All About the Breed: English Setter

The English Setter is an intelligent and active breed. But how do you know whether you are ready to purchase a pet and if this breed is right for you? This information is absolutely necessary in making the decision to purchase a pet.

History

The origin of the English Setter can be traced back to 17th century England. Enthusiasts believe the breed to be a cross of the Spanish Pointer, large Water Spaniel, and Spring Spaniel, though this has never been proven scientifically.

Throughout its history, the English Setter has been most commonly used to hunt large bird, such as duck, geese, and quail.

The hard work and breeding efforts of one man, Edward Laverack, brought the English Setter a newfound popularity as a show dog within its native England. In the late 1800’s, the breed was imported to the United States and earned the same popularity.

In 1878, the then new American Kennel Club recognized the English Setter.

Today, the English Setter remains a popular hunting and companion breed world wide.

Personality Traits

The English Setter is best known for its friendly and outgoing attitude. This breed thrives on strong human relationships and is loving, affectionate, and very loyal. While these dogs are highly intelligent, they can sometimes be stubborn and somewhat mischievous, due to their need to attention and adventure. The English Setter is an energetic and active breed that loves to play.

Train-ability

Due to their need to impress and please their owner, the English Setter typically responds well to basic training and commands. This breed loves to learn and has the ability to perform most any task its trainer is willing to take the time to teach it.

This breed can be somewhat sensitive when it comes to criticism, due to their urge to please. Positive reinforcement and reward training are the methods to succeed at training the English Setter.

Benefits and Disadvantages of the Breed

There are many benefits to owning an English Setter. This gentle breed quickly becomes attached to its owner and often shows love and affection. The English Setter has a strong need to please and impress its owner and typically responds well to training. These dogs generally get along well with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized from a young age. The English Setter remains an impressive hunting dog and makes an excellent family pet and companion alike.

Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages to owning an English Setter. These energetic dogs require large amounts of daily exercise and room to run and play. Anyone wishing to purchase an English Setter lacking the adequate amount of time and space to dedicate to the dog is strongly advised against doing so. An English Setter no receiving the proper amount of exercise will often act out by destroying property, barking, whining, chewing, and ignoring basic training such as housebreaking.

The English Setter thrives on dependable human relationships and falls victim to separation anxiety. Individuals seeking to purchase this breed who travel frequently, have full time work, or are away from the home on a daily basis are advised to begin researching another breed. During an attack of separation anxiety, an English Setter will act out of nervous destruction and may destroy property, chew, whine, bark, and ignore housebreaking training.

Like most Setter breeds, the English Setter has an impressive and thick coat which requires almost constant attention, brushing, and grooming.

Common Health Concerns

While the English Setter is generally known as a healthy and hearty breed, they do suffer from a few health problems, including: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, congenital deafness, likeliness to develop various cancers, hypothyroidism, and various food allergies.

Now that you know all about the breed, do you think you are ready to own an English Setter? Remember, purchasing a pet is a big decision and should be discussed thoroughly and seriously with your entire family.

Sources:

http://www.akc.org/breeds/english_setter

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/english_setter