The English Setter has been used to hunt birds in England for more than
400 years. The larger gundogs were taught to point at their quarry and "set"
them until the hunter could capture the birds, thus the name "setter."
The English setter is believed to have been developed from land spaniels
of Spain and developed from a cross of the Spanish Pointer, Water Spaniel
and Springer Spaniel. It was introduced to the United States in the 1870s.
The English Setter has a mild, sweet disposition. He has an aristocratic
appearance which ideally blends stamina, strength, grace and style. He is
a rugged, active outdoor dog who is an ideal companion but requires exercise.
The head planes of the English Setter, when viewed from the side, should
be parallel from top of skull to the eyes and from the eyes to the end of
the muzzle. The skull is of medium width. The muzzle is equal in length
to the length of the skull from the top to the eyes. The English Setter
has a scissors bite, although an even bite is acceptable. The ears are set
at eye level or below and carried close to the head, rounded at the tips,
and covered with silky hair. The neck is long, lean and graceful. The brisket
is deep, reaching to level with the chest. The legs are straight and parallel.
The English setter should move with an effortless, graceful, ground covering
stride. The topline slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. The tail
is tapered to a point and reaches to the hocks. It is carried straight and
level with the back. Straight, silky hair hangs loosely from the tail in
a fringe. The coat of the English Setter is flat without curl. It is lengthy
on the ears, chest, abdomen, tail and back of the legs but should not be
excessive enough to hide the body lines of the dog or his ability to function
as a sporting dog. Coat color is based on a white ground color intermingled
with orange, black, or liver, preferably in a flecked pattern. The average
size of the English Setter is 25 inches for dogs and 24 inches for bitches.
pennysuebarlett@aol.com of Centerville, OH writes:
Our favorite breed.
After owning Poodles, Maltese, Bichon Frise, and Beagles we acquired
an English Setter. We found a reputable breeder and chose a fourteen-month-old
with proven hunting aptitude. He is by far the most loving and gentle breed
we've had. He gets along well with our Bichon Frise. Even with the company
of another dog, he has had a difficult time with separation anxiety when
we are away from home. He especially likes Longaberger baskets! Those
who collect these baskets know just what an expensive appetite that can
be. We wouldn't trade him for anything. We tell all our friends that he
has helped us recover from empty-nest syndrome and made our house a home!
NICH7788@aol.com of New York writes:
Wonderful, intelligent animals.
I just lost my twelve-year-old English Setter to lymphoma; I miss him
greatly. English Setters are wonderful dogs, but the first eighteen months
of puppyhood are a real challenge. For the first year I was unable to leave
him unsupervised even for just a few seconds. He was amazing in his ability
to find my favorite belongs and tear them apart within seconds. I spent
hundreds of dollars replacing belongings, including a sofa. It took a lot
of love and a firm commitment to make it through puppyhood. We had to transform
our dining room and build a large solid wood kennel to survive this time
period. His intelligence continued to be a challenge throughout his lifetime.
He had no problem opening up the refrigerator and emptying it out if I forgot
to lock it. Cupboards, toaster-ovens, etc., was no problem for him at all.
He would use his paws like hands to pull objects toward him and open doors.
He was truly amazing. He had a very independent personality and was strong-willed.
He was gentle and friendly with everyone while at the same time appreciating
personal space. Overall, he was a very calm and well-behaved dog in his
adult years and he seemed perfectly okay spending the day sleeping in my
rocking chair and waiting for my return from work. We had a very close bond.
I am getting ready to bring home my next English Setter puppy.
Exception2Rules@AOL.com of New Hampshire writes:
Only dog I'm ever going to own.
I had never really heard of an English Setter until I was looking for
a puppy and my friend's dog had a litter due soon. We picked out the most
mellow of the females, and figured we had a sweet, quiet puppy on our hands.
She was that was for about three days. Now she has two speeds, full speed
and dead stop, but I wouldn't have her any other way. She plays hard and
then insists on sleeping on my lap even though she's about 50 pounds now
(at ten months). She's a field type so she doesn't have as much hair as
the bench types, but she still sheds a lot. She does suffer from separation
anxiety and ate a hole through the kitchen wall until I got a job where
she could come to work with me. She's a gorgeous dog (unfortunately she
knows this). We're always getting complimented on how good she looks. She
loves being around people, children especially. She's a little bit stubborn,
but is willing to please. She's the perfect jogging companion, and I'm looking
into getting her into agility classes which I think she'll love. She's my
baby and I couldn't love her any more. I think this dog is great for families,
and even for first time owners if they understand that this dog HAS to be
a part of the family.
Name withheld by request of Maine writes:
The best and sweetest dogs!
I've had so many dogs, but my English Setter is the best dog in the
world. He is a very laid-back, sweet, calm, and sometimes perky, Setter.
He loves playing with our Pug. If you are thinking of getting an English
Setter, remember to train them at an early age because they can get very
stubborn. Overall, these are great dogs.
lcsmythe@hotmail.com of Ontario, Canada writes:
Excellent temperament, plays hard, serious napper.
We have had the joy of having two English Setters as family members.
There is no other breed quite like them. We recently lost our first Setter
at the age of twelve to cancer. We couldn't imagine not having an English
Setter so another one joined our family seven weeks ago. She is now fifteen
weeks old and full of the same energy and mischief we experienced with our
first one. English Setter puppies are a handful! What is amazing is how
time, patience and training transforms an English Setter puppy into such
a gentle, loving and reliable adult ( approximately two years). They are
great with children, other dogs (we also have a nine-year-old yellow Lab),
and once they settle down, with cats. I would highly recommend this breed
to a family that has the time to give lots of love, attention, walks and
training.
Name withheld by request of Maryland writes:
Wow, how amazing!
This is such a wonderful breed, excellent temperament, beauty, and so
mellow ... what else can you ask for? They are easy to housebreak.
moverstek@aol.com of Clayton, NC writes:
English Setters are A-1 housedogs.
The breed is fairly low maintenance. Ears must be cleaned or they get vicious
infections, and they need occasional brushing and bathing as any dog does.
If you work away a lot, you may have problems with separation anxiety p;
they do get extremely attached.
ElephantLover@PeoplePC.com of New Mexico writes:
Excellent companion breed for families or individuals.
I love this breed. I've had five English Setters, and they are physically
beautiful, striking to people who see them when I am out walking them. They
have an extremely sweet, gentle expression and soft eyes. We who own English
Setters often refer to them as "California mellow deadheads."
These charming dogs love their owners and strangers, too; they are good
with children and other pets. They are like any puppies p; energetic
and excitable p; but as they grow up, they calm down and love to be
with their humans. Be forewarned: They are not guard dogs, although they
may bark when the doorbell rings or when someone approaches the yard. They
make excellent therapy dogs (hospital visitors) and their unusual and beautiful
coloring and markings always draw wonderful comments from patients, visitors,
and hospital staff. This is without a doubt a most gorgeous, striking, and
pleasant breed of dog!
Name withheld by request of California writes on 5/16/00:
A wonderful companion and gentle soul,
I adopted my English Setter through rescue about 9 months ago. There are
a lot of field setters that could be rescued - many more than bench (show)
setters. I have only met a few other people who owned setters, but it's
uncanny how similar our experiences are. These are just the sweetest most
gentle dogs. Mine has spent time with my two small nieces since nearly the
first week I had him. He has such enthusiasm and heart. When I take him
out to the off-leash park, people literally stop in their tracks to watch
him execute his 'moves' as a setting, pointing bird dog. Although I do not
hunt, to watch him move in stealth and grace to flush a bird is a genuine
delight. I hope you will decide to rescue a field English Setter - you will
have a trusted, trusting friend for many years.
marshajeanne@mindspring.com of Seekonk, MA writes on 4/27/00:
The best of the Setters!
I have owned English Setters all of my life. My father was a trainer of
hunting dogs and the breed we owned personally was the English. I had a
little field Setter for 18 years who passed away recently. These are extremely
affectionate dogs with a great need to be with their family twenty-four/seven.
This is not a dog that should be left alone for long stretches of time as
they can become bored and suffer seperation anxiety and then become destructive.
They are gentle with children and are not a watch dog. Although, they will
bark at strangers. Their coat needs some care and their feathers can get
tangled. This is not a dog for a first time dog owner! They can be stubborn
in training and difficult to housebreak. They usually enjoy good health
as they have not been over bred. You should only buy from a reputable breeder
and never a pet shop or mill. A truly five star dog all the way around!
A loving and faithful companion.
alli_e@yahoo.com of Newfoundland, Canada writes on 4/21/00:
Companionship, loyalty and a great family pet!
I adopted my English Setter. The vet thinks she is approximately 1 1/2 years
old. I couldn't have asked for a better dog. There is a lot of work involved
but for the serious dog owner this becomes routine and not work at all.
This breed needs to be brushed at least three times a week and bathed every
second week. I take my dog for two brisk walks a day with some light jogging
in between. My dog suffers from separation anxiety but she is getting used
to the idea of me returning now. She has chewed up three things so far.
One of my shoes which I now keep tucked away in my closet, the corner of
a vinyl blind on my side door and a dinner candle with a dried flower wreath.
I am over this now. I have leather furniture but she hasn't chewed that
at all. I'll keep my fingers crossed. The key is to have a lot of toys and
rawhide bones for her to chew on. She is a real jumper and can jump up on
my window ledge like a cat. She is 46lbs. This is a very affectionate breed
but also likes to have their own space. In other words they don't need constant
attention but like knowing you are in the same room with them. They moderately
shed but with the proper brushing, this is reduced. She is not vicious in
any way and gets along well with other dogs. Obedience training may be necessary
in the first couple of years. The problems I am having are; a little hyper
at the beginning of her walks, jumping up and play nipping when I arrive
home. She is great in the car, and going to the vet. Be prepared to take
care of your pet. Medical care, food, shampoo and treats are just a few
of the things you will have to fund. This goes for all dogs! This dog makes
a great family pet but you have to be willing to do your part too. After
a long walk there will be a lot of napping indoors! Keep a fresh supply
of water on hand at all times. A fenced in yard is a must but be careful
because this breed can scale a six foot fence so chaining them on is still
recommended! Definitely a five star breed!
Name withheld by request of Sarnia, Canaca writes on 4/5/00:
I love this breed.
I've owned a lot of dogs. But none compare to the English Setter. My dog
is gentle and loving and always by my side. She loves to cuddle and give
me kisses. I love her companionship.
JRomer7065@aol.com of Huntington, NY writes on 2/4/00:
Great family breed but requires patience the first two years.
A dog of with great beauty, gorgeous coats, friendly personalities, and
love to spare. Not a breed for everyone. The first two years require patience.
Puppies are like toddlers and require training but with a gentle touch.
No shock collars or harsh corrections here. After the terrible twos they
are a joy to all. Gentle when necessary but ready to run and play when that
is the plan for the day. A fenced yard is a necessity, unless you are prepared
to do a lot of running and walking EVERY day. Health concerns are few but
hip dysplasia and OFA clearances should be discussed with any breeder before
purchasing. Do your homework and deal with a reputable breeder not one who
does this for the money. English Setter breeders are very protective of
the breed and will question you throughly before agreeing to sell you one
of their babies. Often you will have to reserve a pupy from an upcoming
breeding. Puppies go to there new homes at around nine weeks of age. Use
that time to prepare for the new arrival. Purchase a crate - this is a puppies
playpen and time out room. Get a videoe or book on basic dog care and training.
Then get ready for ading a new family member to your home - an English Setter
- The Better Setter.