Red English Setter puppies are a sight to behold, with their distinctive red coats and charming personalities. Their ancestors date back to the 16th century.
Their temperament is friendly and outgoing, making them a great addition to families with children. They are also highly intelligent, which requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
English Setters are generally good with other pets, but early socialization is key to ensure a smooth transition. A well-structured training plan is also essential to develop good behavior and prevent unwanted habits.
With proper care and attention, Red English Setter puppies can grow into healthy, happy adults that bring joy to their families for years to come.
Breed Information
English Setters are beautiful and elegant dogs that are not only good hunters and gun dogs, but also show dogs. They come in colors like lemon, orange, and liver.
Their medium, silky coat has a long, flowing fringe on the legs, abdomen, chest, and ears. The fur is flat and has no curl or wooliness.
English Setters need to be combed and brushed at least three times a week to remove dead fur and condition the coat.
Breed History
The English Setter has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, with artworks featuring dogs resembling the modern-day breed from that time period.
They were initially called setting spaniels and were used by hunters to range out in front of them and freeze when they found their quarry.
The English Setter's exact ancestry is unknown, but it's believed to have resulted from the crossing of pointing and spaniel breeds, making them a unique and versatile breed.
They're known for being gentle and slightly smaller than the Irish Setter or Gordon Setter.
English Setters were first bred in earnest by Edward Laverack in the 19th century, who crossed them with dogs from R. Purcell Llewellin to create the foundation of the breed we know today.
The Laverack line became known as the show-type, while the Llewellin line was developed for their field qualities.
The first English Setter was imported to the United States in the 1870s, and the American Kennel Club recognized them as a breed in 1884.
English Setters are a mix of Springer Spaniels, Large Water Spaniels, and Spanish Pointers, combined with a Setter background.
The flecks in their fur are known as "belton", named after the town where Edward Laverack hunted.
Edward Laverack began the breed in 1825, and his bloodline is the foundation for all English Setters today.
Purcell Llewellin later crossed his dogs with other English Setters to enhance their field capabilities, which were then imported to the United States.
Breed
The English Setter breed is a beautiful and elegant dog that's not only good at hunting and being a gun dog, but also makes a great show dog.
They come in a variety of colors, including lemon, orange, and liver.
Their medium-length coat is silky and has a long, flowing fringe on their legs, abdomen, chest, and ears.
The fur is flat and has no curl or wooliness.
English Setters have a long neck, muscular legs, and a square muzzle with large nostrils and a black nose.
Their large, dark eyes are round and give them an intelligent and curious expression.
Their tail is long, straight, and has a long fringe like the rest of their body.
English Setters have a distinctive gait that makes them look like they're floating, with their long feathers flowing in the wind.
Their legs are strong and have a long reach, which is essential for their role as a field dog.
Regular grooming is essential for English Setters, as their long feathering requires regular attention to prevent matting and tangling.
They need to be combed and brushed at least three times a week.
Using a metal comb and slicker brush will help remove dead fur and condition their coat.
You should also use your fingers to untangle any mats, and consider using a conditioner if they're difficult to remove.
English Setters typically need to be bathed once or twice a month to keep them clean and healthy.
A mild shampoo and conditioner recommended by your veterinary care provider will help with shedding and dry skin.
Regular nail trimming is also essential to prevent cracking.
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Characteristics
The English Setter is a wonderful breed, and their characteristics make them a great addition to many families. With proper exercise, they can thrive in a household with both two- and four-legged members.
Their friendly and mellow demeanor makes them a great choice for families with children. They're gentle with respectful kids and usually enjoy the company of other dogs. With the right introductions, they can also live peaceably with cats.
Here are some key characteristics of the English Setter at a glance:
Characteristics of the
The English Setter is a wonderful breed that makes a great addition to a household, as long as they get enough exercise. They're a popular choice for families due to their friendly and mellow demeanor.
Their affection level is high, which means they love to spend time with their family members. They're also gentle with respectful children and enjoy the company of other dogs.
If you're considering getting an English Setter, you should know that they require a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Their exercise needs are high, and they need regular physical activity to keep them from getting bored or restless.
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Here are some key characteristics of the English Setter breed:
Their intelligence is high, which means they're relatively easy to train, but they can be a bit stubborn at times. With consistency and positive reinforcement, you can teach them to obey commands and behave well.
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Care and Health
Red English Setters are social dogs that thrive in households with plenty of company, so if you're away from home for most of the day, consider getting a companion for your pup.
They need regular grooming, with a focus on their feathered features, to stay looking their best.
English Setters are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause mobility problems and pain, and may require surgery in severe cases.
Here are some common health issues to look out for in your English Setter:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Congenital deafness
Hypothyroidism can cause a range of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems, but with the right treatment, it can be managed successfully.
Health
English setters are generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia are two common genetic health conditions that can cause mobility issues and pain.
These conditions occur when the joints form abnormally. In severe cases, surgery may be required to improve your dog's quality of life. I've seen dogs with hip dysplasia struggle to walk or play, so it's essential to be aware of this potential issue.
Hypothyroidism is another condition that can affect English setters, causing a slow metabolism, weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. It's not curable, but with the right treatment, it can be managed successfully.
Allergies are more common in English setters than some breeds, and can cause a range of symptoms. Environmental and food allergies are the most common types, and often require a careful process of elimination to identify the underlying cause.
Some English setters may be born deaf in one or both ears, but with a few simple adjustments, they can live full and enriching lives. Deaf dogs can still be wonderful companions and don't need to be treated any differently.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in English setters:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Congenital deafness
What Is a Normal Lifespan?
A normal lifespan for an English Setter is about 12 years, with some lucky ones living up to 14 or 15.
They tend to be at their prime between 4 to 7 years of age, which is when they're usually most energetic and responsive.
By around 9 years old, English Setters may start to slow down a bit due to the effects of aging.
With proper care, nutrition, and exercise, many English Setters can live long, happy lives.
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Exercise
As a red English Setter owner, you're probably eager to get your new puppy started on an exercise routine. English Setters are energetic dogs and need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
An hour of exercise per day, divided into two 30-minute periods, is a good starting point. This can be a mix of on-leash and off-leash time in a secure, fenced area.
Their keen intelligence and athleticism make them great candidates for dog sports like agility and scent work trials. With proper training, your red English Setter can excel in these activities.
As your puppy grows, you'll need to adjust their exercise routine accordingly. Puppies and young dogs should be exercised with care, as their skeletons are not fully calcified until they are 2 years old.
A good breeder can provide guidance on safely exercising your English Setter puppy. With regular exercise, your red English Setter will adapt well to being indoors and will likely settle down for a nice nap after a run or walk.
English Setters are natural athletes and love to run, making them great companions for hiking and jogging. They also adapt well to being on a long, retractable leash in a park or neighborhood area.
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Grooming
Grooming is a crucial aspect of caring for your red English setter puppy, and it's essential to establish a regular routine from an early age.
Their beautiful white speckled coat, known as belton, requires a good weekly brush out to prevent tangles and mats from developing in their abundant feathering.
You'll need to brush their coat, paying special attention to the legs, abdomen, chest, ears, and tail, which are prone to feathering.
Regular brushing will also help prevent knots from forming.
It's also crucial to brush your dog's teeth at least a few times a week, if not daily, to help prevent teeth and gum problems.
Trimming their nails regularly is also a must to prevent overgrowth.
Checking their ears regularly for signs of infection, dirt, and debris is also essential.
You may also want to consider trimming some areas of their feathered coat or around the ears to keep them looking their best.
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Training and Behavior
English setters are eager to please and respond very well to reward-based training methods. This means that with positive reinforcement, they can learn quickly and become well-behaved companions.
Their gentle temperament makes them sensitive to harsh treatment, so it's essential to use gentle and patient training techniques. If you yell or withdraw attention, they can become distressed.
Some English setters have a high prey drive, which can be a challenge in areas with small animals. To manage this, you may need to keep them on a leash or work extra hard on recall training.
English setters are smart and can remember what they're taught right away, but they may require specialized training if they're also used for hunting. A trainer who specializes in hunting dogs can help you teach them the rules of the field and at home.
Temperament
The English Setter's temperament is a unique blend of friendly and gentle, making them a great family pet. However, they can be wary of strangers, so it's essential to socialize them properly.
They're generally good with children, but it's crucial to supervise interactions between kids under five and any dog, as young children may not understand how to interact with dogs safely.
English Setters require a lot of exercise and a spacious yard to run around in. Even if you take them hunting regularly, they still need daily physical activity, such as a long walk or a trip to the dog park.
Their intelligence is impressive, and they can learn quickly. However, if you plan to train them for hunting, you may need the help of a specialized trainer who understands the unique needs of hunting dogs.
It's also vital to be mindful of their instincts and not leave them alone with animals that could be mistaken for game, such as chickens or ducks.
Training
English setters are eager to please and respond very well to reward-based training methods. They thrive on positive reinforcement and will work hard to earn treats and praise.
Their gentle temperament means they can be particularly sensitive to harsh treatment, so it's never a good idea to withdraw attention or yell loudly at this breed or they can become distressed.
English setters can have a high prey drive, given their hunting background. This may mean they have to remain on the leash in areas where there's too much temptation to "hunt", or you'll have to work extra hard to achieve a rock-solid recall.
You should work on rewarding quiet behavior to prevent alert barking from getting out of control.
Do They Have Issues?
English Setters are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain issues. Canine Hip Dysplasia is a inherited abnormality of the hip joint that can lead to arthritic problems later in life.
Responsible breeders x-ray the hips of their breeding stock and evaluate their suitability for breeding. The current average for hip dysplasia in English Setters is about 24% affected, and the percentage is decreasing, due to responsible breeding practices.
English Setters can also develop Elbow Dysplasia, an inherited abnormality of the elbow joint that can cause lameness of the forelimbs. X-rays are the way to confirm a diagnosis.
Canine hypothyroidism, a thyroid deficiency, is another issue that can affect English Setters. It's easily controlled through medication and diet.
Allergies to pollen, flea bites, and molds can also affect English Setters. Proper environmental control and medication can keep the dog healthy and normal in all respects.
Bilateral or unilateral deafness has been identified in the breed, with approximately 10% of English Setters potentially affected. A positive diagnosis is confirmed by the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test after the puppies are 5 weeks old.
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Living Situation and Family
English Setters are one of the most suitable breeds to have around children, thanks to their mellow temperament and loving nature.
One thing to consider is that toddlers and English Setters don't mix well unless there is a great deal of adult supervision, because both are still learning the rules of civilization.
English Setters are so tolerant that they will allow children to inflict pain on them, which is why parents need to be concerned for the dog's welfare rather than the child's when putting toddlers and English Setters together.
Suitability of Living Quarters
English Setters are social dogs that thrive in the company of their family, making them ideal for house living. They love being part of the household and can get anxious if left alone for too long.
A fenced yard is a must-have for English Setters as they have a strong instinct to roam and explore their surroundings. This can be a problem if you live in an apartment or have an unfenced yard.
However, with proper precautions, people living in apartments or with unfenced yards can still have English Setters. This includes taking the dog outside on a leash to prevent tragic accidents with cars and to keep them from getting lost or annoying the neighbors.
Mixing with Children
English Setters are a great breed for families with children. They have a mellow temperament and loving nature, making them well-suited for households with kids.
Toddlers and English Setters can mix well, but parents need to supervise them closely to ensure the dog's welfare. Toddlers can be rough and may pull ears, tails, and poke eyes, so it's essential to teach them how to interact with dogs gently.
If you have toddlers, it's recommended to get an adult English Setter rather than a puppy. Puppies and toddlers don't mix well, and adult supervision is crucial to prevent any harm to the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rare English Setter colors?
English Setters can also be found in the rare liver belton and lemon belton colors, in addition to their more common coat patterns. These unique colors make each English Setter truly special.
Sources
- Our English Setter Rescue (oesr.org)
- English Setter Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- English Setter | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Frequently Asked Questions About English Setters – ESAA (esaa.com)
- bloodlines (northwndsetters.com)
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