How to Identify an English Setter

English Setters are 1 of 4 AKC British Setters, and members of the sporting group. [1] They have a few characteristics that are similar to other dog breeds but multiple distinguishing ones as well. This wikiHow will help you with identifying whether or not a dog is an English Setter.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Body Structure

  1. Male English Setters are usually anywhere from 25–27 inches (64–69 cm) in height, and they usually weigh anywhere from 65–80 pounds (29–36 kg). Females are a little smaller, being anywhere from 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) in height and weighing anywhere from 45–55 pounds (20–25 kg). [2]
  2. Overall, an English Setter should have a lean head that is long in length. It should also have a stop on it that is well-defined. The head's proportion and size should harmonize with the rest of the body (though it is long). [3]
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  3. English Setters should have ears that are a medium length with slightly rounded ends. They should be set low and far back on the dog's head, and either even with or below the dog's eye level. The dog should carry the ears close to their head when they're relaxed. The ears are covered in silky hair, as well as a relatively thin leather. [4]
  4. English Setters typically have eyes that appear bright yet dark brown in color. The eyes should be relatively large and neither protrude nor appear set deep in the dog's head. [5]
  5. English Setters usually have a tail that tapers to a fine point, and it reaches the dog's hock joint or slightly before that. The tail is typically carried level with the back and straight, and it has silky, straight feathering, that loosely hangs in a fringe. [6]
  6. Overall, English Setters should have a symmetrical, elegant, and substantial appearance, with a free, smooth gait. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. Primarily, the dog's coat should be white, with darker hairs at various points throughout their body, resulting in belton markings that should ideally be all over the dog's body. The resulting overall color should either be blue belton (white and black), orange belton, lemon belton or liver belton. The dog may even be tricolor, meaning it is a blue belton color with tan on its muzzle, leg, and eye areas. [8]
  2. English Setters should have a flat coat that does not appear curly or like wool. [9]
  3. English Setters typically have feathering on certain areas of their body, including the abdomen, ears, chest, back of their legs, and on the underside area of their thighs. [10]
    • Though the feathering should be of a decent length, it should also not be excessive. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. English Setters are known to be athletic, playful dogs, and as a result, they require some form of daily exercise, such as a run, games of fetch, or a hike. [12]
  2. English Setters have been known to be mischievous dogs. [13]
  3. English Setters are also known to be strong-willed, and they may need some persistence when you're asking them to do something (such as move over). [14]
  4. English Setters have a very good memory, occasionally remembering things for their entire life. [15]
  5. English Setters are known to be very gentle dogs. In fact, they're known to be the most gentle amongst the different Setters. [16]
  6. Although they can sometimes be strong-willed, English Setters are typically very easygoing overall. [17]
  7. English Setters are known to be very affectionate dogs, and they crave companionship from humans. [18]
  8. English Setters will typically work very hard when trying to accomplish a task. [19]
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      Tips

      • If you're wondering whether or not your dog is an English Setter, consider dog DNA testing. This can help confirm the breed of your dog.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-setter/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-setter/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
      3. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-setter/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-setter-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-setter-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-setter-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-setter-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-setter/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-setter-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/english-setter-temperament/

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