The English Setter is a medium-sized hunting dog with an exceptionally friendly temperament. Male setters should reach a height at the withers of 65 to 68 cm, while females range from 61 to 65 cm. These are strong-boned dogs, more muscular with slightly looser skin. A typical representative of the breed has a well-shaped head with a prominent occipital bone.
A distinguishing feature of English Setters is their silky long coat with characteristic ticking of small spots on a white background, called "belton" among breeders and enthusiasts. Our kennel includes various coat colors, including our beloved orange belton (orange markings), blue (black with a bluish tint), and even tricolor (blue with brown ticking).
Where does the term "belton" come from? The breed’s father, Edward Laverack, first used it in his monograph. The name was inspired by the village of Belton in Northumberland, and since then, it has become part of the breed's nomenclature.
The English Setter's nose has wide nostrils, with coat colors ranging from black to liver depending on the dog's coat. Their oval eyes are expressive and shiny, often dark hazel or brown. The neck should be long and muscular, smoothly transitioning into a straight backline. The tail should not curl upwards but rather be carried level with the back.
Characteristic of the Setter are their long, slightly wavy hairs, abundantly present on the front and hind legs, the underside, and the tail. It is crucial that their markings are not large blotches but fine ticking throughout the coat.
More detailed information about the breed's appearance can be found in the FCI breed standard available here:
Introducing a dog to your family is an important and well-thought-out decision. However, if you are looking for an active and loyal companion, the English Setter may be the perfect choice. Why is it a breed for active individuals? Based on our experience and their innate characteristics, including:
Setters are exceptional dogs with unique personalities. Often reserved and distant at first, they become cheerful and playful once they get to know you. As hunting dogs, they are highly intelligent and easily get along with other animals. Their character and loyalty make them excellent family members.
English Setters typically live between 10 and 12 years. The overall health of this breed is excellent and well-regarded. However, like all breeds, they have certain predispositions that require attention. With proper care and regular veterinary check-ups, they can enjoy a long and healthy life.
These dogs belong to the pointing breeds, which means they were designed to work alongside humans in open fields. Proper training and consistency result in a versatile working relationship with their handler. The training process itself is straightforward but requires discipline and perseverance.English Setters tend to wander from their handler, so it’s especially important to establish basic recall training early on. This ensures they stay close and cooperative during activities.
The Setter has a long, wavy coat. Grooming includes tasks such as trimming the head, back, and cutting stray waves with scissors or clippers. To maintain the coat in good condition, visits to a specialist (groomer) are recommended every 2–4 months. For show coats, visits should be more frequent.Due to their drooping ears, which are prone to infection, regular hygiene checks are essential. Additionally, it is important to moisturize their eyes 3–4 times a week with drops, as they are prone to dryness and dirt buildup. This helps prevent frequent infections.
English Setters have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Their general health is very good and they enjoy a solid reputation. However, like every breed, they have certain predispositions that require attention. With proper care and regular check-ups at the vet, they can live long, healthy lives.
The most important aspect for English Setters is to pay attention to conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, and congenital deafness. Therefore, our dogs are tested and have certificates verifying their health. With careful selection of pairings, we ensure our puppies enjoy excellent health.
As energetic dogs in their youth, they are known for their boisterous temperament. During puppyhood and adolescence, care must be taken not to overstrain their joints. This helps prevent skeletal issues later in life.
Setters have a long coat that requires specialized care, which can be challenging for some owners. That’s why we always aim to provide guidance and invite our dogs for grooming and maintenance at our facilities, where we comprehensively care for their appearance.
Bathing: One of the most essential elements of care. We use only the highest-quality cosmetics that do not harm the natural flora of the dog's skin. The coat must be cleaned with the right shampoo and then conditioned. This ensures thorough cleaning and moisturizing of the fur. The wet coat is dried with a powerful dryer to comb and shape it properly, giving it a smooth texture.
Trimming and Brushing: The Setter's coat consists only of topcoat layers, making it different from other multi-layered dog breeds. We trim and brush our dogs in a stress-free and relaxing way. This is a very important grooming element as it strengthens the vibrancy of the coat. Trimming involves the mechanical removal (using a grooming stone) of dead fur. Properly performed, this process is completely painless. Note that under no circumstances should a Setter's coat be clipped, particularly on areas like the head and back. Trimming with clippers should only be done on areas like the paws and base of the ears.
Nail Clipping and Oral Hygiene: Regular nail trimming, preferably every 2–4 weeks, prevents overgrowth. Oral hygiene is essential for overall health. We brush their teeth 2–3 times a week using specialized dog toothpaste and brushes. Following these basic care rules will provide your Setter with a healthy and comfortable life.
The English Setter is a perfect companion for active individuals. They require daily exercise, sufficient attention, training time, and trust-building. Show patience, and they will learn everything you expect from them.
They are also fantastic family dogs. They love children, feel comfortable around them, and pose no danger. They are sensitive and caring companions—always under the supervision of an adult.
It’s important to remember that they are also hunting dogs. Like any representative of this breed, they need mental stimulation. Housing conditions don’t matter as much—whether it’s a house with a garden or a city apartment, the key is ensuring they get enough outdoor activity.
As a family dog, the English Setter is not suitable for kennel confinement. They love human contact, and their happiness depends on being close to their owner. Due to their coat, they are also not suited for living outdoors.
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