|
Check out our
suggested books
for dog owners
|
|
Sporting breeds: English Setter
Origin
Early writings suggest that the English Setter was originally produced from crossings of Spanish Pointer, Water Spaniel, the Springer Spaniel, and possibly the French Pointer. However, even the top authorities in the breed are not in agreement as to the exact lineage. The English Setter has been a trained bird dog in England for more than 400 years. The development of the old Setter into the modern English Setter that we see today took place around 1825. He was first shown in a dog show in 1859. The breed came to the United States in 1874.
General description
Height: 24-25 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Color: The preferred colors are black and white, white and lemon, white and orange, white and chestnut, or tricolor (black, white and red). Speckling may be light or heavy, but is preferred all over. Head and ear patches are acceptable, but large patches of solid color on the body are not desirable.
Grooming requirements
The English Setter needs to be brushed with a slicker brush on the legs, bib, ears, and belly. He need to be groomed by a professional groomer every four to eight weeks to keep him in the proper cut for the breed. After brushing, he needs to be be combed through with a metal comb. As for the ears, food does get caught in them if a spaniel bowl is not used when feeding. This needs to be removed with a slicker brush and a metal comb. Wetting the area will help the debris come out. The ears must be cleaned weekly to avoid any type of infection. The top one-third of the ear must be shaved in order to allow air to flow to the ear canal.
Health considerations
The English Setter is one of many breeds with possible autoimmune problems. He is prone to deafness, bloat, hip dysplasia, and several eye problems. The parents should be free of genetic defects and health problems, OFA certified and CERF-tested annually.
Breed characteristics and personality
The English Setter is gentle with children and a good companion but requires considerable exercise and a well-fenced yard.
The English Setter is mild, sensitive, lively, friendly, and affectionate. He's a disciplined but exuberant dog and is receptive to patient training. He should not be shy, fearful, or viscous.
The English Setter requires considerable exercise and is better suited to living in the suburbs or country than the city. He has a very good appetite and has a tendency to get too heavy. He is well behaved in the house but is known to jump low fences or dig under them to gain freedom.
Uses
The English Setter's nose is exceptional, allowing him to scent game hours after it has passed. He is fast, tireless, active, vigorous, and adapted to any terrain, even wetlands. He is resistant to bad weather and to the heat of summer. He works best for his own master.
Web links
AKC English Setter page
The English Setter Association of America
| |
|
