Imagine a dog who looks like they’ve stepped out of a Victorian painting, then promptly belly-flops into a muddy puddle. That’s the English Setter. Elegant, speckled, and graceful in the field — but at home? They’re goofy, affectionate clowns who never quite grow up.
Owner insight: “I absolutely love English setters. Gorgeous dogs, a bit bouncy and childlike forever, but just so amiable. Very active, bred to range, need a lot of training but a delight.”
Still wondering if this speckled goofball is your match? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to find out.
Great Names for an English Setter
These dogs have elegance and silliness rolled into one, so names can lean fancy or fun. For more ideas, check out our Dog Name Generator.
- Fancy nods: Chester, Arabella, Rupert, Isolde, Byron
- Field-inspired: Bracken, Fern, Willow, Flint, River
- Cheeky picks: Spotty, Puddles, Zoom, Dottie
- Ironic choices: Prince, Duchess, Lord Wigglebottom
Pickles’ Aside: “Name one Spotty and watch every stranger point it out daily.”
Exercise
Don’t be fooled by the calm lounging indoors — Setters are built to roam all day in the field. They need serious leg-stretching time.
They need:
- 1.5–2 hours daily of exercise.
- Off-lead space (secure!) to run and range.
- Games that use their nose — they’re natural hunters.
Owner insight: “Recall is very difficult with them … they naturally range far and make their own decisions.”
Working Gundog Warning
English Setters were bred to range and hunt. That instinct hasn’t gone anywhere. Expect a dog who wants to work, chase, and cover ground — not a low-maintenance sofa pet.
Pickles’ Aside: “Give them space, or they’ll give themselves a mission.”
Temperament
Think of them as the gentlemen of the dog world — polite, affectionate, but also forever young at heart.
- Gentle and amiable companions.
- Clownish and bouncy — they stay puppyish for years.
- Social butterflies who love meeting people and dogs alike.
Training
Training an English Setter is a bit like training a dreamy teenager. They’re clever but easily distracted, and they’ll wander off if something smells more exciting.
- Patience is key — recall takes serious work.
- Positive methods only — they’re sensitive souls.
- Early socialisation to channel their boundless enthusiasm.
Need help keeping focus? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for tips on recall and mental stimulation.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Don’t count on an English Setter to guard your house. They’re more likely to wag a burglar inside and show them the biscuit tin.
- Friendly with strangers.
- Minimal watchdog instinct.
Other Animals
English Setters are sociable with other dogs and usually good with pets at home, but their hunting instinct may make neighbourhood cats nervous.
- Dog-friendly.
- Cats possible, if raised together.
- Small furries and birds may trigger prey drive.
Grooming
That feathered coat may be glorious, but it’s also a magnet for burrs, brambles, and mud. Be ready to invest in a decent brush.
- Brushing several times a week to prevent mats.
- Feather trimming around legs and belly helps.
- Regular ear checks — long ears mean trapped dirt.
Owner insight: “I spend quite a bit of time pulling sticky weed and seeds out of them … Even in summer it can seem strange to come home with a clean dry dog!”
Health
English Setters are fairly healthy, but do have some common risks:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Deafness (more common in heavy white coats)
- Skin problems and allergies (itchy paws, ears, dermatitis)
- Eye issues (PRA, cataracts)
- Hypothyroidism
Average lifespan: 10–12 years. As always, check breeders for health testing — see our Best in Breeder Guide for what to ask.
Owner insight: “They don’t have a long laundry list of medical issues that other larger breeds do. (They’re not perfect, but they’re pretty good).”
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Not the priciest gundogs, but their coat care and training needs keep costs steady.
- Puppy price: £900–£1,500
- Food: £40–£60/month (big appetites!)
- Insurance: £30–£50/month
- Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year
- Grooming gear: good brushes are non-negotiable
Famous Owners & Moments
- The English Setter has long been a favourite among shooting and hunting households.
- They’ve also graced show rings, where their elegant speckled coats always turn heads.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They’re calm lapdogs | Calm indoors maybe, but outdoors they’re whirlwinds. |
| Recall is easy | One whiff of a bird and they’re gone. |
| Their coats are easy-care | Gorgeous, but a burr magnet. |
| They’re rare because they’re difficult | They’re just overshadowed by more “popular” gundogs. |
English Setter FAQs
- Do they shed? Yes, moderately.
- Are they good with kids? Gentle and affectionate.
- Do they bark a lot? Generally not — more likely to wander than yap.
- How long do they live? 10–12 years.
- Are they easy to train? Smart but distracted — recall is the hardest part.
Thinking of Bringing Home an English Setter?
If you want a dog with elegance outdoors and goofiness indoors, the English Setter might be perfect. They’re friendly, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining — but they’re also roaming, feather-coated workaholics who need plenty of time and space.
Before you decide, grab our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And when your Setter is bounding across fields (or your sofa), treat yourself to a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: “Part noble, part noodle — and you’ll love them for both.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: England
- Weight: 25–36 kg
- Height: 61–69 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Best Trait: Gentle, affectionate, playful
- Challenging Trait: Recall and roaming instincts