Notes
on the English Setter
The
English Setter is a very gentle, placid, friendly dog that loves
affection. Enthusiastic and lively outdoors, but relatively inactive
indoors.It needs lots of companionship and enjoys playing with other
dogs. English Setters are adequate watchdogs. They like to roam
and are diggers and good jumpers. There are two types of English
Setter: field and show. The field types are generally a bit smaller
and lighter, and very active so they need more exercise than the
show types.
The
first rudimentary setter was developed in France in 1500, obtained
from the Spanish pointer and the French pointer. Three centuries
later it was brought to Great Britain where its true developer was
an extremely intelligent breeder, named Sir Edward Laverack who
developed the English Setter from early French hunting dogs in the
early 1800's. Laverack was so instrumental in establishing the breed
that the English Setter is often called the Laverack Setter. Laverack's
dogs were known for their great beauty, and are therefore foundation
stock for many of today's top show dogs. Another English breeder,
Llewellin, created a second famous hunting strain of English Setters.
These are often called "Llewellin Setters." The word "setter" comes
from the almost "sitting" position the dog exhibits when he has
discovered game. The English Setter is a vigorous, quick and very
quiet worker with an excellent nose. His coat keeps the dog comfortable
in both hot and cold weather. The English Setter's talents include
hunting, tracking, retrieving, pointing, watchdogging and agility.
