At a glance the quick version
Hill's gives 55-80 lb for males and 45-70 lb for females (converted). The FCI standard sets no weight.
Hill's gives an average of about 12 years; a 2024 UK study cited by Wikipedia found 13.1 years. The Royal Kennel Club lists over 10 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, silky, flat coat
A soft, silky coat that lies slightly wavy but never curly, with long feathering on the legs, belly and tail. The white base is sprinkled with fine coloured flecks, a pattern known as belton.12
Personality what they are like
Often called a gentleman by nature, the English Setter is mild, affectionate and eager to be around people and other dogs. It is lively and full of drive outdoors, yet settles happily indoors. It is a sensitive dog that responds best to kind handling.132
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High: The Royal Kennel Club suggests more than two hours of exercise a day; long walks, hikes and free running in safe areas suit it well.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week to keep the feathering free of tangles and mats.43
Home where they are happiest
Fits town or country life but benefits from a large garden.4
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and sociable with other dogs; happiest living closely with its family.32
The story where it all began
Setters descend from older spaniel and pointer types used to find and 'set' game birds. In the 19th century Edward Laverack refined the modern show type from about 1825, and Richard Purcell Llewellin later built his own field strain from Laverack dogs, giving rise to the Llewellin Setter.423
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
An English Setter named Adonis received AKC registration number one in 1878.2
- 2
'Belton', the word for the breed's flecked coat pattern, is a distinctive term used for English Setter markings.2
- 3
In 1938 an English Setter won Best in Show at Westminster when only 11 months old.2
- 4
A setter named Countess was the first gundog to become a Dual Champion.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 2, Group 7 Pointing Dogs, Section 2.2 British and Irish Pointers and Setters; standard dated 28.07.2009, country of origin Great Britain.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Gundog group; listed as a vulnerable native breed.4
- AKC
- Sporting Group.2
Popularity Ranked 89th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a English Setter. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 2, English Setter fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia, English Setter en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, lifespan study, fun facts
- Hill's Pet, English Setter hillspet.comused for weight, height, lifespan, temperament, exercise
- The Royal Kennel Club, English Setter royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, habitat, lifespan band, history date, vulnerable status
- AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.