SportingLargeUnited Kingdom

English Setter

English Setter

Weight

45-80 lb

Height

23-27 in

Lifespan

12-12 yrs

Coat

Double Medium

The English Setter is a versatile sporting breed valued for field ability, trainability, and enthusiasm.

Sporting group breedOrigin: United KingdomExercise needs: 4/5
Breed Names

Official, native, and commonly used variants

No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.

FriendlyMellowMerryEagerActive
English Setter

Weight

45-80 lb

Height

23-27 in

Lifespan

12-12 yrs

Coat

Double Medium

At A Glance

Daily living snapshot

A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.

Energy

High

Barking

Moderate

Drooling

Moderate

Shedding

Moderate

Grooming

3/5

First-time owner

Yes

Overview

The English Setter originated in United Kingdom and was developed for retrieving, flushing, or pointing work in the field. It remains best known for its recognizable outline, breed type, and dependable working or companion instincts.

In daily life, this breed is often described as friendly, mellow, merry. It is not a natural fit for apartment living and usually does best in active homes that can provide daily training and structured exercise.

Temperament & Personality

FriendlyMellowMerryEagerActive

This breed tends to suit homes looking for a friendly, mellow, merry companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.

Coat type

Double

Coat length

Medium

Shedding

Moderate

Colors

Varies by standard

Lifestyle Compatibility

Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly1/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability4/5

Good fit if you want

  • A family-friendly companion
  • Room for routine exercise
  • A more forgiving first ownership experience

Plan ahead for

  • 4/5 exercise needs
  • moderate shedding and coat upkeep
  • moderate barking in daily life

Care Guide

Exercise

Plan for at least 60 minutes of daily exercise plus mental work. Breeds with this profile stay more settled when activity includes both movement and mental engagement.

Grooming

The medium double coat has moderate shedding and grooming demand rated 3/5. Brush regularly and stay current with ear, nail, and skin checks.

Training

This breed is responsive when training is positive and structured. Early socialization and short, consistent sessions usually produce the best results.

Nutrition

Feed a quality diet sized for a large dog and keep body condition lean. Split daily portions into measured meals and adjust intake for activity level.

Behavior & Environment

Energy level

High

Barking level

Moderate

Drooling level

Moderate

Watchdog ability

4/5

Guard dog ability

1/5

Climate tolerance

Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5

Health Considerations

Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.

Ear infectionsHip dysplasiaEye disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the English Setter good for apartment living?
The English Setter is not a natural fit for apartment living. Daily structure and realistic exercise are the deciding factors.
How much exercise does a English Setter need?
Most English Setter dogs need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise plus mental work breeds with this profile stay more settled when activity includes both movement and mental engagement..
Is the English Setter good for first-time owners?
Yes, this breed can suit prepared first-time owners when training and care are consistent.

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