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English Setter
Sporting breed from England
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the English Setter
The English Setter is a large, elegant sporting dog known for its distinctive speckled (belton) coat and feathered markings. It is described as friendly, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and energetic. With an energy score of 4 out of 5 and a trainability score of 4, this breed is active and responsive to training. Grooming and shedding are moderate (score 3). English Setters are generally well-suited to children (score 4) and other dogs (score 4), but less suited to apartment living (score 2). Individual temperaments vary, so not every dog will display all traits equally.
Quick facts
English Setter at a glance
Sizelarge
Breed groupSporting
OriginEngland
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight29–36 kilogram
Female weight29–36 kilogram
Male height64–69 centimetre
Female height64–69 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The English Setter was developed in England over 400 years ago from spaniel stock. It was refined in the 19th century by Edward Laverack and R. Purcell Llewellin to create a specialized bird dog for locating and setting game birds. The breed's origins are solely in England, and its recognition status varies by registry. No specific dates of recognition or working purpose beyond bird setting are provided in the source material.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
29–36 kilogramAdult weight64–69 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesFeatheredCoat colorsBelton (speckled)Recognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlygentleaffectionateintelligentenergetic
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No English Setter-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
English Setter puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight29–36 kilogramAdult female weight29–36 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an English Setter?
Adult English Setters typically weigh between 29 and 36 kg and stand 64 to 69 cm tall at the shoulder. Their estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the temperament of an English Setter?
The breed is described as friendly, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and energetic. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every English Setter will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does an English Setter need?
With an energy score of 4 out of 5, English Setters are highly energetic and require regular, vigorous exercise. They are less suited to apartment living (score 2) and do best with access to a yard or open space.
What are the grooming requirements for an English Setter?
Grooming needs are moderate (score 3). Their feathered coat requires regular brushing to prevent mats and manage shedding (shedding score 3).
Is an English Setter good with children and other dogs?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability and 4 for dog compatibility, indicating they are generally good with children and other dogs. However, individual supervision and socialization are always recommended.
Where does the English Setter originate from?
The English Setter originated in England, developed over 400 years ago from spaniel stock and refined in the 19th century by Edward Laverack and R. Purcell Llewellin.
Is the English Setter recognized by major kennel clubs?
Recognition status varies by registry. The source does not specify which registries recognize the breed, so it is best to check with individual organizations.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.