CHARACTERISTICS

The English Setter is known for his friendly nature,
making him a wonderful family dog.
However, owners must remember that an English Setter is a sporting dog, whether used
in the field finding birds or not, and will need sufficient activity to keep his body fit and his mind alert. English Setters can adapt to country, suburban or city living as long as they get enough exercise. Once they've run off some energy outdoors, usually they are very mellow house dogs.
On those note, you must remember that
an English Setter must be kept in the house with the family, never in a kennel or as an outdoor-only dog. These dogs thrive on being with humans they love, particularly happy with children and usually quite welcoming of strangers.


GENERAL APPEARANCE AND STANDARD

The English Setter's hallmark is elegance.
The head carried naturally high on a fairly long, lean, muscular neck. The essence of the breed is the head, the overall expression is soft and gentle. The fairly square muzzle is moderately deep,
yet not too heavy in flew.
When on the move, an English Setter should cover the ground with freedom, grace and elegance, driving from the hindquarters.
The coat of the English Setter is long, soft and silky and there is a good feathering on the tail, breeches and on the forelegs. The coat does need attention, so this is not a breed for those who are not prepared to devote some time to this aspect

of care.  The breed standard clearly states the various colors of the breed, but within these color-combinations every dog  has slightly different markings, making this esthetically a highly individual breed.


HEALTH

English Setters are generally healthy dogs, however it is important to test the breed for hearing loss by
a method called BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing as well as against hip and elbow dysplasia (HD, ED), which is a fairly common condition in pure-bred dogs.
English Setters have sensitive skin and they are prone to skin allergies.
Food and skin allergy can lead to ear problems,
so regular inspection and cleaning of the ears
are important.
Bloat or gastric dilatation can result in gastric torsion which can be a problem too.
Torsion is twisting of the stomach often caused
by feeding following exercise.

 

 

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