Breeds

English Setter

One of Britain’s oldest breeds, the English setter is a popular working gundog abroad but a vulnerable breed in its homeland. Descending from setting spaniels used to hunt wild birds into nets in the Middle Ages, the breed was refined by aristocratic families in the 1800s for rough and walked up shooting on their large

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One of Britain’s oldest breeds, the English setter is a popular working gundog abroad but a vulnerable breed in its homeland. Descending from setting spaniels used to hunt wild birds into nets in the Middle Ages, the breed was refined by aristocratic families in the 1800s for rough and walked up shooting on their large estates.

An exceptionally handsome dog, the English setter is distinguished by its speckled ‘belton’ coat, high head carriage and flowing gallop. This breed has a gentle and friendly temperament; although bred to work at a distance it loves to be near people in the home. It is adaptable and considered good with children, other pets and visitors.

In Britain the English setter is used for classic gundog work, ranging far and wide on moors and farmland to hunt, point and flush grouse, partridge, pheasant, snipe and woodcock. It is a methodical worker noted for its endurance, hunt drive and keen air scenting ability.