White English Setter puppies are a rare and beautiful breed, and if you're considering bringing one home, there are a few things you should know.
Their coats can vary in color, but white English setters are a specific variation that's just as stunning as their standard counterparts.
They're a medium to large breed, with males weighing between 65-80 pounds and standing between 27-32 inches tall.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a great addition to many families.
They're highly intelligent and trainable, but can be stubborn at times, so be prepared for some patience and consistency in your training efforts.
Puppies
Getting an English Setter puppy can be a bit pricey, as reputable breeders will charge for raising the puppy with its mother and siblings.
You'll need to find a breeder who is willing to share the results of any health checks done on the parents.
Going through a breeder is a good option, but you can also check with rescue organizations.
Rescue organizations may have older dogs rather than puppies, but it's worth a try.
English Setters rarely show up at local shelters, so you might not find one there.
English Setter puppies love cuddles, but they can also be quite energetic.
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Temperament & Intelligence
The English Setter is a beautiful canine, but they also are incredibly intelligent, loyal, and friendly. They are affectionate with their loved ones and always up for a quick nap or snuggle.
Their intelligence and desire to learn require you to provide plenty of mental stimulation, such as outdoor games and interactive puzzles. A lack of mental stimulation can equal a bored pup!
English Setters are quick to pick up on commands and take great joy in learning new things. This is because they're highly intelligent sporting dogs.
Early socialization is crucial for English Setters, exposing them to diverse people, environments, and experiences during their formative months. This will help them develop into well-rounded dogs.
Their hunting heritage can make them independent thinkers, so training them with kindness and consistency using positive reinforcement, such as food rewards and praise, yields the best results. Harsh training methods will only lead to stubbornness and reluctance to follow commands.
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Care & Health
As you prepare to bring home your new white English Setter puppy, it's essential to consider their specific care and health needs. They require a high-quality diet that meets their protein and calorie needs, so be sure to discuss the best food options with your vet.
English Setters are prone to obesity, so it's crucial to monitor their food intake and prevent overeating. They also have a tendency to sneak crumbs and food off countertops, so keep a close eye on your food and train them to leave you alone during dinnertime.
A balanced diet is just the beginning; regular exercise is also vital for your puppy's development. Puppies need to be exercised carefully to protect their developing bones and joints. Here's a suggested exercise schedule for your English Setter puppy:
English Setters are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and deafness. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has performed health clearances on the puppy's parents and to monitor your puppy's health closely.
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Exercise & Diet
English Setters need a diet of high-quality dog food that meets their protein and calorie needs, but they can be prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and consult with your vet on the right amount.
They enjoy sneaking crumbs and food, so keep a close eye on your food and train them to leave you alone during mealtimes.
An adult English setter might eat a total of 2 to 3 cups of food daily, divided into at least two meals.
English Setters require an hour or more of daily exercise to stay fit and happy, and they're great at sports competitions, but they don't need as much exercise as some other sporting breeds.
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Exercise
English Setters are energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least an hour of daily exercise, divided into two 30-minute periods.
Their high energy levels make them great hiking companions, but it's essential to provide them with vigorous exercise sessions, preferably off-leash in a secure and fenced area. This will help them burn off excess energy and prevent boredom.
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English Setters are intelligent and athletic dogs that excel in dog sports competitions, such as agility and scent work trials. Their keen sense of smell and quick learning abilities make them a natural fit for these activities.
To maintain their physical and mental health, it's crucial to establish a routine of physical activity that your English Setter will enjoy. This may change over time as they age, but it's essential to keep them engaged and active.
Diet and Nutrition
English Setters need high-quality dog food that meets their protein and calorie needs, but they can be prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake.
You'll want to talk to your vet about how much food to give your pup, as they can easily overeat. English Setters love sneaking crumbs and food off countertops, so keep a close eye on your snacks and train them to leave you alone during mealtimes.
An adult English Setter might eat 2 to 3 cups of food daily, divided into at least two meals. This will help prevent overeating and ensure they're getting the right amount of nutrients.
If your English Setter develops food allergies, you may need to switch to a specific diet to prevent allergic reactions, such as itchiness or digestive trouble.
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Coat Color and Grooming
English Setter puppies are born white, with the potential for patches of orange, black, or liver. Their beautiful coats come in several color variations, including blue belton, orange or lemon belton, blue belton and tan, and liver belton.
Regular grooming is essential to maintain an English Setter's coat. Brushing at least three times a week, ideally daily, with a stiff bristle brush keeps the skin healthy and the coat lustrous.
A steel comb can gently remove any tangles or mats from your English Setter's coat. Trimming stray hairs every six weeks contributes to a neat appearance.
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Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent infections in English Setters. Use a cotton ball moistened with a veterinarian-recommended cleaning solution to gently wipe the visible part of the ear.
Brushing their teeth two or three times a week removes tartar buildup and prevents gum disease and bad breath in English Setters. Keeping their nails neatly trimmed ensures they don’t scratch people inadvertently when jumping up to greet them.
English Setters are moderate shedders, and a good weekly brush out can keep their coat in good condition and prevent any tangles, mats, or knots from developing in their abundant feathering.
Training
English setters are eager to please and respond very well to reward-based training methods.
Because of their gentle temperament, it's essential to use positive reinforcement techniques to avoid stressing them out. They can become distressed if you withdraw attention or yell loudly.
As intelligent sporting dogs, they're quick to pick up on commands and take great joy in learning new things. This means you'll need to provide plenty of mental stimulation through outdoor games and interactive puzzles.
If you don't provide enough mental stimulation, your English setter can become bored and engage in mischievous behavior. This is especially true for active families who need to keep up with their energetic companions.
Some English setters have a high prey drive, given their hunting background, which means they may need to remain on a leash in areas with too much temptation to "hunt." You'll also need to work extra hard to achieve a rock-solid recall.
English setters do like to alert you to strangers, so it's essential to work on rewarding quiet behavior to prevent alert barking from getting out of control.
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Owning a Dog
Owning a dog is a big responsibility, and you'll need to know what to feed them and how to groom them.
You'll want to choose a breed that's right for you, like the White English Setter, and make sure you have the time to give them the exercise they need each day.
English Setters need a yard to run around in, so apartment life won't suit them.
Here are some things to consider when owning a White English Setter:
* What to feed them: English Setters are a large breed and need a lot of food to keep them going.How to groom them: They have a beautiful coat that needs regular brushing.
English Setters can be prone to separation anxiety, so they'll do better in homes where someone is there more often than not.
Owning a Dog
Owning a dog is a large responsibility, and you'll need to know what to feed them, how to groom them, and what kinds of health issues they may face in the future.
You'll need to commit to regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to keep your English Setter happy and healthy. They need a yard to run around in, and apartment life won't suit them.
English Setters can be prone to separation anxiety, so they'll do better in homes where someone is there more often than not. This means you'll need to consider your work schedule and make arrangements for your dog's care when you're away.
To ensure your English Setter gets the exercise they need, you can consider enrolling them in dog sports, such as agility or obedience training. These activities will provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog.
Here are some key things to consider when owning an English Setter:
- Feeding: English Setters are a medium to large breed and need a balanced diet that meets their energy needs.
- Grooming: They have a short, smooth coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
- Health: English Setters are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential.
Remember, owning a dog is a big commitment, but with the right care and attention, it can be incredibly rewarding.
Clubs
If you're considering owning an English Setter, you'll want to connect with a community of like-minded breed enthusiasts.
The English Setter Club (UK, 1890) is one of the oldest and most well-established clubs for the breed, offering valuable resources and support for owners.
You can find local clubs for English Setters in many countries, including the English Setter Association (UK, 1951), which provides a network of owners and breeders.
The English Setter Club of Ireland is another great resource for owners, offering information on breed standards, health, and training.
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If you're in North America, the English Setter Association of America and the English Setter Club of Canada are excellent places to start.
In Europe, you can connect with the Club du Setter Anglais (France), Società Italiana Setters (Italy), Eesti Setterite Klubi (Estonia), English Setter Club of Netherlands, Österreichischer Setter Club (Austria), Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V. (Germany), Setter und Pointer Club Schweiz (Switzerland), and Svenska Setterklubben för Engelsk Setter (Sweden).
In Scandinavia, the Norsk Engelsksetterklubb (Norway) and Engelsk Setter Klub I Danmark (Denmark) offer valuable support and resources for English Setter owners.
By joining one of these clubs, you'll be part of a community that shares your passion for the breed and can offer valuable advice and support.
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Size & Characteristics
The English Setter is a medium to large-sized dog breed, known for its elegant and well-proportioned build.
Males typically stand between 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 23 to 26 inches.
Their weight typically falls between 55 to 80 pounds for males and 45 to 70 pounds for females.
English Setters have a well-balanced and sturdy frame, exuding an athletic appearance capable of agility and endurance.
Their body length is slightly longer than their height at the withers, giving them an elongated, sleek silhouette.
Here's a comparison of the size of English Setters:
In terms of coat length, some strains have flat lying, relatively short coats, while others have thick, abundant coats and even a topknot.
English Setters are gentle with respectful children and usually enjoy the company of other dogs, making them a popular choice for families.
Hunting & Performance
English Setters are naturally talented hunters, and with the right approach, they can become excellent companions for hunting and performance. Their pointing ability comes naturally, with some starting as early as eight weeks old.
A key aspect of English Setter training is understanding their mental makeup, as Scott Berg notes that they can be soft to train, but this also means they can be easier to train if approached correctly. They generally develop slower than Pointers, so it's essential to train them as individuals.
To establish a strong bond with your English Setter, it's crucial to maintain a sense of humor during training, as Dom Gotourbe suggests. This will help you connect with your dog and make the training process more enjoyable for both of you.
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Hunting Ability
English Setters have a strong natural ability to point, with some starting as early as eight weeks old. This skill is essential for hunting, and with proper training, they can become excellent pointers.
Their pointing style can vary depending on the region and breeder, with some preferring a more upright point and others a traditional laying or crouching posture. In the UK, Scandinavia, France, and beyond, a more upright point is preferred, while in Italy, laying or crouching is still the norm.
English Setters are generally slower to develop than Pointers, but with individualized training, they can become skilled hunters. It's essential to remember that each dog is unique and should be trained as an individual.
Their field searching styles have evolved over time, becoming quicker and wider-ranging than in the past. However, their running style can still vary based on their region and line, making each dog's performance unique.
English Setters can cover a lot of ground while staying in control, but this requires a dog that is biddable, handles well, and stays connected to the handler.
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Water Work
English Setters are naturally inclined to love birds, making water work a breeze for them. Curtis Fry emphasizes the importance of early exposure to water for a smooth transition.
Retrieving and water work are closely linked, as Fry notes that "if you select for intelligence and cooperation, then retrieving comes easily." This suggests that a Setter's ability to retrieve is deeply connected to its overall intelligence and trainability.
English Setters can take to water work with ease, especially if they've been introduced to it early on. Fry's experience shows that once they get used to water, it becomes a non-issue.
Fry's approach to water work highlights the importance of patience and gradual exposure. He notes that "once they get used to water, it becomes no big deal", which underscores the value of gentle and consistent training.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of an English Setter?
English Setters typically cost between $600 and $1,500, depending on the breeder and bloodlines. Prices can vary, but expect to pay between $600 and $1,500 for a high-quality dog.
Is an English Setter a good house dog?
English Setters make great house dogs due to their gentle and affectionate nature. With proper care, they can thrive in most homes as a loving companion.
What two breeds make an English Setter?
English Setters were originally bred by crossing old spaniel and pointer breeds. This unique combination created a versatile hunting dog with a distinctive "set" behavior.
Which setter is the calmest?
English Setters are known for being the calmest of the setter breeds, making them a great choice for families and individuals who want a laid-back companion.
Sources
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- AKC Weekly Winners (akcwinners.com)
- English Setter Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More (dogster.com)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- CHIC (ofa.org)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- The history of English Setters (nationalpurebreddogday.com)
- All Setter Rescue (allsetterrescue.blogspot.com)
- Florida All Setter Rescue Program (setterrescue.org)
- English Setter Rescue Association (englishsetterrescue.co.uk)
- Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue (esrescue.org)
- English Setter Association (englishsetterassociation.co.uk)
- English Setter Club (englishsetterclub.com)
- Engelsk Setter Klub I Danmark (engelsksetterklub.dk)
- Norsk Engelsksetterklubb (nesk.no)
- Svenska Setterklubben för Engelsk Setter (fa-avance.se)
- Setter und Pointer Club Schweiz (setter.ch)
- Verein für Pointer und Setter e.V. (pointer-und-setter.de)
- Österreichischer Setter Club (setter.at)
- Eesti Setterite Klubi (setter.ee)
- Club du Setter Anglais (setteranglais.com)
- The English Setter Club of Canada (englishsetterclubofcanada.com)
- The English Setter Association of America (esaa.com)
- The English Setter Club of Ireland (wordpress.com)
- The English Setter Association (englishsetterassociation.co.uk)
- The English Setter Club (englishsetterclub.co.uk)
- Our English Setter Rescue (oesr.org)
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