The Llewellin Setter is a versatile breed that excels in both hunting and companionship. They are a type of English Setter, known for their gentle nature and high energy levels.
Llewellin Setters require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, with a daily routine that includes at least an hour of physical activity.
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Physical Characteristics
Llewellin Setters are a unique breed with a variety of physical characteristics. They come in a range of sizes, with females typically weighing between 28 and 50 pounds and males weighing between 35 and 60 pounds.
Their height is also variable, with males and females ranging between 20 and 24 inches at the shoulder. Their coats can be very long to short and tight, with feathering on their ears, legs, and tail.
Llewellin Setters have a wide variety of coat colors, including blue, orange, chestnut, and tri-color belton, black and white and tan, chestnut and white, black and white, orange and white, and chestnut and white and tan. Tan ticking in tri-color combinations only occurs on the legs and face.
Their ears are moderately-sized, and their tails are carried high to be seen in tall grass and brush. They have a lighter build compared to their show cousins.
Temperament and Training
Llewellin Setters are hard-working, energetic pups that thrive on activity and attention from their people. They're loyal and affectionate, making them well-suited for families with kids.
Their people-oriented nature means they love to be around their family members and enjoy a calm evening by the fire after a fun-filled day. With proper exercise, they're generally calm and gentle, even around smaller children.
They're quick learners, but they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement and consistent training are key to getting the best results from your Llewellin Setter. Early socialization is also crucial to help them grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.
Llewellin Setters are intelligent and born with a strong innate ability to find birds, making them a great choice for hunting enthusiasts. However, they can be challenging to train, especially when it comes to basic obedience, and may require high-value rewards and positive reinforcement to stay motivated.
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Traits
Llewellins are known for carrying their tails high to be seen in tall grass and brush.
Their moderately-sized ears help them stay alert and aware of their surroundings.
A lighter build compared to their show cousins means they have a more athletic build, perfect for agility training.
They have a natural instinct to follow their noses, which can be an asset in scent work and tracking exercises.
Temperament & Intelligence
Llewellin Setters are hard-working, energetic pups that thrive on activity and attention from their family. They have a natural desire to please, which makes them well-suited for families with kids.
Their calm nature, when properly exercised, makes them a great fit for families with smaller children who need to be protected from accidental knocks. Llewellin Setters are intelligent and quick to learn, but they can be challenging to train in general, especially when it comes to anything but hunting.
They are naturally skilled in the field, with a strong innate ability to find birds, but their trainability can be a mixed bag. Some trainers find them easy to train, while others report that they can be stubborn and manipulative, making calm, consistent training essential.
Despite their potential difficulties in training, Llewellin Setters are typically a quick learner and respond well to positive reinforcement. Early socialization is also crucial in helping them grow into well-adjusted adult dogs.
Llewellin Setters are often described as a "100-hour dog, not a 300-hour dog", meaning they have a strong instinct to please and respond to their environment, but may not be as eager to please in other areas of life. Consistency and patience are key when training a Llewellin Setter, especially when it comes to basic obedience.
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Care and Maintenance
To keep your Llewellin Setter's coat looking its best, bathe them every six to eight weeks to control that slight doggie odor. This is also a great opportunity to trim and tidy their coat.
Brushing their long, fine fur at least three to four times a week, or daily if possible, will help prevent tangles and mats from forming. Regular brushing will also help control their moderate shedding.
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Llewellin Setters are prone to ear infections, so it's essential to check their ears frequently for moisture, debris, or damage. This will help prevent infections and keep your dog's ears healthy.
To ensure your Llewellin Setter gets enough calories for their daily activities, consult with your veterinarian for guidance on what and how much to feed them. They'll be able to provide personalized advice to keep your dog healthy and at a healthy weight.
Expand your knowledge: Irish Setter Hunting Dog
Hunting and Performance
Llewellin Setters are known for their exceptional hunting ability and natural talent for finding birds. They're often described as "100-hour dogs, not 300-hour dogs" because of their quick learning and innate ability.
These dogs are highly trainable, and their natural ability will shine through with bird exposure. They're easy to train because they want to please, making them a joy to work with.
In the field, Llewellins tend to vary their range and pace depending on the cover, making them versatile hunting companions. They can work close to their handler or range out 50 to 200 yards, depending on the situation.
Llewellins are also excellent retrievers, with many loving water and naturally becoming great retrievers. They're expected to retrieve, and with encouragement, they'll happily do so.
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Training and Hunting
Llewellin Setters are known for being intelligent and quick to learn, making them a joy to train. They thrive on positive reinforcement and enjoy varied training sessions.
A good quality puppy is essential for a successful hunting experience. Powell agrees that a healthy pup with good bloodline and confirmation is key.
Llewellin Setters are typically a closer-working dog that tends to be one of the more biddable lines of Setters. They tend to be reliable retrievers with development.
Training a Llewellin Setter requires patience and consistency, as they can be strong-willed and stubborn. High-value rewards and positive reinforcement are essential to keep them motivated.
In the field, Llewellin Setters can vary their range and pace depending on the cover, making them a versatile hunting companion. They can work 20 to 50 yards in front of their handler, and their natural ability allows them to adjust to different hunting conditions.
Many Llewellin Setters love water and naturally become great retrievers. They can hunt from three to 8.5 mph on average, and some can even reach speeds of up to 11 mph in open country.
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Pointing
Pointing is a key aspect of a Llewellin setter's behavior, and they tend to start showing this trait at a very young age.
Kyle, a seasoned hunter, has successfully shot well-handled birds over five-month-old puppies in the Northwoods.
These setters can exhibit a range of pointing styles, from a cautious, cat-like approach to a hard-slamming point.
Some dogs, like those imported to the US or their pups, might have a low, creeping point where the tail lays parallel or below the body.
Others will have a tall, staunch point with the classic 12 o'clock tail that many Americans are accustomed to.
Gabby Zaldumbide, Project Upland's Editor in Chief, has a deep understanding of Llewellin setters and their unique pointing styles.
In fact, she shares her 11-acre property with eight dogs, five horses, and three cats, giving her a front-row seat to observe their behavior.
Ownership and Compatibility
Llewellin Setters are generally great with other dogs, especially those close to their own size. They can be a bit challenging with small animals, so introductions need to be done slowly and carefully.
With proper socialization, Llewellin Setters can thrive in a variety of family settings. They're often gentle and tolerant of children, making them an excellent choice for active families who participate in activities like hunting, hiking, and sports.
These dogs do require regular socialization, especially during the first year and a half of development, to ensure they remain well-balanced and confident.
Family-Friendly Dogs?
Llewellin Setters are known to be highly social and loving, making them a great fit for families who are looking for a furry addition. They thrive on attention and interaction, and are often described as "part of the family" by their owners.
In fact, they are so social that they require regular socialization, especially during the first year and a half of development, to become well-balanced dogs. This means that families with Llewellin Setters should plan for regular outings and playtime to help their dog become confident and trusting.
One of the best things about Llewellin Setters is their gentle nature, which makes them an excellent choice for families with children. They are often highly tolerant of kids and can be a great match for active households that participate in activities like hunting, hiking, and sports.
However, it's worth noting that Llewellin Setters do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time, so families with busy schedules may need to make arrangements for dog-sitting or hire a dog walker to ensure their dog gets the attention it needs.
If you're considering bringing a Llewellin Setter into your family, here are some similar breeds you may want to research:
Clubs
Clubs are a great way to expand your ecosystem, but it's essential to choose the right ones for your devices. Some clubs are designed to work with specific devices, like the Echo Show, which is compatible with Amazon Alexa clubs.
The Club Connect feature allows you to control multiple devices at once, but it's only available on certain devices, such as the Google Home Hub. This feature can be a game-changer for smart home enthusiasts who want to streamline their setup.
If you're looking to integrate your devices with popular services like Spotify or Netflix, you'll want to choose clubs that are compatible with these services. For example, the Sonos club is compatible with both Spotify and Netflix, making it a great choice for music and movie lovers.
The number of devices you can connect to a club varies, but some popular clubs, like the Bose club, can connect up to 6 devices at a time. This is perfect for those who want to create a multi-room audio setup without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between an English Setter and a Llewellin Setter?
A Llewellin Setter is a smaller, closer-ranging version of the English Setter. While both breeds share similarities, their distinct characteristics set them apart.
What is the calmest Setter breed?
The English Setter is known for being one of the calmest Setter breeds, making them a great companion for families and individuals looking for a laid-back pet.
Are Llewellin setters good house dogs?
Llewellin setters can thrive in a house environment, but they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation as working dogs
How much does a Llewellin Setter cost?
Our Llewellin Setter puppies cost $1250.00 each, with no price difference between males and females.
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