English Setter
About the English Setter
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Large (50-100 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 23-27" |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Needs plenty of mental challenges
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $800-$1,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,400/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, English Setters may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- First-Time Owners
- Active Owners
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
- Long Work Hours Away
- Sedentary Lifestyles
Guides for your English Setter
The story behind the English Setter
Setters developed in Britain from spaniel-type stock, taking their name from the habit of setting, or crouching, once game was located, so that a net could be drawn over bird and dog together. Dogs of this kind are described from around the sixteenth century onward. The modern English Setter is closely tied to nineteenth-century breeders, particularly Edward Laverack, who bred a closed line for decades from a small foundation, and Richard Purcell Llewellin, whose dogs were selected more strongly for field performance, and the resulting distinction between show and field strains persists. Kennel club recognition came in the later nineteenth century in Britain, with American registration following soon after. The breed still works as a gundog in North America and Europe, particularly on grouse and woodcock, and is also kept as a companion.
Originally bred for: Bird dog, Pointing and setting gundog, Grouse and woodcock hunter. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a English Setter
A tall, deep-chested athlete fed for lean muscle rather than weight, with dogs hunting hard through the season needing appreciably more. Coat condition responds to adequate fat in the diet. Divide the daily amount into two meals and allow calm rest around them.
Watch for: Nothing specific to the breed is established. Feathered, drop-eared gundogs commonly develop ear irritation and skin problems that owners connect to diet, though grass seeds, damp, and environmental allergens are usually more relevant. Veterinary assessment should precede any exclusion diet.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a English Setter
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.