Understanding Field English Setters: Breed, Care, and More

The Field English Setter is a versatile hunting breed known for its exceptional nose and energetic personality. They thrive in active households with plenty of space to run around.

Originally bred to hunt game, Field English Setters are natural retrievers with a strong prey drive. Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for hunting enthusiasts.

One of the most distinctive features of the Field English Setter is its beautiful, silky coat which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

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The English Setter is a medium-sized dog with a wide range of coat colors and patterns. They typically stand between 24-27 inches tall and weigh between 45-80 pounds.

One of the notable characteristics of the English Setter is their coat, which can vary in length and thickness. Some strains have flat lying, relatively short coats, while others have thick, abundant coats and even a topknot.

English Setters are known for their friendly and mellow demeanor, making them a popular choice for families. They are gentle with respectful children and usually enjoy the company of other dogs, including cats, if introduced properly.

Here are some key characteristics of the English Setter breed:

The English Setter is a medium-sized dog with a wide range of coat colors and patterns, including blue belton, orange belton, and tricolor. They typically have a flat, silky coat with feathering on the ears, abdomen, chest, legs, and tail.

English Setters come in a variety of sizes, with males ranging from 25.5 to 27 inches tall and females ranging from 24 to 25.5 inches tall. They usually weigh between 45 and 80 pounds, depending on their lineage and purpose.

Their temperament is one of their most attractive features, with expert dog trainer Curtis Fry describing them as "absolute sweethearts" who are "calm in the house, and docile when you are feeling down, but full of energy in the field where they run like the wind."

English Setters are highly intelligent dogs, ranking high in intelligence and trainability. They are also known for their high energy levels, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Here are some key characteristics of the English Setter breed:

English Setters are generally good with children and other pets, but as with any breed, proper socialization and training are essential to ensure they get along well with everyone in the household.

Llewellin Setters are known for their athletic physique, which is a result of the breeding efforts of Richard Purcell-Llewellin. He created his strain of Setters by crossing pure Laveracks with dogs that had a steady nervous system, brains, and absence of all excitement.

Their ability to run wide and fast makes them trainable and easy to handle. This is a testament to Llewellin's dedication to breeding dogs for their field qualities over a period of 50 years.

Llewellin Setters are often mistakenly considered an independent breed, but they are actually a strain of English Setters. This misconception has led some to believe that Llewellin Setters are a separate breed, but they are not.

Their popularity in America is a result of their exceptional field qualities, which made them a favorite among hunters.

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The breed you're interested in is known for its unique characteristics, which are rooted in its history and development.

This breed has a long history dating back to the 19th century, originating from Europe.

They were initially bred for their exceptional hunting abilities, which is still evident in their strong prey drive today.

These dogs are highly energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.

With proper training and socialization, this breed can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to stay healthy.

Their average lifespan is around 12-15 years, with some living up to 18 years or more with proper care.

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English setters are beautiful dogs with a lot of feathering, which requires regular grooming. They need to be brushed at least once a week, but daily is even better, to keep their coat in good condition.

Their long coats also make them prone to tangles and mats, which can be uncomfortable for them and lead to skin problems. You'll need to use a soft-bristled brush and a long-toothed metal dog comb to gently work through any knots.

English setters need regular nail trimmings, usually monthly, and their teeth should be brushed at least two to three times a week to remove plaque buildup. They also need regular ear inspections and cleanings to prevent infections.

Weekly brushing can help keep loose hair off your furniture and floors, and English setters shed moderately.

English Setters have a unique coloring that sets them apart from other breeds. The word "Belton" specifically describes the flecks of color on their coat.

Their distinctive markings can be a bit tricky to maintain, but with regular grooming, they can stay looking their best.

The Belton pattern is made up of flecks of color that are scattered throughout the dog's coat, giving it a beautiful mottled appearance.

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English setters are beautiful dogs with long, beautiful coats that require regular grooming to keep them in good condition. A soft-bristled brush is a great tool to use at least once a week, and ideally a few times a week or daily.

You'll also need a long-toothed metal dog comb to gently work through any knots, mats, or tangles that may be developing in their feathering. This will help prevent skin problems and keep your dog comfortable.

Give your setter a bath every four to six weeks to keep them smelling fresh and clean, and trim stray hair in the areas around their face and feet to maintain a neat appearance.

English setters are moderate shedders, so a good weekly brush out is essential to keep their coat in good condition and prevent tangles, mats, or knots from developing in their abundant feathering.

Regular nail trimmings are also important to keep your dog's nails in check, and you should aim to trim them every month. Brushing your setter's teeth at least two to three times a week is also crucial to remove plaque buildup and prevent dental issues.

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You should also give your English setter regular ear inspections and cleanings to prevent infections. This involves wetting a cotton ball with a cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian, and then gently wiping out the part of the ear you can see.

English setters thrive in company, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of attention and interaction throughout the day. You should also work on helping them to feel relaxed if they're left on their own for short periods to prevent separation anxiety from developing.

English setters shed moderately, but weekly brushing can help keep loose hair off your furniture and floors. This regular grooming routine is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their coats.

English setters have a thick double coat that sheds heavily during seasonal changes. This means you'll need to brush them more frequently during these times to keep their coat under control.

Weekly brushing is a must to keep loose hair at bay, and it's also a great way to bond with your English setter. Take a few minutes each day to brush their coat, and you'll be rewarded with a happy and relaxed dog.

English setters require regular exercise, and their high energy levels make them perfect for active owners. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Their grooming needs are moderate, with regular brushing to prevent matting. A good health insurance plan can help cut down on medical costs, especially if you sign up early.

Surgical correction for orthopedic conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia can run from $1,500 to $4,000 per side. Treatment for hypothyroidism is relatively inexpensive, with initial tests between $50 to $150 and monthly medications $20 to $50 a month after that.

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English setters are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that causes the hip's ball-and-socket joint to form improperly, leading to pain, discomfort, and mobility issues.

Elbow dysplasia is another common issue in larger breeds, where the three bones that make up the elbow grow at different rates or the elbow joint is malformed, resulting in painful arthritis and/or lameness.

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Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low hormone production in the thyroid gland, causing a dog's metabolism to slow down and leading to symptoms like mental dullness, low energy levels, and obesity.

Deafness can also occur in English setters, although it's not particularly common. Dogs with hearing loss require extra patience and understanding, but with a few simple adjustments, they can live full and enriching lives.

Here are some common health problems to watch out for in English setters:

The cost of dog care can be a significant expense, especially if your furry friend has any health issues. Surgical correction for orthopedic conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia can run anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 per side.

Some health conditions, like hypothyroidism, have ongoing costs, but they're relatively inexpensive, with initial tests running between $50 to $150.

Monthly medications for hypothyroidism can cost between $20 to $50 a month after the initial diagnosis.

Deafness and hearing loss can be challenging to treat, but products like vibrating collars can make life easier for deaf dogs, and they only cost around $40 to $60.

A good health insurance plan can help cut down on all your dog's medical costs, and owners who sign up early tend to get the most benefits from their pet insurance policies.

English setters are generally considered a rare breed, ranking 98th among other breeds registered by the American Kennel Club. They're not as common as some other breeds, but that doesn't mean they're not wonderful companions.

If you're considering bringing an English setter into your family, you'll want to make sure you're prepared for their specific needs. For example, their ears require regular cleaning to prevent infections. Cleaning your dog's ears can be a simple process if you do it correctly, and it's essential to get it right to avoid any discomfort or complications.

Some breeds are more prone to seasonal allergies than others, and English setters are no exception. If you notice your English setter scratching or rubbing their skin more than usual, it could be a sign of seasonal allergies. A guide to seasonal allergies in dogs can help you identify the symptoms and find ways to alleviate them.

Regular ear cleaning and monitoring for seasonal allergies are just a couple of the ways you can help keep your English setter healthy and happy. By being aware of their specific needs and taking steps to address them, you can enjoy a long and fulfilling relationship with your furry friend.

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