English Setters are a popular breed in Texas, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are a medium-sized dog with a muscular build, typically weighing between 55-80 pounds.
English Setters are a versatile breed, originally bred for hunting, but also make great family pets. They are intelligent and energetic, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
In Texas, English Setters are often used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and quail. Their strong prey drive and keen sense of smell make them well-suited for this type of work.
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Physical Characteristics
English setters are a beautiful breed, and their physical characteristics are just one of the many things that make them so special.
They're on the larger end of medium-sized dogs, with full-grown females weighing between 45–55 pounds and standing 23–25 inches tall.
Male dogs are larger, tipping the scale around 65–80 pounds and reaching 25–27 inches tall.
Their sturdy and athletic build makes them well-suited for the active lifestyle of many English setter owners.
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Their unique coat pattern, called belton, features flecks and spots in various colors, including orange, blue, lemon, and liver.
Some English setters may even have a tricolored pattern, with blue belton and tan patches on the face and legs.
English setter puppies are born white, but then the "Spot Fairy" reveals their coat colors a few weeks later, making for a delightful surprise.
A different take: English Setter Lemon Belton
Temperament and Behavior
English Setters are laid-back and gentle, making them a great choice for families with children. They're also easygoing with strangers and other dogs.
They need daily exercise to stay calm and happy, which can be as simple as a long walk or a half-hour run. This breed loves to run and play.
English Setters are highly intelligent and pick up basic training easily, but they do best with positive reinforcement. They also need to be socialized at a young age, so consider puppy kindergarten.
They're generally quiet, but will bark to alert you to someone approaching the house. Regular grooming is a must to prevent mats and tangles in their beautiful coats.
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Variations of the
Variations of the English Setter can be quite subtle, but they're worth noting. Field-bred dogs are slightly smaller than their show ring counterparts.
Despite the differences, both types can make excellent companions. English Setters bred for conformation can still perform well in the field, and vice versa.
Their coats are a stunning feature, with a gorgeous white base color flecked with tan (orange belton) or black (blue belton).
On a similar theme: English Setter Orange Belton
Traits and Behavior
English Setters are friendly and mellow dogs that can thrive in families with children. They're also great with other pets like cats if they're raised together.
English Setters need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A long walk or a half-hour run is a good starting point, and they also love to go hiking or running alongside a bicycle.
Bred to be active, English Setters can get restless if they don't get enough physical activity. Daily exertion will keep them calm and well-behaved inside the house.
Those from conformation lines are particularly laid back and gentle, making them a great choice for less active adults or families with smaller children.
English Setters are highly intelligent and pick up basic training easily, but they do require positive reinforcement and socialization from an early age.
Regular grooming is a must for English Setters to prevent matting and tangling. A bath every six weeks, nail trimming, and ear cleaning will keep them looking and feeling their best.
Care and Upkeep
English setters need regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats in their long, feathery hair. You'll want to use a soft bristle brush or long-toothed metal comb at least once a week.
Baths are necessary at least once a month, and trimming their longer hair can be beneficial. English setters don't shed as much as many other dogs, but their long coats can still carry leaves, pine needles, and small sticks.
Regular nail trimming and brushing their teeth are also essential. Their soft, floppy ears need attention every week, as not much air moves through them.
Living Needs
English setters are happy to adapt to almost any family environment, but they do need daily walks to stay happy and healthy. They love spending time with their owners, whether that's going for a walk, riding in the car, or just lounging around the house.
A house with a fenced-in yard is still the preferred option for English setters, but they can do well in apartments as long as you make time for daily walks. They're natural athletes and need regular exercise to use up their energy.
You'll want to make time for your English setter's favorite pastimes: daily walks, riding in the car, hiking, and running alongside you on a bike ride. They'll happily lie down at your feet or on your couch at the end of the day.
English setters can live in both warm and cold climates, but they don't like spending too much time in the snow. If you're uncomfortable outside, assume your English setter is, too.
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Care
English setters have a fancy coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Brush your English setter daily if you're showing them, but once a week is fine for the average pet owner.
You'll want to use a soft bristle brush or long-toothed metal comb to gently work out any knots. Regular brushing is vital to prevent leaves, pine needles, and small sticks from getting stuck in their long hair.
Baths are necessary at least once a month, and you may want to trim that longer hair to keep it looking its best. English setters don't shed as much as many other breeds, so you won't need to vacuum as often - just once or twice a week.
Don't forget to clean your English setter's floppy ears every week, as they don't get much air circulation. Trimming their nails and brushing their teeth regularly is also essential.
Starting grooming early, when your English setter is still a puppy, makes the process much easier and faster in the long run.
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Health and Wellness
As an English Setter owner in Texas, you want to make sure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. English Setters are prone to certain health issues, so it's essential to be aware of them.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems in English Setters, and they can be costly to diagnose and treat, ranging from $1,500 to $6,000.
Reputable breeders will be honest about health problems in the breed and provide evidence of clearances from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. If you're buying a puppy, ask to see these clearances for both parents.
English Setters can also suffer from hypothyroidism, allergies, and congenital deafness. Deafness is a significant concern, with a high risk profile and a relatively low cost to diagnose and treat, ranging from $100 to $300.
Here's a breakdown of some common health issues in English Setters:
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch any potential issues early on, and with proper care, your English Setter can live a long and happy life, typically between 10-12 years.
Family and Adoption
The English Setter is a wonderful breed for families, with a lively and affectionate nature. They are known to be very friendly to strangers, scoring a 5 out of 5 in friendliness to strangers.
Their energy level is moderate, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They also need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their beautiful coat. The Laveracks tend to be larger and carry more feathering, while the Llewellins are smaller and faster.
If you're considering adopting an English Setter, be aware that they can be a bit challenging to train, scoring a 3 out of 5 in ease of training. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn to be well-behaved and loving companions.
Here are some characteristics to consider when thinking about adopting an English Setter:
- Energy Level: 4 out of 5
- Exercise Requirements: 4 out of 5
- Playfulness: 3 out of 5
- Affection Level: 4 out of 5
- Friendliness to Dogs: 3 out of 5
- Friendliness to Other Pets: 4 out of 5
- Friendliness to Strangers: 5 out of 5
- Watchfulness: 2 out of 5
- Ease of Training: 3 out of 5
- Grooming Requirements: 3 out of 5
- Heat Sensitivity: 3 out of 5
- Vocality: 4 out of 5
Family
The English Setter is a wonderful breed for families, but it's essential to consider their needs and characteristics before making a decision. They require a lot of exercise, so if you're an active family, they'll be a great match.
Their high energy level means they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. If you're willing to provide this, they'll be a loyal and loving companion.
Their friendly nature makes them great with strangers, but they can be wary of other pets, especially if they're not socialized properly. Socialization is key to helping them get along with other animals.
English Setters are generally good with children, but as with any breed, it's crucial to supervise interactions between dogs and kids.
Here are some key characteristics to consider:
Remember, every dog is an individual, so it's essential to spend time with a potential new pet before making a decision.
Baby J (Now Gracie) - Foster-to-Adopt
Baby J, now known as Gracie, was just 10 weeks old when she was rescued and placed in a foster-to-adopt home. She's a deaf field English Setter, which means she's a great candidate for a family with experience and patience.
Gracie's rescue involved a responsible breeder reaching out to a foster network for help finding a suitable home. The foster network jumped into action and arranged for Gracie to be flown from Utah to Texas.
Gracie is currently in a foster-to-adopt home, which means she's getting the care and attention she needs while her forever family is still being finalized.
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Delilah - Adoption
Delilah's adoption journey is a heartwarming example of how families can come together through love and care. Delilah is an 8, almost 9-year-old Setter that was rescued from a hunting ranch.
Her new family is eagerly awaiting her arrival, having been previously connected through a foster-to-adopt arrangement. Delilah will be driven from Texas to Montana by her new parents.
Delilah is considered a lucky girl, having found a forever home after spending her entire life on a hunting ranch.
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