English Setter: Temperament, Coat and Care

An English Setter suits an active home that wants a gentle, friendly and affectionate dog. They need plenty of exercise and space to run, and have a strong nose for birds. The speckled, feathered coat needs brushing a few times a week, and a good breeder will hearing-test puppies.

A white English Setter with blue-gray belton speckles resting in a meadow — Speckled, gentle and happiest outdoors.

Breed-standard figures; individual dogs vary.

English Setter at a glance
Height	Males about 25–27 inches (65–69 cm); females about 24–25.5 inches (61–65 cm)
Lifespan	Over 10 years
Coat	Long, silky and speckled ("belton"); brush a few times a week
Exercise	More than 2 hours a day
Good with	Families and other dogs, usually
Bred for	Finding and setting game birds

Who an English Setter Suits

English Setters are mellow indoors, friendly and gentle with people. They suit active families and country homes.

They are a harder fit for long days alone and owners who need snappy obedience.

Exercise and Recall

Plan for long daily walks and safe free running. The nose for birds is strong, so practice recall on a long line.

Coat and Grooming

Brush and comb the feathering a few times a week, and trim around the paws and ears to keep things tidy.

Gear for an English Setter

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A pin brush and comb for the feathering, a long line for recall, and a drying towel and supportive bed for a big, muddy, happy dog.

Health: What to Ask the Breeder and Your Vet

In the UK, The Royal Kennel Club lists hip scoring as good practice for English Setter breeders, with elbow scoring and BAER hearing tests (including litter screening) as best practice. Ask to see the results, including your puppy's own hearing test.

Book a check-up soon after your dog comes home, keep it lean, and ask your vet about vaccinations, neutering and a parasite prevention plan for where you live.

Worming, flea and tick products and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gentle dogs, common questions.

Are English Setters good family dogs?

Often, yes. They are gentle and friendly, with lots of energy outdoors.

Why should a puppy be hearing-tested?

Hearing problems are a known issue in the breed, so good breeders test litters. Ask for the results.

Do English Setters shed?

Moderately. Brushing a few times a week helps.

How much exercise do they need?

More than two hours a day for most adults.