The Canine Chronicles Directory
English Setter
The English Setters coat has a light texture with feathering on the ears, chest,
tail, under carriage and the back of front legs. The coat color is parti-colored.
The base color is white with solid red patches. The broad head has a good stop,
a clean muzzle and a domed skull. The round eyes are hazel or dark brown. The ears
should lie close to the head, be well laid back and level with the eyes. The strong
jaw should have teeth set square to the jaw and meeting in a scissor-like bite.
The long, muscular neck slightly arches into well laid back shoulders. The body
is well-developed and the chest deep with well-sprung ribs. Legs should be strong
and well-built. The stifle should be well bent and the hocks let down. The hind
legs should be wide and strong. The tail is thicker at the root tapering to a point.
It should be carried level with the back and should not reach below the hock.
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Temperament
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English Setters are energetic, impulsive, affectionate and high-spirited dogs. They
love their families and are excellent with children. They also get along well with
other animals. Temperament in this breed varies. Some can be high-strung and others
reserved. They have a keen sense of smell and easily adapt to any terrain, in any
climate. They are quick and even fair well in wetlands. The field lines of this
breed generally have shorter coats, need more exercise and have smaller builds.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 24-27" ; Weight: 55-80 lbs.
Female Height: 23-26" ; Weight: 45-70 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed can gain weight easily so be careful as to not overfeed. They are prone
to hip dysplasia and false pregnancies.
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Living Conditions
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English Setters should not live in an apartment. They do better with an average
size yard.
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Exercise
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This breed needs plenty of daily vigorous exercise. They can become difficult to
manage if they don't get enough exercise.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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This breed is easy to groom with regular brushing. Check the coat often for burrs
and tangles and check for matting. Bathe only when necessary. They are average shedders.
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Origin
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The English Setter stemmed directly from those early couching and hawking dogs that
were the basis for so many of the spaniels, as well as of the setters. The name
"setter" derives from his style of hunting. The breed still bears a strong tendency
to creep catlike toward the bird, and may even sink slowly ? just a bit - between
the shoulder blades as they point. The modern development of the English Setter
can be credited to Edward Laverack and Purcell Llewellin who were contemporaries
in the mid 19th century in England. Laverack obtained his foundation stock, "Ponto"
and "Old Moll", from the Reverend A. Harrison, who had bred pure for 35 years. Laverack
devoted his life and fortunes to developing the English Setter to his ideal. His
strain was famous worldwide, and many were exported to the United States. This breed
is recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
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