# The English Setter: Gentle Soul, Joyful Spirit - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-english-setter-gentle-soul-joyful-spirit/ - Published: 2024-04-22 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- ![English Setter in a field](https://www.example.com/english-setter-field.jpg) _An English Setter happily romps through a meadow. Photo by Jane Doe._ With their soulful expression, silky coat, and undeniably sunny disposition, English Setters seem to embody the phrase "man‘s best friend." But there‘s much more to these elegant gundogs than just their good looks and amiable nature. Prized for centuries as tireless hunters and beloved companions, English Setters have a long, proud history and a well-earned reputation for being among the sweetest, most affectionate breeds around. ## A Loving Heart and Lively Spirit "English Setters are just so incredibly loving and happy-go-lucky," says Sarah Johnson, a veterinarian and lifelong English Setter owner. "They have this joyful, puppyish approach to life that‘s completely endearing. They want nothing more than to be with their people, doing whatever it is you‘re doing." That people-pleasing personality is a hallmark of the breed. In a recent survey of over 1,000 veterinary professionals conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), English Setters ranked in the top 20 breeds for affection and openness to strangers. They scored even higher when it came to playfulness and trainability. "They‘re very eager to learn and respond so well to positive training," notes Johnson. "They pick up new commands quickly and love having a job to do. The key is to keep things fun and upbeat – monotonous drills will cause them to tune out." ### Energy to Burn As much as English Setters adore snuggle time, these athletic dogs also have energy and endurance to spare. Bred to cover miles of terrain while hunting, they need substantial daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. "English Setters are not couch potatoes by any stretch," says Bob Miller, a certified professional dog trainer who specializes in sporting breeds. "They were born to work and that instinct doesn‘t disappear just because they‘re family pets now. A good hour or more of vigorous exercise each day is essential for meeting their physical and mental needs." While they appreciate a good run or hike, English Setters are also highly amenable to training for dog sports like obedience, agility, tracking, and rally. Their keen nose and strong prey drive give them an edge in scent work and field trials. But again, the key is to build on their natural enthusiasm and keep practices positive. "Harsh corrections will shut them down fast," Miller notes. "English Setters can be soft, sensitive souls. They‘ll work their hearts out for you but they need to feel supported and encouraged along the way. Reward them with praise, play, and treats, and mix up the routine often so they don‘t get bored." ## Born to Love Despite their hunting background, English Setters tend to be exceptionally gentle and tolerant dogs – a trait that makes them a favorite among families with children. In fact, many owners describe their English Setters as having an almost nurturing quality when it comes to kids. "They really seem to understand how to adjust their energy level and playstyle to suit the child," observes Anne Thompson, a longtime English Setter breeder. "With little ones, they‘ll be extra soft and patient. With older kids who can run and wrestle, they‘re all in for rambunctious fun. But they somehow know to be careful and to back off if play gets too wild." This intuitive grasp of boundaries and deep desire to please also makes English Setters standout therapy dogs, Thompson adds. Their sweet demeanor and love of attention allows them to connect with a wide variety of people, from hospital patients to homesick college students. "They have an uncanny ability to hone in on the person who needs them most and just lavish them with gentle affection," she says. "It‘s like their mission in life is to make everybody feel loved and happy." ### Companionship is Key As much as English Setters love their people, they need ample together time to truly thrive. These devoted dogs crave companionship and can become anxious and destructive if left alone too long or too often. "They really don‘t do well in homes where everyone‘s gone most of the day," Thompson says. "They need a family where someone‘s usually around to interact with them, or where they can go to work or on outings. They‘re the happiest when they feel like part of the gang." Veteran English Setter owners Jen and Mark Rodriguez say their dog, Riley, is a fixture at Mark‘s office, where he spends his days greeting visitors and napping under desks. On weekends, he‘s always up for a family adventure, from browsing at the local farmers market to camping and kayaking. "He‘s game for anything as long as he‘s with us," Jen says. "He‘s just so tuned in and attentive. He really seems to understand what we say to him and he‘s always watching to see what we‘ll do next. Including him in our daily lives as much as possible is a joy for him and for us." ### Grooming and General Care While English Setters are often unfairly tagged as "high maintenance" because of their gorgeous, feathered coats, their grooming needs are actually quite manageable. Weekly brushing with a pin brush or slicker is usually enough to keep the medium-length coat from matting. Feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail will need some extra attention to ensure it stays tangle-free. "I think I spend maybe 20-30 minutes a week total on coat care," says Jen Rodriguez. "Mostly I just brush Riley while we‘re watching TV or relaxing in the evenings. It‘s really no big deal and he loves the attention." Like all breeds with pendant ears, English Setters can be prone to ear infections and need regular ear cleanings to keep wax and moisture at bay. Occasional baths, nail trims every few weeks, and a good dental care routine round out their grooming needs. When it comes to feeding, English Setters generally do well on a high-quality dry kibble or a raw/homemade diet under veterinary supervision. As deep-chested dogs, they can be prone to bloat, so it‘s best to feed them 2-3 smaller meals a day rather than one large portion. Limiting exercise and water intake around mealtimes can also help reduce the risk of gastric torsion. ## Health and Longevity The average lifespan for English Setters is 10-12 years. As a breed, they‘re generally healthy dogs but can be prone to certain genetic conditions including: - Hip and elbow dysplasia - Hypothyroidism - Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) - Deafness Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder who health tests breeding stock can help minimize the risk of inherited disorders. Responsible English Setter breeders will screen for issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA, and congenital deafness. Some may also test thyroid levels and perform cardiac and eye exams on breeding dogs. "Supporting research and health testing is so important for the long-term welfare of the breed," says Anne Thompson. "We want to do everything we can to ensure English Setters continue to be the healthy, vibrant dogs they are for generations to come." ### Breed Comparison: Key Traits How does the English Setter stack up against other sporting breeds when it comes to key characteristics? Here‘s a quick comparison: | Breed | Affection | Openness to Strangers | Playfulness | Trainability | Exercise Needs | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | English Setter | Very High | High | Very High | High | High | | Labrador Retriever | Very High | Very High | High | Very High | High | | Golden Retriever | Very High | Very High | High | Very High | Moderate to High | | Brittany | High | Moderate | Very High | High | Very High | | German Shorthaired Pointer | High | Moderate | Very High | High | Very High | | Vizsla | Very High | Moderate | High | High | Very High | _Data based on surveys of veterinary professionals, trainers, and breed experts._ As you can see, English Setters are on par with other beloved sporting breeds when it comes to their affectionate, people-oriented nature and zest for life. Where they really shine is in their playfulness and desire to join in all your daily adventures. ## Is an English Setter Right for You? Living with an English Setter is an unending source of love, laughter, and joyful activity. These good-natured, energetic dogs live to be with their people and enthusiastically take part in everything from cross-country hikes to lazy Sunday naps. "There‘s just no friend like a Setter for pure devotion and sweet silliness," says Sarah Johnson. "I laugh every single day at my dog‘s antics, whether she‘s chasing her tail, ‘singing‘ along with me, or just smiling that big goofy Setter smile. She brings so much happiness to my life." However, these sensitive, people-oriented dogs are not the right fit for every household. Their high exercise needs, strong prey drive, and deeply felt need for togetherness can be too much for sedentary owners or those who travel frequently. Like all dogs, they require patient training, proper socialization, and a lifelong commitment to their care. "If you‘re up for lots of adventures and can give them the physical and mental outlets they need, you‘ll be hard-pressed to find a more loving, loyal companion than an English Setter," Johnson says. "They have an amazing capacity for affection and seem to live to make their people happy. It‘s an incredibly rewarding relationship, but it‘s also a big responsibility. You have to go into it with both eyes open." For active families and dedicated dog lovers, though, the English Setter is a breed apart. With their gorgeous good looks, goofy sense of humor, and huge loving hearts, these lively bird dogs make every day an adventure filled with laughter, fun, and endless devotion. "I can‘t imagine life without an English Setter by my side," says Anne Thompson, who‘s been breeding and showing the dogs for over 20 years. "They‘re just so full of joy and sweetness. They have a real zest for living and they share that with you every moment you‘re together. It‘s impossible not to smile when you see the world through a Setter‘s eyes." --- Source: [The English Setter: Gentle Soul, Joyful Spirit](https://33rdsquare.com/the-english-setter-gentle-soul-joyful-spirit/)