Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 23rd February 2026
English Setter
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 23rd February 2026
The English Setter, a dog of medium size, belongs to the group of Setter breeds including Irish Red and White Setter, Gordon setter (black and tan) as well as the Red Setter. It has a gentle demeanor with strong guarding skills and is characterized by a strong athletic built. Other identifying physical traits include a longish head in proper proportion to its body, long, square muzzle, bright, brown eyes with an intelligent expression, low, well-set ears, lean, muscular neck, and a smooth, straight silky tail.
English Setter Pictures
Quick Information
| Common names | Lawerack, Laverack, Llewellin (or Llewellyn) Setter |
| Coat | Flat without any wooly or curly texture; featherings on abdomen, ears, chest, tail, back of thighs, and the underside of legs |
| Color | White, liver belton, blue belton & tan, orange belton, lemon belton, blue belton |
| Breed type | Purebred |
| Group | Hunting, Sporting, Guarding, Setter |
| Lifespan | Approximately 12 years |
| Size | Big |
| Height | Male: 25 to 27 inches; Female: 23 to 25 inches |
| Weight | Male: 65 to 80 pounds; Female: 45 to 55 pounds |
| Litter size | 4 to 6 puppies |
| Behavioral traits | Cheerful, friendly, energetic, merry, playful, strong-willed, mischievous |
| Good with children | Yes |
| Barking tendency | Moderately high |
| Climate compatibility | Adaptable to cool climates |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | FCI, CKC, ANKC, AKC, NZKC, KC (UK), UKC |
| Country | England |
English Setter Puppies Training Video
Other Similar Breeds
History and Origin
The setting breeds had been mentioned about in the early 14th century, while the English Setter was said to have come into the picture about 400 years ago, with the Spaniel and Pointing dogs being instrumental in its development. Like most other setters, the main task of this breed was to search for the birds and then crouch or set for indicating their presence.
The 19th century saw the emergence of two kinds of English Setters of the Llewellin and Laverack strains (field setters) named after R. Purcell Llewellin and Edward Laverack respectively, who were instrumental in developing both the breeds.
These two strains exist in the present also and the field setters are smaller in size compared to the regular ones. Besides Britain, it also gained popularity in the United States and was recognized by the AKC in 1884, ranking 101st out of the breeds acknowledged by it.
Temperament and Personality
They have been described as a perfect gentleman according to certain breed standards and are suited for families where they can get the complete attention of their masters. If ignored or left alone for an extended time they could suffer from separation anxiety and indulge in a host of destructive activities like excessive barking.
Though energetic when outdoors, they are completely different indoors, being perfect couch potatoes, loving to laze in the laps of owners.
They are decent when it comes to behaving with strangers. However, the English Setter would alert his master at the site of an unknown face, once acquainted with the visitor he would accept him merrily.
These dogs are perfect when it comes to dealing with children but are mellow and subdued, hence the little ones should be taught to behave with these dogs in a sober way.
They would form a comfortable rapport with other canines as well as animals, however, they could get after birds and any feathered friends in your home should be kept at a distance from the latter until they are well socialized.
Care
Exercise
These dogs have moderate exercise needs and should be taken on a brisk walk and also allowed sufficient play within a fenced yard to remain physically and mentally channelized. They would even be a great companion when out on a walking, hiking or jogging spree. Though energetic, these dogs would do perfectly fine when in the comforts of home.
Grooming
Their silky, shiny coat needs less grooming and would look perfectly fine when combed with a brush using small bristles. Remove the mats and tangles using a metal comb with a long tooth. Other grooming measures include trimming its nails on a monthly basis, cleaning its eyes and ears as well as bathing it in a four or six-month span.
Health Problem
Some of the common health problems incurred by the English Setter include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloating, deafness, and hypothyroidism.
Training
- Socializing the English Setter puppies and acquainting them with a host of people as well as new situations would help them distinguish the good from the bad, making them more vigilant.
- Providing obedience training, particularly acquainting them with commands like “Stop” or “No”, would facilitate the English Setter in getting rid of their unpleasant habits particularly barking without a cause.
Feeding
Good quality dry dog food alongside a wholesome homemade diet as recommended by your vet would be apt for these dogs.
