English Setter Dogs Are Man’s Best Friend
If you are looking for a gentle, affectionate family dog that loves to be with people than an English Setter maybe the dog for you. They are described as “Gentleman by Nature” dogs. They are well suited for families that can give them daily love and affection as well as a lot of activity. English Setter dogs are a mild mannered breed known for their hunting skills. While, they can be lively outdoors they tend to be inactive indoors. When they are indoors they resemble a couch potato that loves to cuddle.
Their temperament is a combination of endurance and athleticism. They require a lot of structure, and enjoy playing with other dogs. English Setter dogs do not flourish well when isolated in a yard or kennel. They are very energetic and require daily vigorous exercise. This is a dog that loves to run on the beach, or an open field. They can be strong willed and mischievous. They like to roam, are excellent jumpers and diggers. So, flower pots beware. They will make adequate watchdogs and tend to be rather vocal. However, this behavior can be discouraged by their owner.
The first rudimentary setter was believed to have been developed in France in 1500. The breed was obtained from the Spanish Pointer and the French Pointer. Over 400 years ago, Great Britain developed English Setter dogs to set or point upland game birds. The English Setter is a cross between a Spanish Pointer, a large Water Spaniel and a Springer Spaniel. The combination of these three breeds makes an excellent bird dog. They have a high degree of proficiency in pointing and finding game in the open country. English Setter dogs were first shown in 1959. Quickly afterwards their popularity soared across England. Shortly after that they were brought to America. English Setters are among the American Kennel Club premier breeds. They are among eight other Sporting breeds, but were the first pure breeds to be accepted by the club in 1878.
English Setters are beautiful, slim and elegant. They usually have a unique speckled coat. They long hair is silky, flat and a bit wavy. Their head is long and pronounced, with a fairly square muzzle that is half the length of their head. Grooming an English Setter dog requires regular combing and brushing to keep their coat in excellent condition. If their coat is not maintained, it will have the tendency to tangle.
