English Setter: temperament, price, health, and breeders

The English Setter probably descends from ancient pointing dogs of Spanish origin established in England in the Middle Ages. The breed was mainly established in the middle of the 19th century by Edward Laverack, considered its founder, who selected dogs capable of combining aesthetic qualities and efficiency at work. Having become one of the most widespread pointing dogs in France, it remains today a reference for hunting as well as for companionship.

The English Setter is a medium-sized dog with an elegant and harmonious carriage. Its head is long, light and expressive, with oval hazel to brown eyes and low-set ears that hang along the cheeks. Its body is well built, with a rather short and flat back, a high and broad chest, and a fringed tail that tapers towards the tip. The coat is long, slightly wavy without being curly, with fringes on the limbs and the hindquarters. The coat is generally speckled, in black and white, brown and white, lemon and white, orange and white, or tricolour.

Gentle, affectionate and very sociable, the English Setter enjoys family life as much as outdoor activity. It is friendly with children, generally tolerant with other dogs and attached to its owner. Enthusiastic, loyal and intelligent, it combines a tender temperament with strong hunting abilities.

The English Setter needs to exercise every day and thrives particularly in wide open spaces. It can live in the city if its outings are frequent, long and stimulating, but it clearly prefers a rural environment or very active owners. At home, it knows how to regain its calm and likes to rest near its loved ones, but tolerates boredom and prolonged solitude poorly.

His training is generally manageable if it starts early and is based on consistency, gentleness and positive reinforcement. Sensitive and intelligent, the English Setter responds poorly to harsh methods. Recall is one of the priority lessons, because his hunting instinct can lead him to follow a trail or to wander off spontaneously.

The purchase price of an English Setter varies mainly depending on the quality of the bloodline, the reputation of the kennel, the tests carried out on the breeding dogs, and whether the puppies are intended for companionship or hunting. Beyond the purchase price, you should plan for a regular maintenance budget suited to an active dog.

The English Setter is overall a fairly sturdy dog, but certain sensitivities must be monitored carefully, especially in very active individuals or those often in contact with water. Standard veterinary follow-up, regular ear hygiene, and sensible management of exercise during growth help preserve its health.

The English Setter needs good-quality food, sufficiently rich in protein to support its daily activity. The choice of the ration must take into account its age, its size, its level of exercise and the hunting or sporting season.

The English Setter is also called English Setter or Laverack Setter. Highly appreciated in France, it is one of the pointing dogs most used in the field while also being sought after as a family companion for its gentleness and elegance.