English Setter
英國蹲獵犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The English Setter is the 'gentleman of the dog world' — an elegant, speckled ('belton') gundog developed by Laverack and Llewellin in the 19th century to find and set game birds. Setters are mellow, merry and affectionate, sensitive to harsh words and devoted to their people; they are energetic athletes outdoors that settle quietly indoors after a good run, and their silky coat needs regular grooming. Deafness is screened for in the breed.
Facts
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Height | 58–69cm |
| Weight | 20–36kg |
| Life expectancy | 12years |
| Breed group | AKC: sporting FCI: 7 |
| Role | Sporting |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 3/ 5 |
| Good with children | 4/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 4/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Behaviour
A true gentleman — sensitive and willing
The CKC says the English Setter's lovable, mild disposition and affectionate, friendly attitude make it a true gentleman by nature, constantly expressing a willingness to please; the AKC calls it sensible, good-natured and devoted, but very sensitive — it takes reprimands to heart, so positive reinforcement works far better than punishment — and warns that its keen nose and prey drive can lead it into trouble, so training should start early and stay consistent.
Athlete outdoors, quiet indoors
The AKC says an English Setter needs regular exercise — ideally a daily vigorous run in a large, securely fenced area, or jogging, cycling or long hikes on lead — but that very strenuous or high-impact activity should wait until about two years of age while bones and joints mature, and that after its daily run it usually settles right down as a quiet companion at home; the CKC calls it an outdoor type that should have lots of exercise and prefers country or suburban living, and the Royal Kennel Club puts the need at more than 2 hours a day.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 3/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — English Setter
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Setter English (Sporting Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — English Setter
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — English Setter (standard no. 2, group 7)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club's health and genetics page lists the four screenings behind the breed's CHIC programme — hips and elbows through OFA or OVC, hearing by BAER test and, since 2014, thyroid — and explains that a CHIC number means the dog was tested, not that it passed; it tells buyers to use the public OFA database to verify a litter's parents and recommends BAER-testing puppies at about seven weeks, when results are reliable.”
— English Setter Association of America — Health & Genetics via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]English Setter — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Setter English — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]English Setter — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]English Setter — FCI standard no. 2 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Health & Genetics — English Setter Association of America — English Setter Association of America (public health pages) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.