Yes, English Setters shed. They have a medium-length, dense coat that sheds year-round, but it’s nothing a regular brushing can’t manage. English Setters with longer coats will need a weekly brushing to keep the matting and shedding at bay.

Yes, English Setters are usually good with cats. Their friendly and gentle nature makes them good companions for feline family members. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your English Setter, if properly socialized to your cat and/or introduced at a young age, should get along well.

Yes, English Setters are good with other dogs. Friendly, sociable, and gentle, English Setters are good candidates for dog parks and playdates. Overall, English Setters make good companions for other dogs, provided they are introduced and socialized properly.

Yes, English Setters are typically good with kids. English Setters are incredibly gentle, affectionate, and kind with children, and they have the boisterous energy to match those of active older kids.

As with any breed, pet parents should always supervise interactions between any dogs and kids to ensure that both the dog and the child understand how to behave appropriately around each other. Teaching children how to safely interact with dogs can help prevent any potential misunderstandings or accidents.

English Setters stop growing at 18 to 24 months of age. They grow rapidly during the first six months and are close to their adult height by the end of their first year. They will continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about 18 to 24 months old.

English Setters are from England. English Setters, as we know them, were bred as hunting dogs in the 19th century, though their roots can be traced back to the 16th century. Their name comes from their ability to locate game birds by “setting” or crouching low. English Setters are part of the family of Setters, which also includes Irish, Irish Red-and-White, and Gordon Setters.

The English Setter is a blend of two breeds: the English Pointer and the English Spaniel. Combining these breeds, the English Setter was developed to have a strong sense of smell, a natural instinct to set (or point), and a friendly temperament, making it an effective hunting dog and a wonderful companion.

English Setters were originally bred for their hunting abilities to locate, point, and retrieve game birds.

English Setters live around 12 years on average. Like all breeds, their longevity can be influenced by factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise can help maximize their lifespan and ensure they stay healthy and happy throughout their lives.

English Setters are not prone to excessive barking. Like most dogs, they bark to alert. They can also bark when they feel separation anxiety. As with any dog, proper training and exercise can discourage them from barking as frequently.

Yes, English Setters are good family dogs. English Setters are friendly, gregarious, playful, affectionate dogs with wonderfully pleasing temperaments. This is an energetic breed, so an active family will ensure Setters get plenty of exercise. English Setters are people-loving animals with a mischievous streak who make wonderful family companions.

Yes, English Setters are generally easy to train, thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please, and friendly disposition. They are sensitive and sociable dogs motivated by positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or play. This makes reward-based training methods particularly effective. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, English Setters are smart dogs. Because of their intelligence, it’s important to provide them with regular mental and physical stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors.

Yes, English Setters are friendly. Affectionate toward people and easy-going with other dogs, pets, and even strangers, English Setters are a good match for families with multiple pets and frequent visitors.

Yes, English Setters like to cuddle and be close to their family members. They will seek out physical closeness and attention and appreciate being petted, lying close to their loved ones, and snuggling on the couch.

Yes, English Setters can be good off-leash, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. English Setters have a strong hunting instinct and a keen sense of smell, which can sometimes lead them to get distracted or follow their nose. Reliable recall training is essential to ensure they come back when called. Their friendliness and curiosity can sometimes lead them to approach other animals or people, so proper training and socialization are important. 

For their safety, it’s best to exercise English Setters in secure, fenced areas. English Setters are active dogs with high energy levels and will benefit from regular exercise and off-leash time in safe, enclosed areas where they can run and play freely. If they have reliable recall and are well-trained, they can enjoy off-leash time in areas where it is safe and allowed.

English Setters are overall a very healthy, sturdy breed, but they may experience some common health conditions, including the following:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an English setter, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to dysplasia.

• Ear infections: Due to their floppy ears, English Setters can be prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring for signs of infection can help prevent issues.

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and could cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat. It can be managed with medication.

• Others: Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), a joint disease that results from brittle bones and causes pain/lameness; epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes seizures; allergies; and self-limiting lameness or temporary limp (known as panosteitis) are also a concern. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, hearing, and imaging tests for your dog.

No, English Setters are not hypoallergenic. English Setters have a medium-length, feathered coat that sheds regularly and can produce dander, a common allergen. Remember, no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Consult an allergist to determine if an English Setter or another breed might be a better fit.