Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of about 10 to 14 years, the English Setter can stay in good shape for a long time if its activity, diet and veterinary follow-up are adapted. The quality of the breeding, weight control and the prevention of joint disorders play an important role in its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The English Setter shows decent robustness without being among the most rustic breeds. Its active life, its attraction to water and its joint sensitivity require regular vigilance, but a well monitored subject most often leads a healthy and dynamic life.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Prevention relies mainly on observing the ears, paying attention to locomotion and moderating exertion in the young growing dog. Regular maintenance after outings and swims also helps to limit minor skin or ear problems.
Otitis: Its drooping ears and its taste for water promote ear inflammations if they are not dried and cleaned regularly.
Hip dysplasia: This joint predisposition can appear early and deserves particular monitoring during growth as well as appropriate veterinary follow-up.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The English Setter tolerates the cold rather well thanks to its coat, but heat requires more precautions, especially during prolonged exertion. In summer, activities should be shifted to the coolest hours and access to shade as well as to water must remain permanent.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight gain is not a major tendency in this breed if its daily exercise level is respected. On the other hand, a decrease in activity or poorly adjusted rations can quickly impair its physical condition and weigh on its joints.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Dry and check the ears after swimming.
- Monitor locomotion during growth and in adulthood.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit joint stress.
Vaccination
English Setter vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a English Setter need? Like all dogs, English Setters should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial English Setter vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult English Setter booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your English Setter need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy English Setter
It is advisable to monitor growth carefully, to have the hips assessed in breeding dogs or subjects intended for sport, and to regularly check the condition of the ears. Any lameness, locomotor discomfort or recurrence of otitis warrants a prompt consultation.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
