Learn More About English Setters

Summary

There are four different breeds of setters, most of which differ in their external appearance. They all immediately catch the eye with their elegant physique and silky fur. This is underlined by the graceful and slightly springy movement. English Setters have a distinctive stop, although their nose can be black or brown, depending on the coat color. Their medium-sized eyes are dark or hazel in color, giving off a gentle and friendly aura. The ears are of medium length and hang down the sides of the head. Like the other setters, this breed is a member of FCI Group 7, which is classified as a pointer. A distinction is made between show and performance lines, with the show lines often having an even more lush coat, while the working lines have a more smooth coat. The latter are usually even more passionate about hunting and more active.

Character

English Setters are known for their gentle, friendly and even temperament. In terms of its nature, the setter is tailored exactly to what you would expect from a dog that is used for hunting in close cooperation with humans: it is agile and extremely physically resilient. In particular, dogs from the working line, whose working skills have been strengthened through targeted breeding, show a pronounced sensitivity, which enables them to react to the subtlest signals from humans. The English Setter values ​​the close bond with his caregivers and proves to be a fairly relaxed and comfortable companion in the home environment - provided he is sufficiently challenged and exercised every day - who also feels very comfortable in families with children. Their intelligence and desire to please make them a good candidate for various dog sports and training. However, it should be noted that their high intelligence also means that they require consistent training to avoid bad behavior. Setters can be very sensitive, which is why consistency should never be confused with a hard hand! Despite their gentle and loving nature, they also have a lot of temperament and endurance. Their innate hunting instinct might lead them to chase or harass smaller pets. You should also be sure that your setter listens well to the callback and does not hunt independently if you let him run without a leash. To ensure that your daily walks remain relaxed, you should give your setter a good physical and mental workout so that he is not constantly on the hunt for tracks, but instead concentrates on you. Setters are extremely people-oriented and do not like to be alone. It is important to practice staying alone for short periods of time at a young age to avoid separation anxiety. An English Setter is generally not a typical guard dog. They are usually very friendly and open-minded towards strangers and do not tend to aggressively defend their territory. However, their vigilance and attentive nature can make them good alerters when something unusual happens in their environment.

What to Expect

The English Setter is highly motivated to hunt. He needs regular opportunities to run a lot, quickly and for long distances.

Care

Setters are active dogs and therefore need plenty of space to run around and play. They are particularly happy when they can enjoy their garden together with their humans and take long walks in nature. Since Setters already have a lot of temperament, an English Setter from the show line is probably better suited as a family dog ​​than the even more active hunting dog from the working line. Setters are generally good with children, but because of their size and activity, they should always be supervised to avoid accidents. They also tend to get along well with other pets, including cats, as long as they have been properly socialized and do not view them as objects of hunting. Due to its energy and desire to move, this breed is best suited for active people who like to spend a lot of time outdoors and rarely leave their four-legged friend alone. You should also already have dog experience, as Setters need loving, consistent training.

Training & Education

English Setters are intelligent dogs that respond well to training. They need positive reinforcement and gentle but consistent training to be happy and well-adjusted. Active Brits should get enough exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Care should be taken not to overwork them as this can lead to stress and health problems. Therefore, “switch-off training” is very important for this breed in order to train it to be a relaxed companion in everyday life. Some setters tend to become ball junkies, so playing with balls should not be overused. Instead, attention should be paid to varied games and training. Because of their hunting instinct, it is important that they learn to control their impulses and develop frustration tolerance at an early age. This can be achieved through various exercises and training sessions. The English Setter benefits enormously from learning early on that he can experience "hunting fun" together with his people. Activities such as tracking, mantrailing, retrieving and stimulus fishing training are excellent examples of this. The better the dog takes to these activities, the greater the opportunity to grant him freedom in the form of free running. At the same time, recall training should be at the top of the list of training priorities, as well as many exercises for waiting, staying and "resting". come", especially in situations with hunting attractions. At home, the English Setter usually turns into a relaxed roommate who values ​​the company of his people above all else and loves to cuddle on the sofa.

Nutrition & Grooming

The English Setter's diet should be tailored to their energy needs. They are active dogs and therefore require a high quality diet that is rich in proteins and healthy fats. Care should also be taken to ensure that they do not become overweight, as this can put strain on their joints and increase the risk of certain health problems. Caring for the setter is a little more complex due to its long, silky coat. They should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and to keep their coat nice and healthy. They have no undercoat and their fur is not particularly thick, so a dog coat is recommended in winter. They shed moderately, especially during the shedding periods in spring and autumn.