Dog Breed

English Setter

Primary image of English Setter dog breed
Full Name
English Setter
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Life Span
12 years years
Weight
45 - 80 pounds
Description

Strong Willed, Mischievous, Affectionate, Energetic, Playful, Companionable, Gentle, Hard-working, Intelligent, Eager, People-Oriented

Origin
England
France
Bred For
Bird setting, retrieving
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the English Setter good with children?

    Yes! The English Setter is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the English Setter is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the English Setter friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The English Setter is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the English Setter typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the English Setter friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The English Setter naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the English Setter typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the English Setter like to cuddle?

    The English Setter appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the English Setter like to play?

    The English Setter is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the English Setter make a good service dog?

    The English Setter can be a service dog with the proper training. English Setters are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the English Setter good for first-time owners?

    The English Setter is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the English Setter be trained?

    The English Setter is about average when it comes to training potential. The English Setter can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the English Setter shed a lot?

    The English Setter sheds a lot! They may still shed less than a few other breeds, but be prepared for dog hair throughout the home and on your clothes.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the English Setter easy to groom?

    The English Setter requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your English Setter to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a English Setter on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the English Setter need a lot of exercise?

    The English Setter needs a daily exercise partner! The English Setter is best suited for a family where it will get plenty of daily exercise; it has so much energy that exercise is mandatory to avoid destructive behaviors.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the English Setter?

    The English Setter has average intelligence. They are smart and witty, but do not need to be constantly challenged mentally, as some other breeds.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the English Setter bark? Does the English Setter bark too much?

    The English Setter barks an average amount. It can vary widely between English Setters - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the English Setter a good guard dog?

    The English Setter is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the English Setter good at staying alone? Is the English Setter independent?

    The English Setter is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the English Setter a good apartment dog?

    The English Setter is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the English Setter?

    The English Setter is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the English Setter tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a English Setter?

    The English Setter can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the English Setter tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a English Setter?

    The English Setter can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the English Setter try to run away?

    It is natural for the English Setter to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the English Setter a healthy dog? The health of a English Setter should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The English Setter has many health problems that should be considered. The English Setter can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the English Setter?

    It seems like the English Setter never runs out of energy. If you are looking for a 5 AM run partner, the English Setter is your dog! A dog's energy level is one of the most important considerations when getting a new dog, and we would only recommend the English Setter for a family where it will get plenty of exercise.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the English Setter drool?

    The English Setter drools an average amount- typically only after heavy exercise or if you are eating their favorite human food in front of them.
    Prey Drive

    Does the English Setter have a large prey drive? Does the English Setter like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The English Setter has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the English Setter atheltic?

    The English Setter is a true athlete. The English Setter is both fast, strong, and has a ton of endurance that suits it well for runs, hikes, and even marathons!
  1. Sporting
  2. English Setter
The English Setter is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.

English Setters for adoption

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