<C>Weight:</C> 60 to 70 pounds (male); 50 to 60 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Large.
<C>Availability:</C> Difficult to find.
<b>History:</> An English breeder named Sir Edward Laverack developed the English Setter from early French hunting dogs in the early 1800's. Laverack was so instrumental in establishing the breed that the English Setter is often called the Laverack Setter. Laverack's dogs were known for their great beauty, and are therefore foundation stock for many of today's top show dogs. Another English breeder, Llewellin, created a second famous hunting strain of English Setters. These are often called "Llewellin Setters". The word "setter" comes from the almost "sitting" position the dog exhibits when he has discovered game. The English Setter is a vigorous, quick and very quiet worker with an excellent nose. His coat keeps the dog comfortable in both hot and cold weather. The sweet personality of the English Setter and his gentleness with children make him a fine family companion dog.
<b>Description:</> A beautiful, elegant, slim setter with a unique speckled coat. The long hair is flat, silky and a bit wavy. The coat comes in white with blue, lemon, orange or brown speckling. Some dogs are tricolor (blue, white and brown.) The head is long, with a pronounced stop. The muzzle is approximately half the total length of the head, and is fairly square. The eyes and nose are dark. The moderately long pendant ears have a velvety tip. The tail, ears, legs and underside are all heavily fringed. The tail is straight and tapers to a small point. The chest is quite deep, but not wide.
<b>Notes:</> Beware of hip dysplasia. Buy only from OFA certified parents. Likes to roam. Take care not to overfeed as this breed puts on weight easily. Can be difficult to housebreak. A digger and good jumper. English Setter bitches are prone to false pregnancies. There are two types of English Setter, field and show. The field types are generally a bit smaller and lighter, and very active so they need more exercise than the show types. Both types need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy and must have a fenced yard. The English Setter tends to be quite vocal and can be a nuisance barker if not discouraged early in life. The coat needs regular grooming.
<b>Personality:</> A very gentle, placid, friendly dog. Mild mannered and sensitive. Loves affection. Enthusiastic and lively outdoors. Somewhat willful. Should be trained early to prevent development of bad habits, but should never be harshly treated. Needs lots of companionship. Enjoys playing with other dogs.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Excellent with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Loves everyone.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Skilled trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Feathered coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Vigorous daily exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> An excellent jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Not recommended for apartments.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdog, and agility.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> ENGLISH SETTER
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
