The English Setter is a beautiful medium-to-large dog breed that has captured the hearts of families and dog lovers worldwide. With their striking speckled “belton” coat, affectionate nature, and graceful presence, these dogs are not only skilled hunters but also loving family members. Known as the “gentlemen of the dog world,” English Setters combine elegance, energy, and friendliness, making them a joy to have around.
Appearance and Physical Traits
English Setters are visually stunning dogs, instantly recognized by their long, silky coats and unique speckled patterns called belton. Their size varies slightly between genders:
- Males: 25–27 inches tall, weighing 65–80 pounds
- Females: 23–25 inches tall, weighing 45–75 pounds
Coat and Color
Their long, flat coat comes with elegant feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail, which adds to their graceful appearance. Belton patterns include:
- Blue Belton: White with black markings
- Orange Belton: White with orange markings
- Lemon Belton: White with lemon-colored markings
- Liver Belton: White with liver-colored markings
- Tricolor: Blue Belton with tan highlights on the muzzle, eyes, and legs
Head and Tail
English Setters have a long, oval-shaped head, dark expressive eyes, and a well-defined stop where the muzzle meets the skull. Their tail, moderately long and covered with feathering, flows beautifully when they run or play.
Temperament and Personality
The English Setter is famous for its gentle, friendly, and sociable personality. They are sweet, mild-mannered, and affectionate, making them excellent companions for families with children and other pets.
- Friendly and Gentle: Their calm nature earns them the nickname “gentlemen of the dog world.”
- Sociable: They thrive on attention and human companionship.
- Active and Playful: These dogs are energetic and enjoy vigorous exercise but mellow as they age.
- Sensitive: English Setters respond best to positive reinforcement and patience during training.
- Alert: While not guard dogs, they will alert you to new people entering your space.
Care and Living Needs
Owning an English Setter requires understanding their exercise, grooming, and living requirements.
Exercise
These dogs are athletic and need 1–2 hours of daily exercise. Activities like brisk walks, jogging, or playing in a secure yard keep them happy and healthy. Puppies need controlled exercise to protect their growing joints.
Grooming
Their long, feathered coat requires weekly brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Bathing every 4–6 weeks keeps them clean and looking their best. Regular grooming also helps reduce shedding around the house.
Training
English Setters are intelligent, eager to please, and generally easy to train. However, their strong hunting instincts mean they may follow their nose during walks. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to raising a well-behaved Setter.
Living Environment
They are family-oriented dogs and do not do well being left alone for long periods. While a home with a secure fenced yard is ideal, they can adapt to apartment living if their daily exercise needs are met.
Health
On average, an English Setter lives 10–12 years. While generally healthy, some issues can arise:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Deafness
- Bloat, a life-threatening stomach condition
- Hypothyroidism
- Certain eye problems
Regular veterinary care, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can help your English Setter live a long, happy, and active life.
Fact table for English Setter
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Name | English Setter |
| Origin | England, over 400 years ago |
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | Males: 25–27 in, Females: 23–25 in |
| Weight | Males: 65–80 lbs, Females: 45–75 lbs |
| Coat Type | Long, silky, feathered |
| Coat Colors (Belton) | Blue, Orange, Lemon, Liver, Tricolor |
| Temperament | Gentle, friendly, sociable, and affectionate |
| Energy Level | High – needs 1–2 hours of daily exercise |
| Training | Intelligent and eager to please, responds best to positive reinforcement |
| Good With Children & Pets | Yes, very family-friendly |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly brushing, bath every 4–6 weeks |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years |
| Common Health Issues | Hip/elbow dysplasia, bloat, deafness, hypothyroidism, eye conditions |
| Special Traits | Known as the “gentlemen of the dog world”; graceful and playful |
Lifespan of the English Setter
The English Setter typically lives 10–12 years, offering over a decade of companionship, joy, and playful moments. With proper care, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet check-ups, many English Setters thrive well into their senior years. Their longevity is a reflection of good breeding, a healthy lifestyle, and the love and attention they receive from their families.
Caring for an English Setter is more than just maintenance—it’s about creating a happy, active, and safe environment that lets these graceful dogs flourish throughout their lifespan. Check out our English Setter Dog Age Calculator to better understand your dog’s age in human years and monitor their health milestones.
English Setter Food
Feeding your English Setter the right food is key to keeping them healthy, energetic, and thriving. These active, graceful dogs need a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to support their muscular build, long coat, and high energy levels.
High-quality dry kibble, wet food, and occasional fresh foods like lean meats, vegetables, and grains can help maintain their weight and overall health. Avoid overfeeding, as English Setters can be prone to obesity and bloat, a serious stomach condition common in deep-chested breeds.
English Setter Cost
Bringing home an English Setter involves more than just the purchase price, which typically ranges from $800 to $2,500, depending on the breeder, lineage, and location.
Other expenses include high-quality food, grooming, vet check-ups, training, and supplies like beds, toys, and collars. Proper care ensures your dog grows up healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.
English Setter Puppies
English Setter puppies are full of curiosity, energy, and charm. Their soft, speckled coats and playful personalities make them instant family favorites. Early socialization and gentle training are essential for shaping them into well-behaved adult dogs.
Raising a puppy is a rewarding journey, filled with playful antics and growing intelligence, promising years of companionship and joy for active families.
Llewellin English Setter
The Llewellin English Setter is a remarkable and highly prized line of English Setters, renowned for its exceptional hunting skills and elegant appearance. Developed in the United States by R.L. Llewellin, this breed line was specifically refined for field performance while maintaining the classic gentle and affectionate temperament of the English Setter.
Llewellin Setters are athletic, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them perfect for active families who love outdoor adventures. With their striking belton coats and graceful movement, they’re not just hunting dogs—they’re loyal companions that bring energy, beauty, and devotion into any home.
Llewellyn Dog Breed
The Llewellyn dog breed is a distinguished line of English Setters, carefully bred for superior hunting ability, intelligence, and elegance. Known for their striking belton coats and graceful stature, these dogs are as charming at home as they are in the field.
Llewellyn Setters are energetic, highly trainable, and affectionate, making them perfect for active families and hunting enthusiasts alike. Their friendly and loyal nature ensures they form strong bonds with their owners, while their athleticism allows them to excel in outdoor adventures.
Llewellin Setter Dog
The Llewellin Setter Dog is a remarkable line of English Setters, celebrated for its exceptional hunting skills, elegance, and loyal personality. Developed by R.L. Llewellin to excel in the field, these dogs combine athleticism with a gentle, affectionate temperament, making them ideal for both active families and hunting enthusiasts.
With their striking belton coats, graceful movement, and intelligent nature, Llewellin Setter Dogs are not only skilled hunters but also devoted companions. They thrive in environments where they receive consistent training, exercise, and social interaction, bringing energy, beauty, and unwavering loyalty to any home.
Dog Breed Llewellin Setter
The Llewellin Setter is a distinguished dog breed, admired for its grace, intelligence, and exceptional hunting abilities. Developed by R.L. Llewellin, this breed line combines the classic elegance of English Setters with refined field performance, making them ideal for both outdoor adventures and loving family life.
Known for their striking belton coats, athletic build, and gentle temperament, Llewellin Setters are not just hunters—they are loyal, affectionate companions who thrive with active families. Their playful energy, trainable nature, and devotion make them a perfect addition to homes that value both activity and companionship.
English Shorthaired Pointer
The English Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile and athletic dog breed, celebrated for its intelligence, boundless energy, and exceptional hunting skills. Known for their sleek, short coat and muscular build, these dogs are equally at home in the field or as loving family companions.
English Shorthaired Pointers are playful, affectionate, and highly trainable, making them perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures. Their keen nose, alert nature, and loyal personality ensure they excel in hunting, obedience, and companionship alike.
English Setter Hunting
The English Setter has long been celebrated as one of the finest hunting dogs, combining elegance, intelligence, and stamina. Originally bred in England to hunt game birds, these dogs excel in the field with their keen nose, graceful movement, and tireless energy.
Known for their distinctive belton coats and gentle temperament, English Setters are not just hunting dogs—they are loyal, affectionate companions who thrive with active owners. Their natural hunting instincts make them excellent partners for bird hunting, field trials, or outdoor adventures, while their friendly personality ensures they’re a joy at home.
English Setter Mix
An English Setter Mix brings together the elegance, intelligence, and affectionate nature of the English Setter with the traits of another breed, creating a unique and lovable companion. These mixed-breed dogs often inherit the Setter’s gentle temperament, playful energy, and striking belton coat patterns, making them both beautiful and friendly.
English Setter mixes are adaptable, social, and great with families, children, and other pets. Their personalities can vary depending on the other breed in the mix, but they almost always retain the English Setter’s loyal, loving, and active nature. Check out our large dog age article for more insights on how to care for your growing companion.
English Setter Labrador Mix
The English Setter Labrador Mix is a delightful blend of two amazing breeds, combining the elegance and grace of the English Setter with the friendly, loyal nature of the Labrador Retriever. This mix creates an affectionate, intelligent, and energetic dog that thrives in active families.
Known for their playful personality, loving temperament, and striking coat patterns, English Setter Labrador mixes are perfect for households that enjoy outdoor activities, exercise, and companionship. They are social, trainable, and great with children and other pets, making them a well-rounded family dog.
English Setter Poodle Mix
The English Setter Poodle Mix is a charming blend of elegance, intelligence, and affectionate personality. Combining the graceful, gentle nature of the English Setter with the clever, hypoallergenic traits of the Poodle, this mix makes a lively and loving family companion.
English Setter Poodle mixes are playful, social, and highly trainable. They enjoy outdoor adventures, daily exercise, and plenty of human interaction, making them perfect for active households. With their unique coat patterns and friendly temperament, they are both beautiful and engaging dogs.
Lab English Setter Mix
The Lab English Setter Mix combines the best traits of two amazing breeds: the friendly, loyal Labrador Retriever and the graceful, affectionate English Setter. This mix results in a smart, playful, and loving companion perfect for active families.
Lab English Setter mixes are energetic, social, and highly trainable, thriving in homes where they get plenty of exercise and attention. With their striking coat patterns and friendly personalities, they make excellent family pets, playmates, and even adventure partners.
FAQs About English Setters
Are English Setters good with children?
Yes! They are gentle, patient, and love spending time with kids. Proper socialization ensures a harmonious relationship.
How much exercise does an English Setter need?
They require 1–2 hours of daily activity, including walks, runs, or playtime in a secure area.
Do English Setters shed a lot?
Yes, they shed moderately. Weekly brushing and occasional baths help manage shedding.
Can English Setters live in apartments?
They can, but only if their exercise needs are met. Access to daily walks or a nearby park is essential.
Are English Setters easy to train?
They are intelligent and eager to please, but consistency and positive reinforcement are crucial due to their hunting instincts.
What health problems should I watch for?
Common concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, deafness, hypothyroidism, and certain eye conditions. Regular vet check-ups are important.
Final Thought
The English Setter is a perfect mix of beauty, elegance, and loving personality. Their affectionate nature, combined with their athleticism and sociable demeanor, makes them ideal companions for active families. While they do require consistent care, grooming, and exercise, the joy, loyalty, and companionship they bring to a home are priceless. If you’re looking for a dog that’s gentle, playful, and devoted, the English Setter might just be your perfect match. If you Want to explore the breed standard, temperament, and care guidelines in more detail? Check out the official English Setter on wikipedia.