a member of the gundog group, which means they were originally bred for hunting.

Their coat is medium-length and sheds, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.

English Setters come in a variety of colors, including black and white, orange and white, lemon and white, liver and white, and tricolour.

They have hazel to dark brown eyes, with darker eyes being preferred.

Dog Breed

The English Setter is a medium-sized breed, with males standing at about 25 to 27 inches tall and females standing at about 23 to 25 inches.

Credit: youtube.com, Every Dog Breed Explained (Part 1) | WIRED

Their weight range is quite significant, with males weighing from 65 to 80 pounds and females weighing from 45 to 55 pounds.

This breed has a medium-length coat that sheds, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.

English Setters come in a variety of colours, including black and white, orange and white, lemon and white, liver and white, and tricolour.

Their eyes are a beautiful hazel to dark brown, with darker eyes being preferred.

Lifespan is a significant consideration, and English Setters can live for more than 10 years with proper care.

Beware of excessive barking, as they can be loud when they do bark.

English Setters are bred to hunt and have a strong prey drive, so consistent and firm training is essential.

With proper training and exercise, they can be wonderfully manageable and athletic companions.

This breed requires plenty of exercise, so be prepared to take them on long runs or bike rides to keep them happy and healthy.

For another approach, see: Why Are Labradors so Popular

Dog Breed History

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The English Setter breed has a rich history dating back to 400 years ago in England, where it was likely developed from a cross between several hunting dogs, including pointers and spaniels.

One of the key figures in the development of the English Setter was Edward Laverack, who purchased two foundation dogs in 1825 that would become the root of the breed. He focused on breeding dogs that were gentle and companionable, adding the Pointer and Irish Setter to the lines for their personalities.

The other influential breeder was R.L. Purcell Llewellin, who aimed to create a breed that excelled in the field, crossing Laverack's dogs with Gordon Setters and others to improve their scenting and agility.

Both Laverack's and Llewellin's English Setters were brought to America in the late 1800s, with Laverack's line becoming the foundation for show Setters and Llewellin's line for field dogs.

Today, English Setters are a rare breed, ranking 98th among other breeds registered by the American Kennel Club, which means you may need to be patient if you're planning to adopt one.

Discover more: Llewellin Setter

Grooming

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Grooming is a vital part of keeping your English Setter's coat sleek and healthy. Brushing at least three times a week should do the trick, using a stiff bristle brush to untangle any knots and remove loose hairs.

The English Setter's coat is flat and doesn't have any curls or woolliness, making it lightweight and allowing for a swift range of motion. Regular brushing will help maintain this characteristic.

Bathing every six weeks or so should suffice to keep your Setter smelling nice and clean. However, bathing too frequently can get rid of the natural oils on their skin, potentially leading to skin problems.

The English Setter's floppy ears can sometimes make air circulation difficult, leading to ear infections. Regularly checking their ears and cleaning them out with a cotton ball moistened with a cleaning solution can help prevent this.

Brushing your Setter's teeth about two or three times a week should be enough to remove any tartar buildup and prevent dental problems. This is especially important for a breed that tends to attract debris outdoors.

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Getting your English Setter's hair brushed is a big part of their life, and it should be done thrice-weekly with a metal comb and a large bristle brush. This will help maintain their distinguished appearance and prevent tangles and debris from building up.

Trimming the coat about every six weeks is necessary to keep it short enough for your English Setter to move comfortably and effortlessly in the field. Pay special attention to the area around the feet and ears when trimming the coat.

Characteristics and Traits

The English Setter is a medium-sized sporting dog breed with an elegant stance to accompany its strength, agility, and grace.

Their head is long and lean, with a long and square muzzle and a black or dark brown nose. The eyes are typically dark brown and maintain an intelligent and attentive expression.

The Setter's ears are set well back and low and are carried close to the head.

Intriguing read: Bull Terrier Head Shape

History and Origins

English Setter Dog on Grassland
Credit: pexels.com, English Setter Dog on Grassland

The English Setter's history is a fascinating tale that spans centuries. They originated in England in the 1500s.

Their roots are unclear due to competition and rivalry between landowners to develop their own specific Setter. It's likely they're an offshoot of the various land spaniels brought over from Spain.

Sir Edward Lavarack is credited with establishing the English Setter as a distinct and recognized breed.

Characteristics

The English Setter is a medium-sized sporting dog breed with an elegant stance to accompany its strength, agility, and grace.

Their head is long and lean, perfectly proportioned to the rest of their body. This allows them to move with ease and agility.

The muzzle of an English Setter is long and square, paired with a black or dark brown nose. This unique feature adds to their distinctive appearance.

Their eyes are typically dark brown and convey an intelligent and attentive expression. This is a testament to their high intelligence and trainability.

For your interest: Border Collie Dog Agility

English Setter Dog in Side View
Credit: pexels.com, English Setter Dog in Side View

English Setters have ears that are set well back and low, carried close to the head. Their ears are a moderate length, rounded at the ends, and covered with their silky hair.

The neck and body structure of an English Setter are long, muscular, and lean. This enables them to move with ease and flexibility.

Their fore-chest is well-developed and deep, but not so deep that it interferes with the movement of their forelegs. This allows them to maintain a wide range of motion.

English Setters have muscular legs that provide a wide range of motion. This is essential for their hunting abilities and overall athleticism.

For more insights, see: Muscular English Bulldog

Family and Ownership

English Setters are best suited to families with older children who enjoy long walks, as they have a reserved and sensitive nature.

Their boisterous play can be a risk to very small children, so it's essential to supervise interactions between them.

Adults should always supervise interactions between dogs and young children, and never leave them alone together.

English Setters can be clumsy around very small dogs, so it's crucial to introduce them carefully.

A quieter, more mature home is ideal for an English Setter, as they prefer a calm environment.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Tiny Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

Health and Maintenance

Credit: youtube.com, English Setter Profile History - Price - Traits - English Setter Grooming Needs - Lifespan

English Setters are known to shed heavily, but regular grooming can help manage this issue. They require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

Their thick, double coats can trap dirt and debris, so regular bathing is essential to keep them clean. You should bathe your English Setter every 2-3 months.

English Setters are prone to skin allergies, which can be exacerbated by excessive shedding. Keeping their coat clean and well-maintained can help alleviate these issues.

Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also crucial for their overall health and hygiene. You should trim their nails every 4-6 weeks and clean their ears weekly.

English Setters are generally healthy dogs, but regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues related to their shedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are English Setters hypoallergenic?

English Setters are not considered hypoallergenic due to their shedding coats that produce pet dander. If you're allergic to pets, consider this before bringing an English Setter into your home.

Shannon Stamm

Senior Copy Editor

Shannon Stamm is a meticulous and detail-oriented Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, punctuation, and syntax, she ensures that every article shines with clarity and precision. Shannon's experience spans a range of topics, including Dog Training and Behavior, where she has honed her skills in distilling complex information into accessible, engaging pieces.