An elegant bird dog with a speckled coat and sweet soul.
Origin
England
Height
23–27 in (58–69 cm)
Weight
45–80 lb (20–36 kg)
Lifespan
12 years
Coat
Silky, feathered, flecked (belton)
Energy
High
Overview
The English Setter is a graceful sporting breed known for its distinctive flecked “belton” coat and gentle expression. Bred to locate and point game birds, it moves with elegance and covers ground tirelessly in the field.
Mellow, affectionate, and friendly, the English Setter is one of the sweeter-natured gundogs, devoted to its family and good with children. It combines real working energy outdoors with a calm, loving presence at home.
History
Developed in England over centuries from setting spaniels, the breed was refined in the 19th century for bird hunting. Its keen nose, stamina, and gentle temperament made it both a prized field dog and a beloved companion.
Where it comes from
England
Highlighted in the English Setter's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The English Setter is placid and loving at home yet energetic and driven in the field. It is sociable and sensitive, responding to gentle, positive training and thriving on daily exercise and family companionship.
Health to watch
Joint malformation occurs in the breed; screening and lean weight help protect the joints over time.
Congenital deafness occurs in some dogs; puppies can be BAER-tested to check hearing.
An underactive thyroid can affect coat, weight, and energy, and is manageable once diagnosed.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
This energetic bird dog needs vigorous daily activity and enjoys running and fieldwork.
Brush the feathered coat several times weekly and clean the drop ears routinely.
The gentle Setter thrives on family involvement and dislikes long stretches alone.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.