The English Setter is an intensely friendly and good natured breed of dog whose mellow temperament and intelligence makes it an excellent choice for the perfect hunting dog and family pet.
It is one of the most suitable breeds to have around children.
The English Setter is a medium to large size dog. It has a finely sculpted head and a slender, athletic body. It carries a long silky coat flecked with either tan (orange belton) or black (blue belton) or both white with black flecks and tan points on the face and legs (tri-color). Chestnut and lemon flecking's are also possible, but rare.
English Setter
A Little History
The English Setter is one of the oldest breeds of hunting dogs, with a history that traces back as early as the 14th century.
By the 16th century there were three distinct Setters. The Gordon which was founded in Scotland, the English which was perfected in England and the Irish which was crafted in Ireland.
The term "Setter" comes from the trait of "setting" on it's hunches or crouching as it pointed the bird. Back in this time without fire arms hunters relied on their setters to "set" the bird and they would capture them with nets.
It is said that these Setter types were results of crosses between hunting breeds such as pointers & spaniels.
In the early 1800's a Englishman by the name of Edward Laverack began to perfect the English Setter. He purchased his foundation of dogs from Reverend A. Harrison who kept his strain pure for 35 years, and this strain was kept in his family for over 200 years. Laverack is credited with originating what we know today as the English Setter by maintaining his own line of dogs with no outcrosses for 50 years.
Then a gentlemen by the name of Purcell Llewellin came along wanting to produce his own line of Setter. He took what he believed was the best from Edward Laverack and out-crossed them with Duke/Rhoebe strain of Setters which he considered the most successful field Setter of that time. This is where the Llewellin Setter came in place.
Both types of Setters came to America in the late 1800's. As we know both types are being perfected today all around the world. There are many different types or bloodlines being carried out.
The classic older bloodline names you might see are Old Hemlock, Ryman, Twombly, Pinewild to name a few.
The field type bloodlines you may hear Ghost Train, Johnny Crockett, Flaming Star, Tomoka, Jet Train to name a few.
The Llewellin Setter is in its own class. Some bloodlines are Gladstone, Bondhu, Duke, Wind'em, Bomber, and Blizzard.
With past and present history. We ourselves enjoy the older classic breed of setters. We have owned both the classic and field breeds through the years. We have found them both to be outstanding hunters. The difference we have seen is that the field Setter has a bigger range while hunting and has a huge amount of energy and the temperament is a little different. The field Setter is smaller in size ranging for 40-50lbs and you will find patching's on their coat on some breeds. The classic (older) line that we presently have are much calmer, have a short range while hunting and present a wonderful all around temperament. Their size range is a little bigger 50-65lbs.
All English Setters are wonderful don't get me wrong. It is personal preference on what one wants in a hunting or family dog.
Deb Beirl
Traits: Intelligent, strong natural abilities, a desire to please, willingness to work for the gun and a companionable disposition. You can make a pet of these dogs and you won't have a bit of trouble with them in the field. Their great disposition contributes to the dog's easy handling. The coloration of Setters you will see are the blue and orange beltons and Tri-color. Although somewhat rare, there is also a chestnut belton. Weight averages around 50-60 pounds and height is about 24 inches.
