Pet Wiki

English Setter

Also called Laverack Setter, Llewellin Setter

Often called a gentleman by nature, the English Setter is mild, affectionate and eager to be around people and other dogs.

SizeLarge
Weight20 to 36 kg (44 to 79 lb)males 25 to 36 kg, females 20 to 32 kg12
Height58 to 69 cm (23 to 27 in)males 61 to 69 cm, females 58 to 66 cm21
Lifespan12 to 13.1 years134
CoatLong, silky, flat coat
OriginEngland (Great Britain).23
GroupPointing Dogs (FCI group 7)
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle and very friendly
great with children
keen, athletic bird dog
213

Personality what they are like

Often called a gentleman by nature, the English Setter is mild, affectionate and eager to be around people and other dogs. It is lively and full of drive outdoors, yet settles happily indoors. It is a sensitive dog that responds best to kind handling.213

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, silky, flat coat

A soft, silky coat that lies slightly wavy but never curly, with long feathering on the legs, belly and tail. The white base is sprinkled with fine coloured flecks, a pattern known as belton.23

Coloursblue beltonorange beltonlemon beltonliver beltontricolour (blue belton and tan, or liver belton and tan)243

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an English Setter. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High: The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; long walks, hikes and free running in safe areas suit it well.41

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week to keep the feathering free of tangles and mats.41

Home where they are happiest

Fits town or country life but benefits from a large garden.4

Company who they like around

Very people-oriented and sociable with other dogs; happiest living closely with its family.13

The story where it all began

Setters descend from older spaniel and pointer types used to find and 'set' game birds. In the 19th century Edward Laverack refined the modern show type from about 1825, and Richard Purcell Llewellin later built his own field strain from Laverack dogs, giving rise to the Llewellin Setter.431

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    An English Setter named Adonis received AKC registration number one in 1878.3

  2. 2

    'Belton', the word for the breed's flecked coat pattern, is a distinctive term used for English Setter markings.3

  3. 3

    In 1938 an English Setter won Best in Show at Westminster when only 11 months old.3

  4. 4

    A setter named Countess was the first gundog to become a Dual Champion.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name comes from the dog's distinctive hunting stance: when it finds game by scent, it freezes in a crouch or 'set,' which is how the term 'setter' evolved.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BelleCharlieDaisyFinnFloraGeorgeLilyMaxOscarRosieTeddyWillow

A day in the life told by an English Setter

I wake my human with a feathery tail wag and a nose nudge. Morning walk is a joyful gallop across the meadow, I flush a pheasant and watch it soar. Back home, I curl on the rug, my feathered coat drying. After lunch, I fetch the ball until my human laughs. We meet a friendly spaniel in the park; we race in circles. After a good shake, I trot home, happy and tired. Evening is a cozy spot by the fire, my head resting on a slipper. Another day of being a gentleman.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 2, Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 2.2 British and Irish Pointers and Setters; standard dated 28.07.2009, country of origin Great Britain.2
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog group; listed as a vulnerable native breed.4
AKC
Sporting Group.3

Popularity Ranked 89th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.6

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my English Setter, and at what times?

Feed your adult English Setter at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A morning and evening schedule works well. Follow the food label for amounts and ask your vet for a tailored plan.7

What should an English Setter eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Choose a high-quality dog food suitable for your Setter's age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always check with your vet before making diet changes.8

How often should I bathe an English Setter?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep its coat healthy.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an English Setter need brushing?

Brush your English Setter more than once a week to prevent tangles and mats in its long, silky coat. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing, and daily brushing is even better for the feathering.41 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an English Setter's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use dog nail clippers and cut small bits at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an English Setter need?

This breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, including long walks, hikes, and free running in safe areas. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep your Setter happy and healthy.41 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an English Setter's teeth and ears?

Brush your Setter's teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an English Setter live?

English Setters typically live between 12 and 13 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life.134

Is an English Setter good with children and other pets?

Yes, the English Setter is gentle, affectionate, and sociable, making it wonderful with children and other dogs. It thrives in a family environment and responds best to kind handling.213

Can an English Setter be left alone?

English Setters are very people-oriented and happiest when with their family, so they may struggle if left alone for long periods. For specific advice on alone time, consult a good breeder or your vet.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Hill's Pet, English Setter hillspet.comused for weight, height, lifespan, temperament, exercise
  2. FCI Standard No. 2, English Setter fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
  3. Wikipedia, English Setter en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, lifespan study, fun facts
  4. The Royal Kennel Club, English Setter royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, habitat, lifespan band, history date, vulnerable status
  5. en.m.wikipedia.org en.m.wikipedia.org
  6. AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.