English Setter
Elegant, gentle sporting dog with distinctive speckled coat; energetic and affectionate but requires significant daily exercise and regular coat maintenance.
Quick facts: English Setter
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 11.3–16.3 kg
- Origin
- England
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Temperament
- Gentle, people-friendly, active, mischievous
- Energy level
- High
- Grooming needs
- High
- Trainability
- Medium
- Apartment fit
- Very‑low
- Typical annual cost
- ~$2,700
Is the English Setter right for you?
Best for
- Active families with children who enjoy outdoor activities
- Owners who can provide 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
- Those wanting a gentle, non-aggressive large sporting breed
- Experienced owners comfortable with sporting breed energy
Not ideal if
- Apartment or small-home living
- Owners who will be away for long hours (prone to separation anxiety)
- Those wanting a low-energy companion
- Owners unable to manage regular grooming of silky coat
A beautiful, gentle sporting dog for active families — high exercise needs, regular coat care, and a sociable temperament that dislikes being left alone.
Trait snapshot
English Setter is part of the Sporting Group — see group tendencies →
What owners actually say
English Setter owners describe one of the most gentle and affectionate of the sporting breeds — but consistently note that the energy needs, coat maintenance, and recall challenges are underestimated by first-time buyers.
- General
Exceptionally gentle and affectionate — owners consistently describe their English Setter as soft-natured, sensitive to household atmosphere, and devoted to family. One of the most people-friendly sporting breeds.
- Energy
High stamina and exercise needs that persist into middle age. Owners describe needing 90+ minutes of exercise daily — this is a field dog that was bred to hunt all day. Underexercised English Setters become destructive.
- Grooming
The feathered coat picks up mud, twigs, and debris on every walk. Regular trimming every 6–8 weeks is standard, and professional grooming adds significantly to the annual cost. Daily brushing prevents matting.
- Training
Sensitive to tone and responds poorly to harsh methods. Owners describe a breed that shuts down under pressure. Positive reinforcement works well, but recall in areas with wildlife remains challenging.
- Apartment life
Not suited to apartment living without exceptional exercise access. The breed genuinely needs space and outdoor access. Owners in suburban homes with gardens describe much easier management than urban owners.
- Health reality
Hypothyroidism can develop subtly and is more common than new owners expect. Weight gain and lethargy that gets attributed to aging may actually be a manageable thyroid condition caught by routine blood work.
Editorial summary. Phase 3 will add structured owner survey data.
Cost snapshot
Range $1,700–$4,500
Range $2,800–$9,000
After first year
Annual breakdown
Assumptions used:
- Regular professional grooming for the feathered coat
- Higher activity costs for an energetic sporting breed
- Large-breed food volumes
Last reviewed: 2026-06-20
Read full methodology →Health watchlist
Health information is educational only. Always consult your veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Present at moderate rates. OFA hip evaluation is standard in responsible breeding programs. Consult your vet.
Hypothyroidism
Thyroid disease occurs at higher rates in English Setters than average. OFA thyroid testing is available. Consult your vet.
Elbow dysplasia
Present in the breed. OFA elbow evaluation is available and recommended by responsible breeders. Consult your vet.
Deafness
Congenital deafness can occur, particularly unilateral. BAER testing is available. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Allergies
Skin and food allergies are relatively common. Watch for persistent scratching or digestive issues. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Check your fit
Answer a few questions to see how a English Setter fits your household.
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does an English Setter need?
Are English Setters easy to train?
How much grooming does an English Setter need?
Are English Setters good with children?
How much does it cost to own a English Setter?
What health problems are English Setters prone to?
Are English Setters good apartment dogs?
Are English Setters good for first-time owners?
How long do English Setters live?
Tools for English Setter owners
Similar breeds to the English Setter
Powerful Arctic working dog bred to haul heavy loads across frozen terrain; affectionate and playful, but headstrong, a heavy shedder, and genuinely dangerous in hot climates — experienced ownership is essential.
Exuberant, athletic sporting dog with a stunning mahogany coat; requires extensive daily exercise and consistent training to channel high energy.
Large, shaggy herding breed known for its distinctive bobtail, playful temperament, and very high grooming demands.
Elegant ancient sighthound with a dramatic coat, independent mind, sensitive loyalty, and serious grooming commitment.
The largest of the terrier breeds; versatile working dog with keen intelligence, stubbornness, and an enthusiastic spirit.
Powerful German working schnauzer: intelligent, loyal, protective, and demanding of structure, training, and serious daily work.
Compare & learn more
Head-to-head comparisons
What makes a breed feel beginner-friendly?
Help improve PupWiki with one quick anonymous answer.
Find my breed match →