English Setters are friendly, medium-sized sporting dogs known for their speckled “belton” coats. They need regular exercise and consistent coat care, but breed descriptions are general guides: an individual dog’s temperament, build, and needs can differ.
Before choosing one, consider whether you can provide regular activity, training, and coat maintenance. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the breed as friendly, mellow, and merry, while cautioning in its guidance that care, attention, and exercise help a dog become a companionable household member.
English Setter at a glance
| Characteristic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Breed type | Medium-sized sporting dog |
| Male height and weight | 25–27 inches and 65–80 pounds, according to the AKC |
| Female height and weight | 23–25 inches and 45–55 pounds, according to the AKC |
| Life expectancy | 12 years in the AKC breed profile |
| Coat | Long and silky, with speckled patterns known as belton |
| Belton colors | Blue, lemon, liver, and orange, among other categories listed by the AKC |
| Temperament | Generally described by the AKC as friendly, mellow, and merry |
| Care priorities | Regular exercise, training, and coat maintenance |
These size and temperament descriptions are breed references, not guarantees for an individual dog. The Royal Kennel Club notes that its breed standard describes an ideal and that dogs do not necessarily match its measurements.
History and original purpose
The English Setter is one of the British setters developed as a sporting dog for working contexts. The English Setter Association of the UK describes the breed’s history as both a working gundog and a show dog. Its characteristic speckled coat patterns are called belton.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Premium Dog Grooming Kit】Owning a professional dog slicker brush and a comb, you can effectively remove tangles, knots, and mats, significantly reducing brushing and drying time. Let you, as the groomer, give your furry companion a shiny, healthy coat , Goldendoodle Must Haves - The Best Dog Gifts - Merry Christmas
- 【Professional Slicker Brush for Dogs】Designed for medium-length and curly-haired pets with thick, difficult-to-manage coats, our slicker brush features extra-long angled pins that penetrate deeply to remove dead hair and loose undercoat. It is the best choice for deep combing undercoat for Goldendoodles, Poodles, Labradoodles, etc.Ergonomic handle minimizes hand and arm fatigue during grooming sessions, making it an essential tool for shedding season
- 【High Quality Dog Comb】Made of high quality stainless steel, this comb is durable, corrosion resistant and will not fade, good for avoiding static electricity.Rounded pin ends are gentle to the skin.it’s perfect to promote blood circulation and massage skin
- 【Optimize Combing Function】Pin Length ≈ 1in,Tilt Angle ≈ 45° Extra-long pins effortlessly reach through dense coats, while the angled design protects sensitive skin. This innovative structure simplifies detangling by effectively accessing the undercoat.Ideal for Poodles, Bichons, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Other Doodle Breeds
- 【2-Year Warranty & Support】As a professional pet care brand, we are committed to providing safe, practical, and affordable solutions. Enjoy peace of mind with our 7*24 customer support and 2-year quality guarantee covering any manufacturing defects
Temperament and family life
The AKC describes English Setters as friendly, mellow, and merry, and says they can get along well with people and other dogs. These are broad breed tendencies, not promises about every dog. Individual temperament and household fit depend on the dog and its circumstances.
Are English Setters good family dogs?
They may suit households that can provide attention, training, and regular exercise. Evaluate the individual dog and your household routine rather than relying on a breed description alone. Supervise interactions between children and dogs, and teach children to treat dogs calmly and respectfully.
Are English Setters calm indoors?
They can be companionable at home when their needs for exercise, attention, and training are met. A dog’s behavior varies, so consider the individual’s activity level and experience when deciding whether one fits your home.
Rank #2
- EXTRA LONG PINS - Crafted from high-quality materials, this professional-grade "Tuffer Than Tangles" brush features extra-long stainless steel pins that easily penetrate deep into your pet's coat, removing dirt and debris from the undercoat.
- COMFORTABLE - The flat slicker design allows for gentle yet effective grooming, while the ergonomic handle ensures maximum comfort and control during use.
- ALL COAT TYPES - The Paw Brothers Extra Long Pin Flat Slicker Brush is suitable for all coat types and can be used on both dogs and cats. It's perfect for pet owners, as well as professional groomers.
- SIZE - Head 4.5in x 3in, Handle length 4.75in, Pins 1in length
- WHY RYAN'S PET SUPPLIES - Established in 1959, we have grown from humble beginnings as a family-operated four-page catalog to an international business featuring top quality products and services for pet professionals and pet lovers alike.
Exercise and activity
English Setters need regular exercise. The AKC gives a daily vigorous run or play session in a large, securely fenced area as an ideal example. The available breed guidance does not set a universal number of minutes or miles, so plan activity for the individual dog and seek veterinary advice when health or conditioning affects exercise.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTraining and shared activities are also part of caring for a sporting dog. Build a routine that provides regular activity and attention, with secure arrangements for exercise.
Grooming and coat care
The English Setter’s long, silky coat needs consistent care. The AKC recommends brushing at least weekly with a soft-bristle brush. A soft-bristle dog brush can help with routine brushing; a long-toothed metal comb can gently work through areas where tangles are beginning. Do not force a comb through a tight mat: neglected tangles and mats can be uncomfortable and may contribute to skin problems.
Rank #3
- 【Easy Desheding】: Swihauk self cleaning dog brush for long haired dogs with release bottom helps effortlessly reduce shedding. A must have dog brush for short haired dogs, cat brush for indoor cats, cat brush for shedding, slicker brush for dogs.
- 【Safe Design】: Soft and protective plastic round head bristles creating a comfortable feeling while deshedding without hurting your pet. Ideal puppy brush for small dogs, dog brush for shedding and grooming.
- 【Sturdy & Durable】: Premium stainless steel metal and compact design make our product sturdy and durable for long term use.
- 【Ergonomic Design】: Press bottom for easy cleaning, high-quality & lightweight TPR handle make your grooming effortlessly.
- 【Effective to Remove Loose Fur】: Swihauk pet grooming brush is effective to remove loose fur, suitable for dogs, cat with long and short hair, perfect for your lovely pet like puppies, golden retriever, rabbit, kitten, bunny, yokie and more.
English Setter grooming checklist
- Brush the coat at least weekly with a soft-bristle brush.
- Use a long-toothed metal comb gently to work through early tangles.
- Trim around the face and feet as needed to keep the coat neat.
- Bathe every four to six weeks, following the AKC’s general guidance.
- Trim nails monthly; a dog nail trimmer is an optional home-care tool.
- Check the ears regularly for signs of infection and consult a veterinarian if you have concerns.
Adjust care to the individual dog’s coat and needs. Ask a veterinarian or professional groomer for help if tangles are difficult to manage or grooming causes discomfort.
Health and responsible sourcing
The AKC describes English Setters as generally healthy, but no breed is free of health risks. Its breed guidance names hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, bloat, and ear infections among health concerns or screening topics. These concerns do not mean an individual dog will develop a condition; consult a veterinarian for health questions and care decisions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What health tests should I ask a breeder about?
The AKC lists hip, elbow, and thyroid evaluations and BAER hearing testing among the national breed club’s screening recommendations. Ask a breeder which recommended screening has been completed and request to review the results. A veterinarian can help you understand what the results mean for an individual dog.
Rank #4
- ‘THE’ DOG BRUSH – you’ve found it! It’s THAT dog brush for shedding breeds. It’s THAT dog brush for detangling. It’s THAT brush groomers love and recommend. Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush is the original doodle brush for deshedding, detangling, and creating a finished look. Fluff, detangle, and style with one professional tool. Available in a coral color and three sizes to fit the requirements of a professional groomer and show exhibitor.
- DESHEDDING BRUSH – removes trapped undercoat with less strokes. The extra-long angled pins effectively reach down into the coat removing dead and loose undercoat. The hair remains trapped inside the brush until removed. Perfect for double-coated breeds, especially during the shedding season. Get maximum results, with less work when using the Big G Slicker. It is your workhorse.
- DETANGLING BRUSH – this slicker brush is ideal for removing fine knots from long-coated breeds and the tiny mats hidden in tight curly-coated breeds. With 30% more pins than other slickers, the Big G slicker works 30% harder for you. Brushing with this slicker brush is easier, faster and will make your job grooming painless.
- POODLE BRUSH – the long, dense pins are perfect for fluffing curly, cottony coats and fluffing and shaping heads, toplines, and legs. Ideal for Poodles, Bichons, Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and other Doodle breeds.
- THOUGHT-OUT DESIGN – every pin is angled for gentle brushing and sits within a flexible cushioned pad allowing the pins to flex softly and glide through the coat. The unique handle design with a non-slip grip reduces hand and arm fatigue and the extreme curved back allows additional control, movement, and direction when brushing. Brushing multiple dogs has never been easier.
Bloat and ear infections
The AKC warns that bloat is a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition and advises owners to learn its warning signs and response. If you are concerned that a dog may have bloat, contact an emergency veterinarian promptly. The AKC also recommends regular ear checks for signs of infection; ask a veterinarian about symptoms or appropriate care.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing an English Setter
Before bringing home an English Setter, consider the exercise, attention, training, and grooming you can provide. Breed descriptions are useful starting points, but ask about the individual dog’s temperament, activity level, and care needs.
If you are working with a breeder, ask about recommended health screening for the parents and review available results. The AKC recommends asking about screening for hips, elbows, thyroid, and hearing, including BAER testing. Seek veterinary guidance when evaluating health information.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 1-CLICK SELF-CLEANING GAME-CHANGER: Features an instant hair-ejection button. One swipe after brushing and the loose fur falls off effortlessly. This professional slicker brush is perfect for pet owners seeking a low-effort grooming solution with minimal cleanup—no more tedious manual hair pulling from your traditional pet brushes!
- IDEAL FOR DOUBLE COATS & WHITE FUR: Specially engineered as an essential cat brush and heavy-shedding dog tool. It works wonders for short to medium-haired cats and double-coated dogs (Labs, Goldens, Huskies). Extremely effective on white-coated pets, easily capturing undercoat, dander, and dirt during peak shedding season.
- GENTLE ON SKIN, LOVED BY RESISTANT PETS: The ultimate cat brush for indoor cats and sensitive pups who dread grooming. Designed with fine 135° stainless steel bristles capped with protective massage particles, it stimulates skin circulation without pulling. Even pets that usually resist will love the soothing massage experience!
- ERGONOMIC & COMFORTABLE FOR FREQUENT USE: Weighing only 89g (3.1 oz), this lightweight dog brush with a non-slip TPR handle eliminates wrist fatigue. As a dedicated dog brush for shedding, it's perfect for frequent sessions (2-3 times per week) to eliminate loose undercoat before it ends up on your furniture and floors.
- PREMIUM VALUE & DURABLE DESIGN: Professional-grade grooming results without the salon expense! Built with high-quality TPR, this heavy-duty slicker brush offers exceptional value and long-lasting performance. It is perfectly optimized for standard small to medium pets, removing trapped fur with ease. (Note: Not ideal for tightly curly coats like Poodles).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much exercise does an English Setter need?
The AKC advises regular exercise and gives a daily vigorous run or play session in a large, securely fenced area as an ideal example. It does not provide a universal time or distance requirement; tailor activity to the individual dog.
How big do English Setters get?
The AKC lists males at 25–27 inches and 65–80 pounds, and females at 23–25 inches and 45–55 pounds. These are breed reference figures, not predictions for every dog.
How often should I brush an English Setter?
The AKC recommends brushing at least weekly with a soft-bristle brush. A long-toothed metal comb can gently work through areas where tangles are starting.
What health tests should I ask an English Setter breeder about?
The AKC lists hip, elbow, and thyroid evaluations and BAER hearing testing among national breed club screening recommendations. Ask to review available results and consult a veterinarian about them.
How often should I bathe an English Setter?
The AKC recommends a bath every four to six weeks as general breed guidance. Ask a veterinarian or groomer for advice if your dog’s coat or skin needs a different routine.
The Bottom Line
English Setters are friendly, medium-sized sporting dogs whose care calls for regular exercise, attention, training, and coat maintenance. Use breed characteristics as a starting point, and make decisions based on the needs of the individual dog.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
