The breed’s origins go back to the 1500’s when it was
known to be an affective bird dog. There are three different variations
on the breed’s exact history. Some old writings suggest the
breed is an offshoot of various Spanish land spaniels. Another theory
is that the breed was created by crossings of the old Water Spaniel,
the old Spanish Pointer and early Springer types.
However there is both editorial and pictorial evidence to suggest
that spaniels and setters were distinctly different at that time
these crosses would have occurred. The earliest known text which
speaks of the setter breeds is a translation, (‘Of Englishe
Dogges’ by Dr Johannes Caius) from Latin in 1576 by Abraham
Fleming but even this is not absolutely clear on whether or not
the writings refer to the ancestors of the modern day setter.
Edward Laverack is often credited as the founder of the modern-day
English Setter. Around 1920 he acquired two dogs from Rev A. Harrison
named Ponto and Old Moll. These lines had been kept pure for some
35 years. Mr Laverack succeeded in producing fine progeny that is
today considered the key foundation of the breed. The first breed
show to include English Setters took place in 1859 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne
and from this point on the breed’s popularity grew.
These are intelligent dogs that are easy to train but they can
have minds of their own which has to be taken into account. Basic
obedience training should begin as early as possible.
The head is long and reasonably lean, carried high with a well-defined
stop. The eyes are bright, mild and expressive, between hazel and
dark brown in colour. In liver beltons only a lighter eye colour
is acceptable. The ears should be of moderate length, set on low
with the upper part being covered in fine, silky hair. The jaws
should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The neck is rather
long, muscular and lean with a slightly arched crest and clean-cut
where it joins the head.
The shoulders are well set back or oblique with very good depth
and width between the shoulder blades. The front legs are well muscled
and straight with rounded bone. The back legs are strong and well
muscled with a good second thigh. The body should be of moderate
length with a short, level back. The feet are well-padded, tight
with close well-arched toes. The tail should be set almost in line
with the back, of medium length and not reaching below the hock
and the feathering should hang in long pendant flakes. It can be
slightly curved or scimitar shaped but should not be curly or ropy
or have a tendency to turn upwards.
Weight Height Range
Bitches measure between 61 – 65cms at the withers and weigh
around 27kgs. Dogs measure between 65 – 68cms and weigh around
There are a few breed-specific problems and choosing a pup from
healthy stock will reduce the possibility of these arising. These
problems include hip dysplasia and PRA, which breeders are screening
for. They are also quite prone to skin disorders and cancers.