English Setter

Life span: 10 - 12 years
AKC group: Sporting
AKC rank: 84

Breed History | Background:

Setters originated before the advent of hunting birds with game, when dogs that spotted birds were expected to crouch so that hunters could throw a net over the birds without it getting snagged on the dog.
The oldest known setter dates back to the 1300s from the English moors.
Around 1825, Edward Lavarack undertook a 35-year program of concerted breeding to form the basis of today's English Setter. He began with two dogs named "Ponto" and "Old Moll."
Purcell Llewellin founded his dogs on Laverack's stock, crossed with some other dogs, but concentrated on field ability. One of Llewellin's dogs, "Count Noble," became a field trial sensation in America. Count Noble's body was mounted after his death and put on display at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh.
Today, show English setters descend principally from Lavarack's stock, and field English setters from Llewellin's stock. Field setters are smaller, with less hair and a greater tendency to have patches, rather than flecks, of color.

Behavioral concerns:

Suggested exercise needs:

Makes a calm housedog if given adequate exercise.
Requires daily exercise in the form of a long walk, jog, or energetic games.
Field lines tend to be more energetic.
A good candidate for dog parks.
Obedience training is essential not only for control, but for the mental exercise it provides.

Grooming:

Suggested Nutritional Needs:

English setters tend to be eager eaters, and some may put on too much weight.
Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.
Puppies should be fed a balanced a puppy food.

Medical conditions seen:

Glossary