English SetterCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the English Setter was a pointing dog trained in England more than 400 years ago, and some works of art from the early 15th century show setter-type dogs. Its job was to “set”, that is, to show the hunter where the birds were.

Its modern look is owed to Edward Laverack (1800–1877), who created his own line in the 19th century, and to Richard Purcell Llewellin (1840–1925), who crossed Laverack's best dogs with other lines. This is why the breed is sometimes also called the “Laverack Setter” or the “Llewellin Setter”.

How the breed developed

• Early 15th century – Setter-type dogs appear in works of art.
• 19th century – Edward Laverack and Richard Purcell Llewellin create the modern lines.
• 6 March 1963 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 8 September 2026 – the current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as an elegant yet solid, beautiful and charming dog, a well-balanced hunter. Wikipedia says working lines are usually finer and carry less coat than show lines.

General appearance

The long, oval head is carried high, with dark eyes and a gentle expression. The ears, set at eye level, hang in an elegant fold. The coat forms long feathering on the ears, chest, legs, belly and tail.

The colours are black and white (blue belton), orange and white (orange belton), lemon and white (lemon belton), liver and white (liver belton) or tricolour. Dogs without large patches on the body, flecked all over with small spots, are preferred. The word “belton” is used only for this breed.

The standard describes it as very active, with a good game sense, extremely friendly and gentle. The AKC says it is a sensible, devoted and good-natured companion.

It is very sensitive and takes reprimands to heart, so it learns best with rewards. Its nose and hunting instinct can carry it away, so training must start early and be consistent.

Tips for effective training

• Use rewards. The AKC says punishment affects it a great deal.
• Start training early. The hunting instinct shows up quickly.
• Be consistent. Clear rules help it listen.
• Hide the food. The AKC says it likes to “inspect” the kitchen worktop.

The AKC says it needs regular exercise: ideally a run or an energetic play session in a large, securely fenced area. Alternatively, it can run on a lead beside a bicycle, jog with its owner or go on long walks and hikes.

Tips for a balanced life

• Do not overexert it before it is fully grown.
• Check the coat for burrs after walks.
• It suits an active family.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the long, silky coat should be brushed at least once a week with a soft brush, and tangles worked out with a long-toothed metal comb. Untreated tangles can lead to skin problems. The hair around the feet and ears should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says English Setters are generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Brush its teeth regularly.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.

The AKC says puppies should be fed small portions three times a day, and twice a day after one year. English Setters easily overeat and gain weight, so their weight must be watched throughout their lives.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Keep food away from the worktop and the table.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The word “belton”. The small flecks of colour are called “belton”, a term used only for this breed.
• Over 400 years. It was being trained in England more than 400 years ago.
• Two famous lines. Laverack and Llewellin gave their names to the lines from which the modern breed comes.
• Working vs. show. Hunting dogs are finer and have less coat.
• Worktop inspector. The AKC says it likes to look for food on the kitchen worktop.

What does “belton” mean?

It is the name for the small flecks of colour on the English Setter's white coat.

How big does it get?

Males measure 65–68 cm, females 61–65 cm at the withers.

Is it a family dog?

Yes. It is very friendly, gentle and devoted, but it needs plenty of exercise.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives about 12 years; a 2024 British study found 13.1 years.