For The English Setter Fans
By
Somewhere between the vast popularity of the Irish Setter and the relative obscurity of the Gordon Setter lies the modest following of that striking breed known as the English Setter.
Originally known as a "setting spaniel", this name was shortened to "setter", and the breed finally became known as the English Setter to distinguish it from many similar types bred on the Continent during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Unlike the mahogany-coated Irish Setter and the black and tan Gordon, the English Setter comes in a variety of colors, all variations on the theme of a basically white dog flecked either with lemon, orange, black, black and tan, liver or blue.
Breed standards call for the male to measure ǹ inches and the female to reach 24 inches; and although the English Setter is similar in the conformation to the other setters in the Sporting Group, he does differ somewhat in temperament and disposition.
Steadier and somewhat more outgoing than the rather shy Gordon but considerably less hyperactive and ebullient than the volatile Irish, the sweet gentle nature of the English Setter makes him a fine hunting dog, excellent family pet and devoted companion.
As do all the dogs in the Sporting Group, the English Setter fares far better in a country environment than in the city where he is confined to exercises at the end of a leash. Nevertheless, he seems to tolerate city confinement better than many similar breeds, even those that are considerably smaller than he.
The oldest gun dog in America, the English Setter was, for many years, the hunter's choice and was so superior to his competitor, the Pointer, that separate stakes were held for the two breeds in field trials. This, however, soon ceased to be the case once breeders, concerned with beauty and pedigree rather than field ability, neglected this important factor in their breeding programs.
The Setter, of course, still loves to work in the field with his owner, especially when that owner has taken the time and effort to train him with patience and kindness. Although he is not especially quick to grasp lessons, he has a good learning capacity and is not likely to disobey or disregard a command as are the other setters in the Sporting Group. He is a serious dog who concentrates on his work and makes every effort to please the owner to whom he is devoted.
As with many of the breeds in the Sporting Group, however, dogs competing for bench show titles and those entered in field events vary drastically in appearance. This should be taken into consideration when planning to buy a pup of this or any other breed in this group classification.
Dogs with parents who have proven field ability will certainly be likely to have a strong hunting instinct. These field dogs are generally equipped with a shorter, less profuse coat than the bench-show-bred dog and will be more difficult to confine to urban living requirements.
Whatever his background, though, the English Setter is a sensitive, gentle dog. He is not shy, yet he responds better to verbal rather than strong physical correction. He is a breed that profits enormously from all the time, affection and attention that can be showered upon him.
His trusting nature does not usually rate him high as a watchdog, but his devotion to one master and his love of family make him a rewarding and satisfying dog to own. Field dog, show dog or just a pet, the English Setter is one of the finest breeds in the Sporting Group.
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