All About the Setter Dog Breed

The Setter dog breed is a classic hunting companion, originating in the United Kingdom in the 16th century. They were bred to locate and point game for hunters.

Setters are known for their distinctive coat patterns, which can be black and tan, liver and tan, or orange and white. Their coats are thick and dense, with a smooth, glossy finish.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great fit for families with children. Setters are also highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times.

Setters require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, including daily walks and playtime.

A unique perspective: Black and Tan Treeing Walker Coonhound

Setter breeds can weigh anywhere from 45 to 80 pounds.

The English Setter has a coat that requires maintenance, while the Irish Setter's coat is moderately long, silky, and requires frequent brushing.

Irish Setters range in height from 21.5 to 28 inches, with males weighing 65 to 75 pounds and females 55 to 65 pounds.

Setter breeds are known for their unique hunting instinct, where they'll crouch low to the ground with their body nearly touching the ground and their attention fixed on the game.

This characteristic, known as "setting", was once essential for hunters to cast a net over the game without obstruction. Today, it's more of a nostalgic trait, but it still defines the setter breed.

There are four breeds that make up the setter subgroup: the English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter (also known as the Irish Red Setter), and Irish Red and White Setter.

Here are the setter breeds in a list for easy reference:

The English Setter's coat is truly one of a kind, with a unique coloring term that sets it apart from other breeds. This term is called "Belton", and it refers to the distinctive flecks of color on their coat.

English Setters come in a variety of colors, including white, orange belton, lemon belton, liver belton, blue belton, and tri-color, with weights ranging from 45 to 80 pounds.

Their coat's unique coloring is a result of their breeding history, with country gentlemen in the UK mixing Pointer breeds with Spaniels to create a dog that would sit when it found game.

Explore further: Orange Belton English Setter

The English Setter's coat is a beautiful aspect of their physical characteristics. It's moderately long, silky, and of a red or chestnut color.

Their coats require frequent brushing to maintain their condition and keep them mat-free. The undercoat is abundant in winter weather, and the top coat is fine.

The English Setter's coat also features feathering in places such as the tail, ears, chest, legs, and body.

Males typically weigh between 65 to 75 pounds, while females weigh between 55 to 65 pounds.

Irish Setters and English Setters are both known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They're highly social dogs that thrive on human companionship and interaction.

Irish Setters are demonstrably affectionate and make excellent companion animals and family pets. They're also widely used as therapy dogs in schools and hospitals.

English Setters, on the other hand, are incredibly intelligent and loyal. They're quick to pick up on commands and take great joy in learning new things.

Both breeds require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and mischievous behavior. Irish Setters need long, daily walks and off-lead running in wide, open spaces, while English Setters need an active family to keep up with their high energy levels.

Here are some key characteristics of the Setter breeds:

Overall, Setter breeds are a great choice for active families or individuals who can provide the attention and exercise they need.

Irish Setters have a life expectancy of 12.9 years, which is slightly higher than that of purebred and crossbred dogs.

Their health is also affected by gluten intolerance, a naturally occurring genetic disorder that can lead to malnutrition and diarrhea if not managed properly.

Feeding them a gluten-free diet can help prevent these issues, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential to monitor their health.

The breed is also prone to atopic dermatitis, so it's crucial to keep their skin healthy through regular grooming and veterinary care.

Here are some key grooming tips for Irish Setters:

Irish Setters are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. A 2024 UK study found that Irish Setters have a life expectancy of 12.9 years, which is higher than average for purebred dogs.

Gluten intolerance is a naturally occurring genetic disorder in Irish Setters, caused by a single autosomal recessive locus. This condition can lead to malnutrition, diarrhea, and damage to the small intestine if the dog is fed a gluten-containing diet.

Irish Setters that are fed a gluten-free diet can avoid the effects of gluten intolerance. At around 6 months of age, dogs with this condition will develop an increased immune cell presence and a decrease in absorption within the small intestine.

The breed is also predisposed to atopic dermatitis, a condition that can cause skin irritation and itchiness.

Here are some health conditions that can affect Irish Setters:

Grooming is essential for keeping your English Setter clean and healthy.

You should brush your English Setter at least twice a week to prevent matting and tangling of their long hair.

A soft-bristled brush is a great choice for daily brushing, but you may also want to invest in a metal comb with long teeth to work through particularly stubborn areas.

Regular ear check-ups are crucial to ensure your dog's ears are clean and free from infections.

Baths should be given every 4–6 weeks to keep your English Setter's coat clean and healthy.

Their nails need monthly trimming to prevent overgrowth and cracking.

The English Setter is one of the oldest gun dog breeds, with dogs resembling it appearing in 15th-century artwork.

These ancient dogs were bred for their exceptional hunting skills and strong instincts, making them a valuable asset in the field.

The English Setter's long history has led to its recognition as a beloved and iconic breed, cherished by many for its gentle and affectionate nature.

The English Setter is one of the oldest gun dog breeds, with a history dating back to the 15th century.

You can find dogs resembling the English Setter in artwork from the 15th century, showcasing its long-standing presence in history.

The English Setter's origins are rooted in its purpose as a hunting breed, bred to locate and retrieve game for hunters.

Expand your knowledge: Llewellin Setter History

The English Setter has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century, with artwork from that time showcasing dogs resembling this breed.

One of the oldest gun dog breeds, the English Setter has been around for centuries. The first official dog show in the UK was held in Newcastle-on-Tyne in June 1859, and it was restricted to setters and pointers.

The show was organized by John Shorthose and William Pape, and Mr. Jobling's Black and Tan Setter, Dandy, won the first prize for setters. The prize was a double-barreled gun worth around £15 to £20.

Consider reading: Good Gun Dogs

Early shows and field trials were a big deal, with the first recorded field trial in the UK held in April 1865 on the estate of Samuel Whitbread (MP) at Southill, Bedfordshire. It was only open to setters and pointers.

All the setters entered were black and tans (Gordons), which is interesting to note. The first recorded show in the Western Hemisphere was held in 1879 and was also restricted to setters and pointers.

The English Setter's history is closely tied to its use as a gun dog, and it's fascinating to learn about its development over the centuries. The Kennel Club was founded in 1873, and it established official breed classifications for setters, including English, Black/Tan, and Irish.

The Working Red Setter is a smaller, more agile version of the Irish Setter, weighing in at around 45 lb (20 kg). This size difference makes it well-suited for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

Its coat is less silky and has shorter feathering, which helps reduce maintenance. The Working Red Setter comes in a lighter colour, often with russet and fawn hues.

You might enjoy: Working Bull Terrier

Setters have a unique way of searching for game, using their sense of smell to track down birds. They carry their head high to sense the airborne scent of game birds.

Their natural instinct is to freeze in place, rather than chasing after the game, which makes them invaluable for hunting. This distinctive stance is a key characteristic of setter breeds.

Setters are born with a natural proclivity to hunting, and trainers look for puppies that show excitement and interest in birds, often describing them as "birdy".

Discover more: Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier