Do English Setters make good pets? Absolutely! The oldest of the setter breeds, the English Setter is considered more easy-going than the Gordon or Irish Setters. Still they are superb bird dogs as well as family pets and show dogs.
History
Dating back as far as the 1300s, it is believed this breed's ancestry includes large Water Spaniels, Springer Spaniels and Pointers. Originally called "setting spaniels" these dogs would "set" game by locating it then crouching down nearby to indicate its position. This would allow hunters to throw a net over the birds. When shooting birds on the wing became popular, setters were bred to adopt a more upright stance, making them more visible in the field.
In 1825, Setter fancier Edward Laverack began a campaign to breed pure English Setters. For over 35 years he successfully inbred his dogs, producing beautiful specimens of the breed. Ultimately his dogs formed the foundation stock from which all modern English Setters were bred.
Purcell Llewellin is another noted contributor to English Setter heritage. He crossed dogs from Laverack's stock with unrelated Setters; efforts that resulted in a well honed field variety of the breed. To this day there is a divergence between English Setters bred for conformation and those primarily used in sport.
Temperament
Described by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as "gentle" and having a "lively tail," the English Setter is an affable breed. They love to be around people, and fare poorly when confined to kennels. They are also excellent with children, being relatively tolerant of ear and tail pulling; however, as with all dogs, supervision is required.
Bred to cover long distances, English Setters need to be given the opportunity to stretch their legs and burn off excess energy daily. This can be accomplished off-leash in a fenced-in yard or by running alongside their owner for a good long jog. Once exercised, these dogs settle down indoors and can tolerate smaller any living quarters.
Size
History
Dating back as far as the 1300s, it is believed this breed's ancestry includes large Water Spaniels, Springer Spaniels and Pointers. Originally called "setting spaniels" these dogs would "set" game by locating it then crouching down nearby to indicate its position. This would allow hunters to throw a net over the birds. When shooting birds on the wing became popular, setters were bred to adopt a more upright stance, making them more visible in the field.
In 1825, Setter fancier Edward Laverack began a campaign to breed pure English Setters. For over 35 years he successfully inbred his dogs, producing beautiful specimens of the breed. Ultimately his dogs formed the foundation stock from which all modern English Setters were bred.
Purcell Llewellin is another noted contributor to English Setter heritage. He crossed dogs from Laverack's stock with unrelated Setters; efforts that resulted in a well honed field variety of the breed. To this day there is a divergence between English Setters bred for conformation and those primarily used in sport.
Temperament
Described by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as "gentle" and having a "lively tail," the English Setter is an affable breed. They love to be around people, and fare poorly when confined to kennels. They are also excellent with children, being relatively tolerant of ear and tail pulling; however, as with all dogs, supervision is required.
Bred to cover long distances, English Setters need to be given the opportunity to stretch their legs and burn off excess energy daily. This can be accomplished off-leash in a fenced-in yard or by running alongside their owner for a good long jog. Once exercised, these dogs settle down indoors and can tolerate smaller any living quarters.
Size
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