Bred for long and arduous hunts, the English Setter loves a good run along with a healthy amount of human interaction. Though the Setter can be kept outdoors, they often prefer to be inside with their families. Overall, the English Setter has a sweet temperament and gets along well with other dogs and people.

Large, but graceful, the English Setter tends to be well-behaved in almost any social situation and adapts well to large groups, both quiet and loud. Essentially, the Setter is good at reading people – it knows when it’s time to get ramped up for a game of fetch with the kids and when to relax at the parent’s feet.

Despite their agreeability and lovely dispositions, English Setters aren’t always easy to train. They’re well-behaved, but not the type of dog that will snap to attention. Setters tend to enjoy training sessions, but more for the togetherness and companionship than the tedium of repeated tasks. Successful training usually involves varied routine, lots of rewards and breaks for a bit of play.

Setters still work as field dogs and often make wonderful workers. Quick to please their master and relishing in the variety of tasks involved with field work, English Setters are a wonderful dog to watch during field trials.

The English Setter is also known for its grace and beauty. Their long coats should be brushed every few days and their ears cleaned regularly.

In terms of health issues, veterinarians and breeders suggest that you ask about the dog’s risk for hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, deafness and cancer.

Historically, the Setter was bred to point or set game birds. The breed appeared in England over 400 years ago and has evolved to be one of the world’s most popular sporting breeds.

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English Setter - Dogs for Sale