Do English Setters shed?

Yes, English Setters shed moderately, but you can manage their shedding hair with regular brushing and baths (and be sure to keep the vacuum handy).

Are English Setters hypoallergenic?

No, English Setters are not considered hypoallergenic dogs (though no dog is 100% hypoallergenic).

When do English Setters get their spots?

Surprisingly, English Setters don’t get their spots at birth; they’re born solid white, like Dalmatians . Their spots start to appear within days, though. What begins as tiny pinpoints of color on their tummies and muzzles eventually turns into larger spots or streaks.

Are English Setters good family dogs?

Yes, English Setters are great family dogs, and they are never happier than when they’re part of the hustle and bustle of family life. These pups love their humans, and by your side is where they prefer to be. They usually get along famously with kids, too.

Are English Setters easy to train?

English Setters are exceptionally bright, so they’re usually easy to train. However, they can be independent-minded and decide they’re smarter than humans (wholly possible). They might just need more consistent training with extra praise.

What is the English Setter personality?

These pups are outgoing and social; they love a busy household. They’re known to be affectionate, energetic, and outdoorsy. They’ll be the first one in the car when you’re off on a new adventure.

What is a Llewellin Setter?

A Llewellin English Setter is the same as a regular English Setter—the name just references the Welshman who first bred a version of the pup widely praised for its field qualities.

English Setter

Updated June 30, 2026

Social and active, the English Setter is a quintessential family dog who loves to be in the center of it all. They thrive with sporty pet parents who’ll happily take their pup on any—and all—adventures.

Temperament

Affectionate, Energetic, Outdoorsy

Weight

45–80 pounds

Height

24–25 inches

Life Expectancy

12 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Blue Belton, Blue Belton and Tan (Tri-Color), Lemon Belton, Liver Belton, Orange Belton, White

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For a day of proper English charm, grab your Wellies, a herringbone hat, and take your English Setter to the countryside. They’re sociable, loyal companions—equally happy chasing a ball through mud as curling up beside you for afternoon tea. And if they climb onto your lap (despite their size!), let them snuggle up and enjoy.

English Setter Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

English Setter Appearance

English Setters are both graceful and playful. They have a flat coat with feathering on their ears, chest, legs, and tail.

Ears
The English Setter's floppy ears are slightly rounded and covered in silky hair.
Eyes
Their large, round eyes are dark brown with a bright, intelligent expression.
Nose
The English Setter nose is dark brown or black. Their nostrils are large and set wide.
Coat Length
Their silky coat has long feathering on the ears, neck, chest, legs, and belly.
Coat Color
English Setters are typically white with speckles or ticking, also known as belton. Blue (gray) or orange (reddish) belton are common; liver (brown) or lemon (pale tan) belton are rare.
Tail
The English Setter tail is straight and level with the dog's back. It tapers and has feathering that's long and silky.

English Setter Temperament

English Setters are happy-go-lucky pups who think everyone they meet is their best friend.

These canines will be your biggest fan, so make sure to invest in a comfy dog bed and put it in the center of the action—they like to be surrounded by their favorite people, day and night. Maybe save them a spot on the sofa, too.

English Setters are great playmates for kids, and they’re more than happy to join other dogs in the home.

While they’re the quintessential family dog, they’re also star athletes, so you’ll need to make sure they have outlets for their energy. It’s not that exercise is their whole personality, but it’s key to making sure they live their best canine life.

With a competitive nature, they’ll enjoy dog sports where they can really show off their skills—agility, dock diving, and flyball are sure to make their tail wag.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the English Setter

Find English Setters to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a English Setter

English Setter dogs shed a moderate amount, so a weekly brushing session is a good idea. They’ll need a solid training routine and a lot of exercise to keep them active.

Bathing: Give your English Setter a bath every four to six weeks (unless they happen to go wild on a hiking trail).
Brushing: These pups don’t shed excessively, but you’ll still need to brush once a week to prevent tangles and mats, especially where their hair is feathered. Use a soft-bristle brush on their body; you can use a metal comb on feathered parts.
Dental care: Help keep your English Setter’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when they’re a puppy so they get used to the experience. Get a pro cleaning at your vet once a year.
Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs attention. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections.
Nail care: Trim your pup’s nails once a month. If you can hear the nails clacking on hard surfaces when they walk, it’s time.

English Setters rank high on the intelligence scale, so training will likely be a cinch for these smart dogs. They might, in fact, think they’re smarter than you, so they need a confident pet parent who can show them the ropes.

These pups do have a prey drive thanks to their history as hunting dogs, so their desire to chase after that squirrel is never going to be completely quenched. You can help curb it with training, but it’s always going to be important to keep your English Setter on a leash or inside a fenced yard whenever they’re outside.

Use positive reinforcement and begin with basic cues like sit, stay, and come, as well as how to walk nicely on a leash.

Also invest time in proper socialization, which involves exposing your Setter to new people, places, and things so they’re used to novel interactions and become a calm and confident dog. You could take your dog to group training classes if they enjoy being around other pups and are fully vaccinated.

English Setters typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Your vet can help you choose the best dog food for your English Setter.

As a deep-chested dog breed, English Setters are susceptible to a condition called bloat. This can be a life-threatening emergency, but pet parents can take some precautions during mealtimes to reduce the risk, including:

Feeding multiple meals (such as breakfast and dinner) every day instead of one large meal
Feeding with slow-feeder bowls and avoiding elevated bowls
Restricting exercise for two hours before and after mealtimes

Remember that calories from dog treats count, too, and they’re important for motivating your pup during training. But don’t go overboard: Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. English Setters can be prone to obesity, so try things like interactive toys, which are great rewards but don’t add extra pounds.

The English Setter is an active dog who needs an outlet for all their energy. These high-energy pups need at least an hour of daily exercise and a pet parent dedicated to getting the job done.

If you don’t provide ways for them to let off steam, they’ll find their own—and you might not love how your best friend acts when they’re bored.

These smart pups need mental stimulation, too, so keep interactive toys around and play games with them to keep their brains buzzing.

It’s important to note that the English Setter breed doesn’t fully mature until they’re about 2 years old. For that reason, avoid strenuous exercise until that age, and check with your vet before engaging in new activities to make sure it’s safe.

English Setters are the quintessential family dog. They thrive in the hustle and bustle of an active crew, though they’ll also love a single pet parent or a couple if they have an active lifestyle and put them front and center.

They might bark at strangers at first, but they’ll likely quickly warm up and be a charming guest at your summer barbecue.

They might not be the biggest fan of cats or small pets like hamsters or guinea pigs thanks to their prey drive, so tread carefully there. However, they usually welcome other pups, especially when introductions are done correctly.

English Setter Health

The average English Setter life expectancy is about 12 years. Here are a few health issues to be aware of.

Bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): English Setters are prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with air or food. Bloat can progress to gastric dilatation-volvulus, where the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow. Signs include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, and dry heaving. Seek emergency vet care if you notice signs of bloat or GDV.
Deafness: English Setters can be deaf in one or both ears; deafness in dogs is often linked to pups with white coats. There’s no treatment for inherited deafness, but most dogs acclimate well and lead a full, happy life.
Ear issues: English Setter ears can trap moisture, which can lead to infection. Thoroughly drying after baths or outside playtime can help. If you think your pup has an ear infection, your vet may recommend weekly ear cleaning. 
Elbow and hip dysplasia: Elbow and hip dysplasia are genetic conditions that develop during puppyhood when the joints don’t align well and become looser than normal. Signs include limping, and treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements, physical therapy, pain meds, or even surgery.
Hypothyroidism: Common in English Setters, hypothyroidism includes symptoms like lethargy, hair loss, recurring skin and ear infections, and weight gain. A blood test can diagnosis it, and treatment is a daily oral medication.

English Setter History

Centuries ago, English Setters were trained as bird dogs in England. (The term “setter” refers to the seated or crouched position these dogs assumed when they discover game; they lay down quietly, or “set.”)

However, the history of the modern English Setter begins in the 19th century where the breed was developed by Englishman Edward Laverack and Welshman R.L. Purcell Llewellin. The Laverack pup was more of a refined show dog, while the Llewellin dogs wereprized for their field qualities.

English Setters were one of the first nine breeds registered in the U.S., and they joined the American Kennel Club when it was founded in 1884.

English Setter puppies cost thousands of dollars. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.

You might also consider English Setter adoption, as there are many of these pups waiting for a forever family. Reach out to an English Setter rescue organization like Above & Beyond English Setter Rescue, keep an eye out at your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

English Setters are sometimes thought to be the same breed as Irish Setters or Gordon Setters, but these are three separate breeds. English and Irish Setters tend to be outgoing, and while also exceptionally kind, Gordon Setters are usually a little more laidback. While English Setters are typically white with spots, Irish Setters are a shade of auburn, and Gordon Setters are black and tan.

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the English Setter

English Setter