English Setter

The English Setter is an active, rugged dog, but also sweet and mild-mannered. He is happy being a true member of the family and likes to go on family outings. He makes a devoted companion.

The English Setter was developed in England, of course, where the breed goes back more than 400 years. One ancestor was the Spanish Pointer, who gave him his hunting abilities. Others include the large Water and Springer Spaniels, who gave him his long coat and docile temperament.

All English Setters are long and graceful, but also sturdy and muscular. The coat requires twice-weekly grooming. It is silky and flat, with a white background. The markings are tricolor, liver, blue, lemon or orange "belton" (salt and pepper sprinklings). Eyes and nose should be dark.

Excerpts from the Standard

General Appearance: Elegant, substantial, and symmetrical in build. Flat-coated with feathering of good length.

Size, Proportion, and Substance: Height--males, about 25 inches; females, about 24 inches.

Fun Facts

The English Setter, like all setters, works with the hunter to find the game, point, and then quickly "set" near the game. Before guns, hunters would throw out a large net to cover the area of tall grass or brush where the birds were hiding, then collect them. The setters stayed still while this happened.

Excerpted from The Complete Dog Book For Kids © 1996, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.