Pointing Dogs
English Setter
The English Setter is an elegant and well-balanced pointing dog, renowned for its graceful movement and exceptional nose. Specialised in bird hunting, it works with range and precision across wide open terrain. Gentle, sociable and strongly attached to its family, it requires space, daily exercise and consistent training to thrive.
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
Price
900 – 1500 €
Monthly budget
70 €
Size
Medium
Profile
English Setter
Origin
United Kingdom
Year of origin
1860
Developed by
Edward Laverack
Size
Medium
Coat type
Long coat
Owner profile
Calm owner
Hypoallergenic
No
Litter size
6
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
Price
900 – 1500 €
Female
- Height : 61 – 65 cm
- Weight : 18 – 25 kg
Male
- Height : 65 – 68 cm
- Weight : 23 – 30 kg
Temperament & abilities
Affectionate
4/5
Calm
2/5
Independent
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
Obedience
3/5
Hunting instinct
5/5
Energy level
4/5
Good with children
4/5
Dog-friendly
4/5
Friendly with strangers
5/5
Hunting profile
Stamina
4/5
Hunting drive
4/5
Independence
3/5
Trainability
4/5
Beginner-friendly
4/5
Family compatibility
5/5
Feather game
5/5
Fur game
1/5
Underground work
1/5
Water work
2/5
These indicators help compare breeds and choose the right one for your hunting style.
Game & abilities
Estimated ability level by game type.
Budget
Purchase price
900 – 1500 €
The price may vary depending on the breeder, bloodline, and region.
Average monthly cost
70 €
Estimated average: food, healthcare, accessories, and grooming.
Field work
The English Setter in the field
A benchmark among pointing dogs, the English Setter is widely appreciated for its flowing search, quality nose and stylish field work. It is especially valued for feather game hunting, where it can combine range, elegance and efficiency when properly handled.
Depending on bloodlines and training, working range may vary from a relatively close dog to a wider-ranging subject. It benefits from consistent handling, regular exercise and progressive field exposure to fully express its qualities.
Wide yet methodical search
The English Setter generally covers ground with a smooth gait. The best dogs can adapt their pattern to terrain and maintain contact with the handler.
Expressive point
The breed is renowned for stylish pointing, often firm and readable. This helps hunter positioning when supported by consistent training.
Stamina over time
An English Setter can handle repeated outings across varied terrain, provided conditioning and post-hunt recovery are properly managed.
Sensitivity and training
Intelligent and sensitive, it usually responds well to progressive, fair training. Overly harsh handling may reduce initiative or confidence.
What kind of hunter is it for?
The English Setter suits active hunters who enjoy watching a stylish, enduring search dog at work. It can also suit a motivated beginner, provided they commit to real conditioning, recall work and off-season consistency.
Before buying, it is essential to define the intended use (practical hunting, active family dog, field trial, working line or mixed profile), as temperaments and field behavior can vary across bloodlines.
Family & activity
Daily life and compatibility
The English Setter can be an excellent companion when given enough outings, stimulation and a stable framework. It generally enjoys human company and may struggle with prolonged boredom.
Compatibility with family life depends on individual temperament, socialization and daily exercise level. For a very active bloodline, a short walk is rarely enough.
Field education
Training the English Setter for hunting
The English Setter usually responds well to progressive, consistent and clear training. Foundations (recall, walking, calmness, arousal control) should be established before trying to push field performance too quickly.
In hunting work, the goal is not only to build drive but also to maintain contact and cooperation. Moving too fast or applying poorly timed corrections can damage confidence.
Off-season consistency (outings, recall work, conditioning, basic obedience) is often a key factor in having a balanced dog at the start of the season.
Care
Post-hunt care for the English Setter
After an outing, inspect the coat carefully (grass awns, seeds, debris), the ears, paw pads and between the toes. Feathered coats may trap more vegetation, especially later in the season.
Proper recovery (hydration, rest and effort-appropriate feeding) helps maintain condition. If lameness, breathing difficulty, injury or unusual fatigue occurs, veterinary advice is required.
Before you buy
Choosing an English Setter for hunting
For a hunting-focused project, it is best to define your goals early: game type, outing frequency, main terrain, handler experience and the dog’s role in family life.
When speaking with breeders, ask for concrete information about the parents (temperament, style, hunting use, lifestyle, health follow-up), and look for strong alignment between the proposed profile and your real needs.
Background
Origin and history of the English Setter
The English Setter is a British pointing breed whose modern development took shape in the 19th century. It has long been associated with feather game hunting over wide country, where its style and searching ability built its reputation.
Over time, different selection goals emerged, with some bloodlines emphasizing field work, others show qualities, and many kennels producing intermediate profiles.
Working lines vs show lines
Depending on the kennel, temperament, build and field behavior may differ. Choosing a line that matches your hunting/family goals is important.
General temperament
The English Setter is often described as gentle, sociable and close to its people while remaining energetic. It needs physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Living conditions
It generally does best with space and frequent outings. A very sedentary lifestyle or insufficient activity may lead to frustration and unwanted behaviors.
Health and care
As with any breed, breeder quality, veterinary follow-up, care and conditioning have a major impact on overall fitness and longevity.
Practical view
Strengths and watch-outs
Strong potential on feather game
Highly valued pointing style
Generally sociable temperament
Good stamina with proper conditioning
Needs real physical exercise
Can be sensitive to harsh training
Profile varies significantly by bloodline
Coat care/field inspection should not be neglected
Handling
Common mistakes to avoid
Skipping steps (field/game exposure before reliable recall basics)
Changing rules or cues too often
Using too much pressure on a sensitive dog
Neglecting off-season work
Choosing a bloodline that does not fit your goals
Checklist
Preparing for hunting season
Physical conditioning resumed progressively
Pads and nails checked
Parasite prevention up to date (ticks/fleas depending on area)
Recall and basic commands refreshed
Field first-aid kit ready
Frequently asked questions
Hunting FAQ — English Setter
Is the English Setter a good dog for feather game hunting?
Yes, it is one of the most sought-after pointing dog profiles for feather game. Results still depend on bloodlines, preparation and training.
Is it suitable as a first hunting dog?
It can suit a motivated beginner, especially with good guidance. You need to commit to consistent progression, regular outings and a coherent training approach.
Can it live as a family dog?
Often yes, provided its activity needs are met. Individual temperament, socialization and daily structure remain key factors.
What is the difference between working lines and show lines?
Depending on the kennel, there may be differences in temperament, build and field behavior. For hunting use, choose a profile aligned with your actual goals.
What is the most important early training priority?
Recall and handler contact are fundamental. A solid base makes later field work and excitement management much easier.
