English Setter - MAIN HUB
BREED GROUP
Sporting Dogs
Country of origin
United Kingdom
BREED SIZE
Large
BREED HEIGHT
23 -
27 IN
58 -
69 cm
BREED WEIGHT
45 -
80 LB
20 -
36 KG
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
american kennel club (AKC) recognition
Yes
Breed was recognized in 1878.
International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition
Yes
Breed was recognized in 1954.
WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?
Are English Setters good family dogs?
Excellent
10 out of 10
English Setters make excellent family dogs due to their mild, sweet-tempered nature and reputation as the gentlemen of the dog world. They are intensely friendly and bond deeply with human companions, making them particularly well-suited for households with children. However, they require an active family that can provide significant daily exercise and companionship to prevent separation anxiety.
Are English Setters good with kids?
Excellent
10 out of 10
English Setters are exceptionally good with children, earning them the reputation of being the gentlemen of the dog world due to their mild, sweet-tempered, and patient nature. They are intensely friendly and form deep bonds with family members, often showing a calm understanding and high tolerance even during rowdy play. While their mellow disposition makes them one of the most suitable breeds for households with kids, supervision is always recommended to ensure play remains safe for both the dog and the children.
Are English Setters good dogs for first time owners?
Great
8 out of 10
English Setters are suitable for first-time owners who lead an active lifestyle and can commit to their significant exercise and companionship needs. While they are exceptionally gentle and eager to please, their sensitive temperament and independent hunting instincts require a patient, consistent approach to training. They are ideal for novices who can provide ample daily physical and mental stimulation to manage their high energy levels.
Are English Setters good apartment dogs?
Not Recommended
3 out of 10
English Setters can adapt to apartment living if their significant physical and mental exercise needs are met. While they are large and energetic athletes outdoors, they are famously known as the gentlemen of the dog world and typically settle down as calm, quiet companions indoors. Owners must commit to long daily walks and provide opportunities for vigorous off-leash running in secure areas to ensure they remain happy in smaller living spaces.
Do English Setters need a yard?
Highly Recommended
2 out of 10
English Setters are active sporting dogs that thrive with access to a large, securely fenced yard where they can run and satisfy their natural hunting instincts. While they can adapt to urban living or homes without yards if owners are committed to providing several hours of vigorous daily exercise, such as long walks, hikes, or runs, a fenced outdoor space is highly recommended to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Because they lack a natural recall and may wander if they catch a scent, a secure enclosure is essential for their safety during off-leash play.
Can English Setters be left at home alone?
Not Recommended
1 out of 10
English Setters are highly social and thrive on human companionship, making them prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. While they can manage moderate absences of 4 to 6 hours if well-exercised, they are best suited for households where someone is frequently present. Prolonged isolation often leads to boredom and destructive behaviors, such as chewing or digging. Provide mental stimulation, vigorous exercise, and gradual training to help them tolerate periods of solitude.
Do English Setters tolerate cats well?
Very Good
8 out of 10
English Setters generally get along well with cats, especially when introduced to them as puppies. Known for their mild and sweet-tempered nature, they often form harmonious bonds and can coexist peacefully or even become playmates. However, their natural hunting instincts may trigger a desire to chase cats outdoors, so early socialization and supervised introductions are recommended to ensure a safe environment for all pets.
Are English Setters known to be aggressive?
Very Gentle
10 out of 10
English Setters are not naturally aggressive and are renowned for their gentle, sweet-tempered, and friendly nature. Known as the gentlemen of the dog world, they are intensely social and typically get along exceptionally well with children, strangers, and other pets. While they may bark to alert owners of visitors, any true aggression is uncharacteristic of the breed and would usually stem from a lack of socialization or underlying health issues. Consistent positive reinforcement and early socialization ensure they remain the mild-mannered companions they are bred to be.
Do English Setters have a lot of energy?
Very High
9 out of 10
English Setters are high-energy, athletic dogs that require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. They typically need one to two hours of vigorous activity, such as hiking, jogging, or field work, to channel their natural hunting instincts. While they are famously mellow and gentlemanly indoors, they require an active lifestyle and consistent companionship to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
How much exercise do English Setters need?
~90 min a day
8 out of 10
English Setters are high-energy sporting dogs that require substantial daily activity to stay healthy and happy, typically needing between 60 and 90 minutes of vigorous exercise. They thrive on activities that engage their hunting instincts and athletic build, such as long walks, hiking, swimming, and off-leash play in secure areas. Incorporating mental stimulation through scent work, agility training, or puzzle toys is essential to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors in this intelligent breed.
Do English Setters tolerate hot weather well?
Average
5 out of 10
English Setters have a moderate tolerance for warm weather but can be prone to overheating during vigorous activity due to their medium-length coats and high energy levels. Owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water, and limit intense exercise or outdoor play to the cooler morning or evening hours to prevent heat exhaustion.
Are English Setters good with cold weather?
Average
5 out of 10
English Setters have a moderate tolerance for warm weather but can be prone to overheating during vigorous activity due to their medium-length coats and high energy levels. Owners should provide constant access to shade and fresh water, and limit intense exercise or outdoor play to the cooler morning or evening hours to prevent heat exhaustion.
Are English Setters sometimes banned from rentals?
Rarely Banned
8 out of 10
English Setters are rarely subject to breed-specific bans, as they are renowned for their gentle, "gentlemanly" temperament and lack of aggression. However, because they are medium-to-large dogs that can weigh up to 80 pounds, they may face restrictions in apartments with strict weight limits. While not typically restricted by breed name, their high exercise needs and tendency toward separation anxiety are important considerations for rental living.
WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?
