English Setter
This lovely family companion has a long and exciting history in hunting. They are an easy-going, loveable breed that makes a beautiful, well-rounded, and devoted family pet. The English Setter is ideally suited to a busy, active family who enjoy the outdoors.
English Setter At A Glance
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Temperament | A devoted companion who is good-natured and loving. |
| Suitable | Especially good with children, they thrive in an active and loving home. |
| Health | Generally a healthy dog breed. However, like all dog breeds, the English Setter can be predisposed to specific health conditions. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Ear Conditions | $914.40 |
| Diabetes | $5,110.70 |
| Gastrointestinal Conditions | $8,328.20 |
| Ingestion Foreign Body or Toxin | $16,232.09 |
| Neoplasia | $1,558.90 |
| Hyperthermia | $3,165.80 |
| Skin Conditions | $2,760.20 |
| Liver/Gall Bladder | $2,188.50 |
*Pet Insurance Australia Data 2022/2023
Trainability
This breed loves to run and play; for this reason, it is vital you start training early to ensure your young pup grows into a well-trained dog. A solid recall is needed to allow your dog to run off leash and romp with other dogs, an activity they will cherish as they age. Positive reinforcement training is recommended, as with all breeds, the English Setter will not take well to harsh punishment training. They have been noted to get bored quickly in training, so ensure you use a good list of fun techniques to keep your dog’s attention on you. They excel in dog sports and anything that requires a good amount of brain and brawn power. As a natural and athletic hunter, they will adore anything along these lines for entertainment. Early socialisation is essential; consider enrolling in a local puppy preschool that can help with socialisation with other dogs. As many sights, sounds, smells and experiences in the early days will lead to a confident dog. Remember that this breed has been bred for work as an independent hunter. This trait must be considered when training is considered and suitability to your lifestyle.
Grooming
This breed does need grooming to keep their stunning coat in good quality. Brushing at least three to four times a week, and for some (depending on their escapades) a daily groom is even better. They can be prone to matting, so take extra care to remove tangles with a steel comb brush. To prevent excessive shedding, keeping up with your grooming regime is crucial. As with all breeds with beautiful long ears, weekly checks and cleans are important to rule out any possible problems. Check for excess discharge or a smell and seek veterinary treatment if you are concerned. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and getting your wee puppy used to this procedure early on is a good idea.
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Common Health Problems - English Setter
English Setters are generally a hardy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to specific health issues. Responsible breeding practices, regular veterinary check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to the overall well-being of an English Setter. Some common health concerns associated with the breed include:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit into the hip socket correctly, leading to lameness, pain and arthritis. Responsible breeding practices can help reduce the incidence of Hip Dysplasia. Treatment commonly requires surgery, weight management and medications.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Like Hip Dysplasia, this condition can affect the elbow joint of the English Setter, leading to lameness, pain and arthritis. Surgery is usually recommended alongside weight management and medication.
- Hypothyroidism: The English Setter may be prone to thyroid issues, affecting metabolism and energy levels. Caused by the body not producing enough thyroid hormone, treatment involves medications to help with this deficiency.
- Ear Infections: Those adorable floppy ears can also be more prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and inspection are critical to prevent infections, and correctly drying their ears after bathing or swimming is essential. Treatment includes medication to clear the infection.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) : A late-onset inherited disease that can affect the English Setter. This is a group of genetic diseases that cause the gradual deterioration of the retina. It can eventually lead to blindness.
- Bloat (Gastric Torsion): Like many deep-chested breeds, English Setters are susceptible to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial, and emergency surgery is typically required. Preventing exercise before and after meals, and encouraging slow eating can help prevent this life threatening condition.
- Congenital Sensorineural Deafness (CSD) : The English Setter can also be prone to deafness, typically noticed in puppies after a few weeks old. A genetic condition present at birth, CSD is not treatable; however, many dogs go on to live long and happy lives with the right owners.
- Allergies: Some English Setters may be prone to allergies, manifesting as skin irritation, itching, or gastrointestinal issues. Depending on the allergen, diet changes, medication, and specialised shampoos are typically required.
- Cateracts: a common eye condition in many older dogs, including the English Setter. Regular eye check-ups can help monitor and manage this condition.
- Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) : This developmental disease affects the bones, causing pain and lameness. It is more common in rapidly growing large breeds like the English Setter. Treatment typically involves medication to reduce pain.
Exercise Requirements
The English Setter is an athletic breed and will require a good amount of daily exercise to keep them happy and entertained. A good brisk walk in the morning and an afternoon off-leash run is advised. As your dog grows, they can make wonderful jogging companions. Remember not to overexercise your young pup and go at your dog’s pace to prevent problems.
Intelligence
The English Setter is self-thinking, independent dog. So, they rate pretty high in the intelligence stakes. Because of this independent nature, training must be kept fun and light. This breed has been used working a fair distance from the hunter, so this independent streak must be complemented with good training. It’s fundamental that you consider boredom-busting techniques when your pup is left alone. They are strong thinkers and will create their own form of entertainment if bored. They love to dig and bark, so attention must be given to avoid these problems due to boredom. A good, secure fence is also a must.
Family Friendly
The English Setter makes an excellent family companion and is very tolerant of even the smallest of the human race. However, always teach your children to behave correctly around a dog and supervise all interactions. As too, teach your English Setter how to behave around children correctly. They love other animals, especially if they have been raised alongside them. However, please remember that they have been bred to chase birds, so this may need a lot more work and attention to train out this natural trait.
Indoor/outdoor?
The English Setter is happiest in direct contact with their loving owners and should not be left alone all day. Your Setter will need a good amount of shade in the summer and a warm, cosy area in winter. A good, secure fence is paramount. These dogs are incredible jumpers and diggers, so check your fence regularly for possible escape routes. Always give your dog a ‘job’ when you are not home. Think treat-balls or fun toys that you rotate daily. They have been known to quickly become overweight if not exercised and fed correctly, so always take your ‘treat’ portions out of your dog’s daily food intake.
Responsible Breeding
Responsible breeding practices that screen for genetic conditions can also help reduce the risk of inherited health problems in the English Setter. For this reason, it is highly advised only to source your new family member from a reputable breeder. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see Mum and Dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can prevent the pain and costs a sick puppy or dog can entail.
Contact PIA for English Setter Pet Insurance
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Great Danes. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
