The Setter breed
Setter
Setters: elegance, gentleness and a passion for hunting
The name setter covers several pointing dogs from the British Isles. Tall, lean and dressed in a silky, feathered coat, they charm people as much with their grace as with their kindness.
Origins
Setters descend from old spaniel-type dogs which, on finding game, would crouch or freeze to show it to the hunter: hence the word to set. Their breeding was refined in the 18th and 19th centuries. The FCI places them in Group 7 (pointing dogs), among the British and Irish pointers and setters.
Setters on Belpatt
- English Setter: a white coat flecked with black, orange, lemon or liver, sometimes tricolour; gentle and sensitive
- Irish Setter: the famous mahogany-red coat and a joyful, exuberant nature
- the Gordon Setter, from Scotland, black and tan and rarer, does not yet have its own page on Belpatt
Temperament
Setters are affectionate, sociable and free of aggression. Very sensitive, they respond badly to harshness but very well to gentle, patient and consistent training. Their hunting instinct stays strong: work on recall early, as a bird or a scent can lead them far away.
Exercise needs
These are endurance dogs, made to cover wide open spaces. They need:
- one to two hours of exercise a day
- off-lead running in a safe place
- scent games and varied activities
A setter that does not burn off enough energy can become restless.
Grooming and health
Their medium-length, feathered coat needs brushing several times a week, and their drooping ears regular checks. Like many large, deep-chested dogs, they may be prone to gastric torsion (bloat): splitting meals and avoiding exercise right after eating are common precautions to discuss with your vet. Hip dysplasia is another point to watch. Setters mature slowly: tracking the puppy’s weight and height until adulthood helps you spot any deviation.
Setters in the family
Playful and tender with children, the setter makes an excellent family dog for sporty owners with time to spare and, ideally, a securely fenced garden.