English Setter
Overview
A gentle, feathered gundog bred to find game birds on the moor, the English Setter is friendly, sociable and wonderful with children. Even-tempered but energetic. It suits active families who can meet its considerable exercise needs, keep the silky coat groomed, and appreciate a sensitive dog that's slow to mature out of puppyhood.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a English Setter is excellent with children of all ages and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult English Setter typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is moderate. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a English Setter should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Gentle, friendly and great with children
- +Sociable and even-tempered
Things to consider
- –High exercise needs and a feathered coat to maintain
- –Can be sensitive and slow to mature
Is a English Setter right for you?
On space, a English Setter is needs plenty of space — they really need plenty of room and a lot of daily activity. For experience level, they are manageable for committed beginners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a English Setter
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are English Setters good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, English Setters tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a English Setter need?
As a healthy adult, a typical English Setter needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do English Setters shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are English Setters easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. English Setters are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do English Setters bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are English Setters good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do English Setters suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A English Setter really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.