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    Sporting Group

    English Setter

    An elegant, sweet-natured bird dog wrapped in flowing feathered coat. English Setters are gentler and more sensitive than many sporting breeds — wonderful with kids, slow to anger, and devoted to family. They still need 60–90 minutes of daily exercise and weekly grooming to keep that signature coat tangle-free.

    English Setter with feathered orange-and-white belton coat in a sunlit meadow

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    England, 1500s (modernized 1800s)
    Height (M / F)
    25–27 / 23–25 in
    Weight (M / F)
    65–80 / 45–55 lb
    Lifespan
    12–15 years
    Coat
    Long, flat, feathered with belton speckling
    Shedding
    medium
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Trainability
    ●●●●○ (4/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Better with space
    Daily exercise
    60–90 min

    History & Origin

    One of the oldest gun dogs, refined in 19th-century England by Edward Laverack and R.L. Purcell Llewellin. Setters 'set' (crouch low) on bird scent so hunters could throw a net. The AKC recognized the breed in 1884 — among the first nine breeds registered.

    Temperament & Personality

    Mellow, affectionate, slightly timid with strangers. Famously good with children. Needs gentle, consistent training; sensitive to harsh tones.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by AKC parent clubs, OFA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Hip dysplasia

    ~13% (OFA)

    Hereditary joint malformation.

    Screening: OFA hip evaluation

    Hypothyroidism

    Common in middle age

    Low thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy, coat changes.

    Screening: Annual T4/TSH after age 5

    Deafness

    Linked to extensive white coat

    Congenital sensorineural deafness.

    Screening: BAER test on puppies

    Allergies (atopic dermatitis)

    Common

    Itchy skin, ear infections.

    Screening: Allergy panels if symptomatic

    Cancer

    Leading cause of death in older Setters

    Hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma most common.

    Screening: Twice-yearly vet exams after age 7

    Exercise Needs

    60–90 minutes of daily exercise — long walks, runs and free play in a safe area.

    • Long off-leash hikes in fenced areas
    • Swimming
    • Bird-dog field training
    • Agility, rally obedience
    • Daily 30-minute fetch sessions
    Puppies: Avoid forced jogging until 18 months. Free play and short walks build endurance safely.
    Seniors: Reduce duration but keep daily walks. Joint supplements after age 7.

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 1,400–1,900 kcal depending on activity.

    Two meals/day; avoid free-feeding. Active hunters may need performance formulas.

    Common allergens to watch: Chicken, Wheat, Corn.

    ⚠ Long coats hide weight gain — body-condition score monthly.

    Entertainment & Enrichment

    Mental work matters as much as physical for this thinking dog.

    • Scent games hiding treats around the house
    • Trick training
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Nose-work classes
    • Quiet snuggle time — Setters love downtime

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush 2–3× weekly to prevent matting in feathering. Trim feet, ears and tail every 6–8 weeks. Bathe every 4–6 weeks. Clean long ears weekly.

    Training

    Use positive reinforcement only — Setters shut down with corrections. Short, varied sessions. Excellent off-leash recall is essential before any free running.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on size, lifespan, and health risks. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for English Setter: medium.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the English Setter

    These three costs move together. The English Setter’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    Above average

    Common hereditary conditions raise claim odds

    Vet service load

    Above average

    High activity raises orthopedic & injury visits

    Grooming demand

    Above average

    Long coat tangles without weekly grooming

    Triple-cost breed: budget for premium insurance, frequent vet visits, and professional grooming.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $75

    Routine vet

    $50

    Grooming

    $60

    Combined estimate

    ~$185/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    Suburban or rural homes with a yard. Tolerates apartments only with extensive daily exercise. Cannot be left alone for long workdays.

    Choosing a Puppy

    BAER hearing test, OFA hips and elbows, thyroid panel, eye CERF. Meet both parents to gauge temperament. Field-bred Setters have far more drive than show-bred.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are English Setters good family dogs?

    Yes — they're considered one of the gentlest sporting breeds, patient with children and rarely aggressive. Their main downside is grooming demand and need for daily exercise.

    Do English Setters bark a lot?

    They're moderate barkers — they alert to visitors but aren't yappy. Bored or under-exercised Setters become more vocal.

    How long do English Setters live?

    12–15 years on average. Cancer is the leading cause of death; lean body weight and twice-yearly senior checks help with early detection.

    Related breeds

    Mahogany Irish Setter standing on a manicured lawn at golden hour

    Irish Setter

    The flame-coated extrovert of the sporting world. Irish Setters are exuberant, comical and slow to mature — expect puppy energy until age 3. They're fantastic family dogs for active homes that can give them 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise and tolerate weekly grooming of that famous mahogany coat.

    An orange and white Brittany dog standing alert in a grassy field.

    Brittany

    The Brittany is a tireless, joyful, and intelligent sporting dog, ill-suited for inactive owners. Their immense energy requires at least an hour of vigorous daily exercise. While friendly and trainable, their sensitivity and need for a job can be challenging. A Brittany thrives in an active home with a large, fenced yard and plenty of mental stimulation.

    Liver and white English Springer Spaniel sitting in a grassy field.

    English Springer Spaniel

    The English Springer Spaniel is a famously friendly and energetic bird dog, ideal for active families who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are highly trainable and people-oriented, but this "velcro dog" nature means they dislike being left alone. Their enthusiasm and common health issues, like joint dysplasia and ear infections, require a committed owner.

    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual dogs vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.