English Setter

Like every breed, the English Setter is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start socialisation and reward-based training early.
• Work hard on building a bond and on recall.
• Slip training into everyday activities instead of long drills.
• Manage them carefully until recall is reliable.
• Learn a little about gundog training to understand how they think.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip dysplasia

  The hip joint develops poorly, eventually leading to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/RKC Hip Dysplasia Scheme before breeding.

• Elbow dysplasia

  The elbow joint develops poorly, eventually leading to arthritis. Elbow testing under the BVA/RKC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme is listed as best practice.

• Deafness

  Deafness can be inherited and can be tested for from a young age. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hearing testing under the RKC BAER Scheme, including litter screening.

• Eye conditions

  The breed can suffer from hereditary eye disorders, including ectropion, where the eyelids turn outwards. Eye testing before breeding is advised.

• Atopy and skin problems

  Hypersensitivity to allergens causes itching and damage to the skin, and other skin problems are also seen.

• Hypothyroidism

  The thyroid gland produces less hormone than it should.

• Cancer and bloat

  Cancer is listed among the breed's potential problems. Like other large breeds, English Setters are also prone to bloating and stomach problems, and smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a English Setter home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a English Setter home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the English Setter suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

English Setters do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.