English Setter puppies and dogs

English Setters are large dogs, most weighing between 45 and 80 pounds and standing around 23 to 27 inches tall, with males being larger than females on average.

English Setters come in a variety of colors and patterns, including blue belton (white with black ticking or speckling), lemon belton, liver belton, orange belton, and tri-color mixes such as blue belton and tan.

No, English Setters are not born solid tan. They are typically born with a white coat, and their distinct color patterns, including tan markings, develop as they grow. If a setter appears mostly tan, it might be a mix or not a purebred English Setter.

English Setters are not prone to excessive barking. Like most dogs, they bark to alert. They can also bark when they feel separation anxiety. As with any dog, proper training and exercise can discourage them from barking as frequently.

Yes, English Setters are good family dogs. English Setters are friendly, gregarious, playful, affectionate dogs with wonderfully pleasing temperaments. This is an energetic breed, so an active family will ensure Setters get plenty of exercise. English Setters are people-loving animals with a mischievous streak who make wonderful family companions.

Yes, English Setters are generally easy to train, thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and friendly disposition. They are sensitive and sociable dogs motivated by positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or play. This makes reward-based training methods particularly effective. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, English Setters are smart dogs. Because of their intelligence, it’s important to provide them with regular mental and physical stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors.

Yes, English Setters are friendly. Affectionate toward people and easy-going with other dogs, pets, and even strangers, English Setters are a good match for families with multiple pets and frequent visitors.

Yes, English Setters like to cuddle and be close to their family members. They will seek out physical closeness and attention and appreciate being petted, lying close to their loved ones, and snuggling on the couch.

Yes, English Setters can be good off-leash, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. English Setters have a strong hunting instinct and a keen sense of smell, which can sometimes lead them to get distracted or follow their nose. Reliable recall training is essential to ensure they come back when called. Their friendliness and curiosity can sometimes lead them to approach other animals or people, so proper training and socialization are important. 

For their safety, it’s best to exercise English Setters in secure, fenced areas. English Setters are active dogs with high energy levels and will benefit from regular exercise and off-leash time in safe, enclosed areas where they can run and play freely. If they have reliable recall and are well-trained, they can enjoy off-leash time in areas where it is safe and allowed.

English Setters are overall a very healthy, sturdy breed, but they may experience some common health conditions, including the following:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an English setter, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to dysplasia.

• Ear infections: Due to their floppy ears, English Setters can be prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring for signs of infection can help prevent issues.

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat. It can be managed with medication.

• Others: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a joint disease that results from brittle bones and causes pain/lameness; epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes seizures; allergies; and self-limiting lameness or temporary limp (known as panosteitis) are also a concern. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, hearing, and imaging tests for your dog.

No, English Setters are not hypoallergenic. English Setters have a medium-length, feathered coat that sheds regularly and can produce dander, a common allergen. Remember, no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Consult an allergist to determine if an English Setter or another breed might be a better fit.

You can adopt an English Setter at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. The cost of adopting an English Setter is around $300 in order to cover the expenses of caring for the dog before adoption. In contrast, buying English Setters from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Depending on their breeding, they usually cost anywhere from $800 to $4,000.