If you find the Irish Setter to be too common in your neighborhood, or the Gordon Setter to be too ambiguous as a pet, you might just find the English Setter to be a good breed for you.
This breed was originally called the Setting Spaniel, which was shortened later on and became “Setter”. And to distinguish this specific type from similar breeds way back in the 15th and 16th centuries, she was named the English Setter.
Unlike the Irish Setter that comes in mahogany-colored coat, and the Gordon Setter in black and tan, the English Setter comes in different colors which is basically white-coated with either a touch -- or spots -- of orange, lemon, black, tan, liver or blue in one place or all over her body.
Like other setters, English Setters could measure up to 25 inches for the males and 24 inches for females. However, they are somewhat diverse in terms of temperament and disposition, as are other setters in the sporting group.
The English Setter is more sound and more outgoing compared to the Gordon Setter; and she is less overactive and jovial than the Irish Setter. A sweet and gentle breed, the English Setter will definitely make a great sporting dog, as well as a loyal family member.
Although this breed of dogs is far better in a country setting where they are freer than in a city environment where they are usually bound in a leash, English Setters are still better off than other breeds in terms of dealing with the confinements of the city -- even those that are smaller than her.
For many years, the English Setter was the hunter’s choice and was much better in hunting than her rival, the Pointer. However, this has now ceased to be the case because breeders have become more concerned with the beauty and pedigree of the breed and neglected to integrate the hunting skills in their programs.
Although the English Setter isn’t very fast in picking up lessons, she can still learn a lot of things and is less likely to disobey your commands than other sporting setters. Other than hunting, this breed still loves to work with their owners out in the fields. If you build a trusting and loving relationship with your English Setter, it is a guarantee that she will be faithful to you and will make every effort to please you.
Compared to dogs especially bred for bench shows, the English Setter could be more difficult to confine to urban living and she could have a shorter, less profuse coat. So if you’re thinking of competing for a bench show title, you may want to highly consider the right breed for you.
Nevertheless, the English Setter would make a great family dog. She is very gentle yet playful. She obeys verbal instructions very well rather than [seldom needing] physical correction. She may not be a very good watchdog -- because of her trusting nature -- but she can be a loving and faithful companion. The English Setter is definitely ranked among the best breeds in the sporting group.
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