Sporting group · Large

English Setter

Speckled bird-dog gentleman — calmer than other setters.

Family DogFirst-Time OKMellowMerryFriendly

Puppy.College Rating78/ 100

Weight

45–80 lbs

Height

23–27 in

Lifespan

12 years

Exercise

60–90 minutes/day

Origin

Multiple regions historically

First-time owner

4/5

Overview

Speckled bird-dog gentleman — calmer than other setters.

The English Setter is a large breed in the Sporting group, typically standing 23–27 in and weighing 45–80 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 12 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as mellow, merry, friendly.

Breed history & origin

The English Setter traces its origins to Multiple regions historically. Its original purpose — flush, point, or retrieve game for upland and waterfowl hunters — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.

As a large member of the Sporting group, the English Setter was selectively bred for biddability and quick learning, high stamina, and working drive. Modern owners describe them as mellow, merry, friendly — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.

The breed is recognised by all major kennel clubs in the Sporting group, with a written standard codifying its silhouette, gait, and temperament.

Today the English Setter thrives as a active family companion and modern gundog. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of mellow and family-suitability continues to draw new owners every year.

Like every purebred, the English Setter carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.

Origin snapshot

Country of origin: Multiple regions historically
Era: Historic
Original purpose: Flush, point, or retrieve game for upland and waterfowl hunters
Modern purpose: Active family companion and modern gundog

Breed timeline

Historic
English Setter develops in Multiple regions historically
20th century
Formal kennel club recognition in the Sporting group
Today
Established as a active family companion and modern gundog

Appearance

Male

Height

24–28 in

Weight

47–84 lbs

Female

Height

21–25 in

Weight

41–74 lbs

Coat length: Medium
Coat texture: Smooth or wiry single coat
Undercoat: Light undercoat
Body: Powerful, balanced build with deep chest

Temperament

English Setters are mellow, merry, friendly. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.

Exercise & activity

Adult English Setters need 60–90 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.

Grooming & shedding

Brush 2–3 times a week and bathe monthly. Most owners can do basic upkeep at home.

Moderate shedder. Regular brushing controls it; a vacuum-shedding tool helps in spring and fall.

Nutrition guide

Feed a high-quality large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium and slow growth. English Setter puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.

Puppy nutrition

Feed an AAFCO-approved large-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

Adult nutrition

Adult English Setters do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.

Senior nutrition

From age 6, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.

Daily calories (adult)

1,200–1,700 kcal/day

Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.

Never feed:

• Grapes & raisins
• Chocolate
• Onions & garlic
• Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
• Cooked bones
• Macadamia nuts

Training guide

Housebreaking

Crate-train from day 1. English Setter puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Crate training

Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most English Setters accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.

Obedience

English Setters are eager learners — start sit, down, place, and recall in week 1. Aim for 5-minute training reps, 3–5x per day.

Socialisation

Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.

Advanced training

Ready for AKC Canine Good Citizen by 12 months, then trick titles, agility, rally, or scent-work.

Common mistakes to avoid

×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)

Health database

Lifespan: 12 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia risk

Elevated — screen parents

Elbow dysplasia risk

Moderate — screen parents

Eye disease risk

Standard screening recommended

Cancer risk

Above-average lifetime risk for large breeds

Dental risk

Average

Annual vet cost

$700–$1,200 CAD

Common health concerns

▸Dental disease
▸Obesity (over-feeding)
▸Hip and elbow dysplasia

Recommended screening

▸OFA hip & elbow evaluation
▸CERF / OFA eye exam
▸Cardiac auscultation
▸Annual blood panel

Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.

Living requirements

Apartment: Not ideal
House: Yes — ideal
Urban: Challenging
Rural / farm: Strong
Cold weather: Average — needs a jacket below freezing
Hot weather: Tolerant
Barking level: Above average
Separation anxiety: Above average — bred for human company
Escape risk: Average
Space: Large home or yard preferred

Cost of ownership (Canada)

Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $2,200–$4,500 for a English Setter puppy. Plan for $2,500–$4,200 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.

Puppy purchase

$2,200–$4,500

Annual all-in

$2,500–$4,200

Insurance

$80–$140 / month CAD

Pros & cons

Pros

+Excellent with children and other family pets
+Quick to learn — fast progress on obedience and tricks
+Great hiking, running, and adventure companion

Cons

−Not well-suited to apartment living without a yard
−Large size = higher food, vet, and boarding costs

Ideal owner profile

First-time ownersFamilies with kidsActive / outdoorsy ownersOwners with a yard or rural setting

Fun facts

1.English Setters live 12 years on average with good preventive care.
2.Adults stand 23–27 in and weigh 45–80 lbs.
3.Daily exercise needs: 60–90 minutes/day.
4.Classified in the Sporting group.

English Setter vs popular breeds

Trait	English Setter	Labrador Retriever	Golden Retriever	German Shepherd	French Bulldog	Poodle (Standard)
Size	Large	Large	Large	Large	Small	Large
Lifespan	12 years	11–13 years	10–12 years	9–13 years	10–12 years	10–18 years
Energy	4/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	2/5	4/5
Trainability	4/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	3/5	5/5
Family-friendly	5/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
Apartment	2/5	2/5	2/5	2/5	5/5	3/5
Shedding	3/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	3/5	1/5
Exercise	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	20–40 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day

Frequently asked

English Setter — 30 questions answered.

Are English Setters good family dogs?+

Yes — English Setters score 5/5 for family friendliness and are widely considered one of the better breeds for households with children.

Are English Setters good for first-time owners?+

Yes — they rank 4/5 for first-time suitability.

How much exercise does a English Setter need?+

How much does a English Setter puppy cost in Canada?+

Reputable Canadian breeders charge $2,200–$4,500 for a well-bred English Setter puppy. Adoption through breed-specific rescues runs $400–$900.

What's the annual cost of owning a English Setter?+

Plan for $2,500–$4,200 CAD per year covering food, vet care, insurance, training, and grooming.

Do English Setters shed a lot?+

Moderate shedder. Regular brushing controls it; a vacuum-shedding tool helps in spring and fall.

Are English Setters hypoallergenic?+

No — English Setters shed dander and hair like most breeds. ‘Hypoallergenic’ is a myth; severity varies by individual.

How long do English Setters live?+

Typical lifespan is 12 years. Lean body weight and routine vet care add years.

What health problems are English Setters prone to?+

Most commonly: Dental disease, Obesity (over-feeding), Hip and elbow dysplasia. Buy from a breeder who screens for these and provides documentation.

Are English Setters good apartment dogs?+

Not ideal — English Setters prefer a yard or open space.

How often should I groom my English Setter?+

Brush 2–3 times a week and bathe monthly. Most owners can do basic upkeep at home.

How smart is a English Setter?+

English Setters rank 4/5 for trainability — well above average. They learn new cues in 5–15 repetitions.

Are English Setters good with kids?+

Yes — patient and tolerant with children, especially when raised together. Always supervise toddler interactions.

Are English Setters good with cats and other dogs?+

Generally yes, when socialised from puppyhood.

Can English Setters be left alone?+

English Setters bond closely with their people; 4 hours alone is a reasonable maximum for adults. Build alone-time slowly to prevent separation anxiety.

Do English Setters bark a lot?+

Yes — English Setters are vocal. Early ‘quiet’ training and enrichment reduce nuisance barking.

How big do English Setters get?+

Adults typically stand 23–27 in and weigh 45–80 lbs.

What should I feed a English Setter puppy?+

Feed an AAFCO-approved large-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

How many calories does an adult English Setter need?+

Roughly 1,200–1,700 kcal/day for an average-activity adult. Active or working dogs need 20–40% more.

When does a English Setter stop growing?+

Around 18–24 months — large breeds finish later.

How do I housebreak a English Setter?+

Crate-train from day 1. English Setter puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Do English Setters do well in cold weather?+

Average — needs a jacket below freezing

Do English Setters tolerate hot weather?+

Tolerant

Are English Setters good guard dogs?+

Yes — natural protective instincts and an imposing presence make them good watchdogs.

Do English Setters like water and swimming?+

Yes — most love water. Always supervise around pools and currents.

Can English Setters do agility or dog sports?+

Yes — excellent sport prospects in agility, rally, dock diving, and obedience.

Are male or female English Setters better?+

No meaningful temperament difference at the breed level — individual personality, socialisation, and training matter far more than sex.

Should I get pet insurance for a English Setter?+

Strongly recommended. Expect $80–$140 / month CAD for accident & illness coverage. Large-breed orthopedic claims can exceed $8,000.

What questions should I ask a English Setter breeder?+

Health clearances on both parents (hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac as applicable), the right to return the dog at any age, contract terms, references from previous puppy buyers, and a meet-and-greet with the dam.

Where can I adopt a English Setter in Canada?+

Start with breed-specific rescues on Petfinder.ca and the Canadian Kennel Club's breed club referrals, then check provincial humane societies.

What's the difference between Canadian, American, and European English Setter lines?+

Bloodlines differ in size, structure, and working drive. North American show lines are typically larger and calmer; European working lines are leaner and drivier. Ask the breeder which lines they breed and why.

English Setter curriculum