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.
Build
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.
Watch points
What to watch 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
Cold and heat tolerance
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
Tendency to gain weight
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.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it 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 vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a English Setter? Like all dogs, the English Setter receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for English Setter is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based 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 diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based 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 vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your English Setter?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting 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 provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
