Sporting Group
English Setter
Champion Pedigree
Gentle
Elegant
Gun Dog
One of the oldest gun dog breeds, the English Setter was bred to locate game birds by scent and "set" motionless to signal the find. Its speckled "Belton" coat pattern and gentle, refined temperament have made it a favorite of both hunters and families.
Lifespan
11–12 years.
Did You Know?
The English Setter’s distinctive speckled coat pattern is called "Belton," a term coined by 19th-century breeder Edward Laverack after a Northumberland village.
Breed Traits
Size
24–27 in. tall, 45–80 lbs.
Energy Level
High — needs substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Coat & Grooming
Silky, feathered coat; moderate shedder, regular brushing needed.
Good With Families
Gentle and affectionate, generally excellent with children.
Registry Record
Also Known As
Laverack Setter
Origin
England, an old gun dog breed refined in the 19th century.
Typical Litter Size
6 to 8 puppies.
Club Recognitions
AKC, FCI, KC (UK), CKC
Disposition
Gentle, sociable, and eager to please; generally easy to train given its cooperative, people-oriented temperament.
Coat Colors
Belton patterns — speckled combinations of white with black, orange, liver, or tricolor.
Working Roles
Historically a bird-pointing gun dog; still popular among hunters and field-trial competitors today.
Health & Wellness
Generally healthy, though hip dysplasia and deafness are worth screening for given the breed’s coloring genetics.
Notable English Setters
Field Trial Champions
A dominant breed in bird-hunting field trials for over a century.
Registry Champions
A consistent presence in the sporting group at conformation shows.
Edward Laverack’s Line
The breed’s modern form owes much to 19th-century breeder Edward Laverack’s careful selection.
Related Reading
English Setter Gifts
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