English Setter: The Gentleman Who Sheds on Everything

The English Setter is one of those breeds that stops people mid-walk. That flowing, speckled coat, the soft expression, the way they carry themselves with a kind of quiet dignity — there’s a reason they’re described as a “gentleman by nature.” They’re arguably the most beautiful of all the gundog breeds, and they know it.

But that beauty comes at a price, and we’re not just talking about the purchase cost. English Setters shed constantly. Their long, silky feathering tangles if you look at it wrong. They’ll drip water across your kitchen floor after every drink. And while they’re famously gentle indoors, they can be stubbornly deaf to your commands the moment they catch a bird scent outside.

In Australia, the English Setter has a small but passionate following. There are dedicated ANKC-registered breeders across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania — many with decades of experience and internationally recognised bloodlines. The breed works as both a show dog and a field hunter in Australia, and some breeders are importing European working lines to keep the gene pool healthy.

This guide gives you the honest picture. What the English Setter temperament is actually like to live with, what grooming really involves, which health conditions to watch for, and how much it all costs in Australia. If you’re thinking about bringing one home, read this first.

What You’ll Learn

• Breed traits & temperament
• Health concerns to know
• True cost in Australia
• Training & exercise needs
• Is this breed right for you?

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Quick Facts: English Setter at a Glance

Trait	Detail
Breed Group	Gundog (ANKC Group 3)
Height	61–69 cm (males); 58–66 cm (females)
Weight	25–36 kg (55–80 lbs)
Lifespan	10–13 years (average around 12)
Coat	Long, silky, flat with feathering; unique “belton” speckling
Colours	Blue belton, orange belton, lemon belton, liver belton, tricolour
Temperament	Gentle, affectionate, mischievous, people-oriented, sensitive
Exercise Needs	High — minimum 1–2 hours daily, including off-lead running
Shedding	Moderate–High, year-round
Drooling Level	Low–Moderate (drips water after drinking)
Barking Level	Moderate — will alert-bark and may become vocal if bored
Good With Kids	Excellent — one of the best gundog breeds for families
Good With Other Dogs	Very good — sociable and tolerant
Apartment Friendly	Not ideal — needs a yard and regular off-lead exercise
Average Puppy Price (AUD)	$2,000–$3,500 from a registered breeder

History & Origins

The English Setter is one of the oldest gundog breeds, with roots stretching back 400–500 years in England. Early “setting dogges” were used to locate game birds on the moors, crouching (or “setting”) near quarry so hunters could throw nets over both dog and birds. The name stuck long after nets were replaced by guns.

The modern English Setter owes its existence to two pivotal figures. Edward Laverack (1800–1877) spent decades selectively breeding a strain of Setters focused on beauty, temperament and companionability — these became the foundation of the show type. Richard Purcell Llewellin (1840–1925) took Laverack’s best dogs and crossed them with strong field lines, producing a leaner, more driven working dog. Today, the terms “Laverack Setter” and “Llewellin Setter” are still used to loosely describe show-type and field-type English Setters, though the lines have mixed considerably over 150 years.

English Setters hunt by ranging across large areas, silently seeking game by air scent. When they detect prey, they freeze in a standing point (unlike the low crouch of their historical ancestors). This instinctive behaviour appears in puppies as young as a few months old. The breed hunts quail, pheasant and grouse in their homeland, and in Australia they’re used for similar upland game.

In Australia, the English Setter has been present for well over a century. Waratah Kennels has been breeding since 1959, Graylors (NSW) since 1984, and Orwin Kennels (now in QLD) for over 40 years. Graylors was named English Setter Conformation and Performance Breeder of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. Several breeders are importing from European and American lines to strengthen the gene pool.

Temperament & Personality

The English Setter temperament is the breed’s greatest selling point. These dogs are genuinely gentle, deeply affectionate and intensely people-oriented. They want to be with you — on the couch, in bed, in the car, underfoot in the kitchen. The breed standard describes them as a “gentleman by nature,” and most owners will tell you that’s accurate.

They’re one of the best gundog breeds for families with children. English Setters are patient, tolerant and playful with kids without being rough or overwhelming. They rank well for affection, and multiple sources describe them as one of the finest breeds you can have around young people.

Show lines vs field lines matter here too. Show-bred English Setters are calmer, more laid-back and easier to manage as family companions. Field-bred dogs are leaner, higher-energy and can be more strong-willed and mischievous. Both types are loving, but field-bred Setters from working lines need significantly more exercise and mental stimulation. Ask your breeder which type they produce.

The breed is sensitive — emotionally and physically. They don’t respond to harsh training methods. Raised voices, heavy-handed corrections or punishment will cause an English Setter to shut down, sulk or become anxious. They thrive on praise, gentleness and routine.

English Setters are social with other dogs and generally good with other pets when raised together. However, they are bird dogs at heart. A home with pet birds is asking for trouble. Cats are manageable if the puppy is raised alongside them, but the chase instinct is always simmering.

One honest warning: English Setters can be vocal when bored. They’re not excessive barkers under normal circumstances, but an under-exercised Setter left alone in the yard will bark, dig and potentially become destructive. They also don’t do well as outdoor-only dogs. This breed needs to live inside with the family.

They’re intelligent — ranked 37th in Stanley Coren’s intelligence rankings — but their smarts come with a side of selective hearing. Outdoors, especially around birds, your English Setter may pretend you don’t exist. Recall is a lifelong training project with this breed.

Health & Genetic Conditions

English Setters are generally healthy and long-lived. They’re fortunate to have relatively few breed-specific mandatory health screens compared to many breeds. That said, there are several conditions any prospective owner should know about.

Condition	Risk Level	Estimated Treatment Cost (AUD)	Notes
Hip Dysplasia	Moderate	$3,000–$8,000 (surgery per hip)	Affects roughly 24% of the breed historically. Always ask for hip scores from both parents.
Elbow Dysplasia	Low–Moderate	$2,000–$6,000 (surgery per elbow)	Good Australian breeders now routinely elbow score. Request results.
Congenital Deafness	Moderate	No cure (vibrating collar ~$50–$60)	Around 12% of tested English Setters show some degree of hearing loss. BAER testing is essential. Reputable Aussie breeders BAER test all puppies.
Hypothyroidism	Moderate	$500–$1,500/year (lifelong medication)	Common in the breed. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, skin problems. Manageable with daily thyroid medication.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 8 (NCL8)	Low (severe)	No cure — fatal	A devastating neurological disease causing seizures, blindness and death. DNA test available. Both parents should be tested.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy rcd4 (PRA)	Low	No cure	Causes progressive blindness, starting with night vision loss. DNA test available.
Atopic Dermatitis	Moderate	$500–$3,000+/year	Environmental allergies causing itching, skin irritation and ear infections. The breed is predisposed. Common in Australian climates.
Ear Infections	Moderate	$100–$500 per episode	Those gorgeous floppy ears trap moisture and debris. Weekly cleaning is a must.

The best Australian English Setter breeders — Graylors, Waratah, Orwin, Whimsily and others — now routinely hip and elbow score, BAER test for deafness, and DNA test for NCL8 and PRA rcd4. This is the minimum standard you should accept from any breeder. If a breeder doesn’t test, walk away.

Pet insurance for an English Setter runs approximately $60–$130/month for comprehensive cover in Australia. Given the breed’s susceptibility to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and skin allergies, insurance is a smart investment.

Lifespan & Longevity

The English Setter lifespan is 10–13 years, with a 2024 UK study finding an average of 13.1 years — slightly above the purebred average. Some English Setters live well into their teens with good care. This is solid longevity for a medium-to-large breed.

Life Stage	Age Range	Key Considerations
Puppy	0–12 months	Wild energy. Socialisation is critical. Bones don’t fully mature until 12–14 months — avoid high-impact exercise.
Adolescent	1–2 years	Peak mischief. Strong-willed phase. Consistent training and patience are essential. Still growing.
Adult	2–8 years	The golden years. They mellow considerably from puppyhood. Maintain daily exercise and grooming routine.
Senior	8–11 years	Gradually slowing down. Watch for weight gain and thyroid issues. Annual vet checks are critical.
Geriatric	11+ years	Reduced mobility. Softer bedding, shorter walks, six-monthly vet visits. Many stay sweet-tempered to the end.

English Setters are known for mellowing significantly with age. The crazy, boundless puppy grows into a calm, affectionate adult that genuinely enjoys lounging on the couch. Many owners say the first two years are the hardest, and after that the breed is a dream to live with.

Grooming & Care

Let’s be blunt: if you don’t enjoy grooming, an English Setter is the wrong breed for you. That stunning coat requires regular maintenance. Skip it, and you’ll end up with a matted, tangled mess that’s painful for the dog and expensive to fix professionally.

Grooming Task	Frequency	Product/Tool	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Full brushing	2–3 times per week (daily for show dogs)	Long-toothed metal comb + slicker brush	$25–$50
Feathering detangling	2–3 times per week	Detangling spray + pin brush	$15–$30
Bathing	Every 4–6 weeks	Dog-specific shampoo + conditioner	$20–$40
Ear cleaning	Weekly	Veterinary ear cleaner	$20–$35
Nail trimming	Every 2–3 weeks	Nail clipper or grinder	$15–$40
Feet and face trim	Every 4–6 weeks	Thinning shears	$20–$40
Teeth brushing	2–3 times per week	Enzymatic dog toothpaste	$10–$20
Professional grooming	Every 6–8 weeks (optional)	Professional groomer	$80–$150 per visit
Professional dental clean	Annually	Veterinary clinic	$300–$700

English Setter shedding is moderate to high and happens year-round. They shed short hairs from their body coat and longer hairs from their feathering. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair on your furniture, but it won’t eliminate it. If dog hair on clothing is a dealbreaker for you, look elsewhere.

The breed’s “belton” coat pattern — that distinctive speckled ticking on a white base — is unique to English Setters. Puppies are born white, and the belton markings develop over the first few weeks. The feathering on ears, chest, belly, legs and tail is where most of the grooming effort goes. Mats form fastest behind the ears, under the armpits and around the back legs.

One quirk worth mentioning: English Setters drip water after drinking. Their deep flews (lip folds) hold water, and they’ll trail it across your floor. It’s not heavy drooling, but if you’re fussy about clean floors, keep a towel near the water bowl.

Exercise Needs

Daily Exercise Requirements:

English Setters need 1–2 hours of exercise daily, including time to run off-lead in a secure area. They’re an active sporting breed, but they’re not as relentlessly high-energy as breeds like the English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer. The key word is “moderate-to-high” — they need genuine activity, but they also know how to switch off indoors.

That said, a young English Setter (under 2 years) is a different animal. Expect hurricane-level energy, constant mischief and an apparent inability to sit still. Puppies and adolescents need multiple daily exercise sessions, but be careful about high-impact activities until their bones mature at around 12–14 months.

Ideal activities include off-lead running in fenced areas, hiking, swimming (many Setters love water), field trials, agility, tracking and general outdoor adventuring. Mental stimulation matters too — puzzle feeders, scent games and varied walking routes keep them happy.

Australian climate note: English Setters adapt reasonably well to Australian conditions. They’ll enjoy running in the snow during cold winters in southern states and are happy in moderate warmth. In the heat of an Australian summer, limit exercise to early morning and evening, ensure plenty of shade and water, and never leave them outside in direct sun for extended periods. Their coat provides some insulation against both heat and cold, but they’re not a breed that thrives in extreme heat.

A securely fenced yard is essential. English Setters have a strong hunting instinct and will range far if given the chance. They’re also known for being roamers — if they pick up a scent trail, they can cover surprising distances before they remember they have an owner. Fencing of 1.5 metres minimum is recommended.

Training Guide

Training Timeline & Focus:

Age	Training Focus	Honest Difficulty
8–16 weeks	Socialisation (critical window), crate training, name recognition, basic house manners	Easy–Moderate — eager and food-motivated. Start grooming handling early.
4–6 months	Leash walking, sit/stay/come foundations, “leave it,” exposure to different environments	Moderate — bird instinct starts to kick in; distractibility increases.
6–12 months	Recall work, impulse control, steadiness around birds and wildlife	Hard — adolescent stubbornness peaks. They’ll test every boundary.
1–2 years	Reliable recall (ongoing project), advanced obedience, sport introduction	Moderate–Hard — still strong-willed but starting to mature.
2+ years	Maintenance, field work, trick training, therapy dog certification	Moderate — they settle significantly and become very responsive.

Recall is the biggest training challenge with English Setters. When they’re on a scent, the rest of the world disappears. Many experienced owners use long lines for training and accept that their Setter may never have bombproof recall in open environments. Off-lead exercise should always be in securely fenced areas.

Positive reinforcement is the only effective approach. English Setters are emotionally sensitive — harsh methods will produce a fearful, anxious dog that’s even harder to train. Short sessions (10–15 minutes), high-value treats and lots of praise work best.

Crate training is strongly recommended. English Setters can be challenging to housetrain compared to some breeds, and a crate provides structure during the learning process. Start from day one.

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Cost of Ownership (AUD)

Expense	Estimated Annual Cost (AUD)	Notes
Puppy Purchase Price	$2,000–$3,500 (one-off)	ANKC registered breeders. Show-quality and rarer colours (lemon, tricolour) at the higher end.
Food (premium medium/large-breed)	$1,000–$1,600/year	2.5–3.5 cups of quality dry food daily. Active dogs or field-bred Setters may need more.
Vet Check-ups & Vaccinations	$350–$600/year	Annual wellness exam plus boosters. More frequent for seniors and dogs on thyroid medication.
Pet Insurance	$720–$1,560/year	Recommended. Covers hip dysplasia, thyroid and allergy treatments that can get expensive.
Flea, Tick & Worming	$250–$400/year	Monthly preventatives. Essential across all Australian climates.
Grooming (DIY supplies)	$150–$300/year	Brushes, combs, shampoo, ear cleaner, detangling spray. Ongoing investment.
Professional Grooming	$500–$1,200/year	Optional but many owners use a groomer every 6–8 weeks for trimming and coat maintenance.
Training	$300–$800 (first year)	Puppy classes + obedience. Consider a gundog-specific trainer if you plan to hunt or do field work.
Fencing	$1,000–$5,000+ (one-off)	Secure, 1.5m+ fencing is essential. Budget for this before the puppy arrives.
Toys & Enrichment	$100–$300/year	Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, squeaky toys. They love toys.

First-year total estimate:

First-year total estimate: $5,500–$13,000+ AUD (including purchase price, setup, initial vet work, fencing and food).

Annual ongoing cost:

Annual ongoing cost: $3,000–$6,000 AUD (food, insurance, vet, grooming, preventatives and miscellaneous).

Rescue is rare for purebred English Setters in Australia, but it’s worth checking PetRescue.com.au and contacting your state canine council. Some breed enthusiasts rehome older dogs — keep an eye on DogzOnline and breed-specific Facebook groups.

For breeder enquiries, DogzOnline (dogzonline.com.au) lists registered Australian English Setter breeders by state. Notable kennels include Graylors (NSW), Waratah (QLD), Orwin (QLD), Whimsily (VIC), Mistypoint (VIC) and Talshae (NSW). Always ask for hip/elbow scores, BAER test results and DNA testing for NCL8 and PRA rcd4.

Is the English Setter Right for You?

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• The English Setter is one of the most lovable, family-friendly breeds you’ll find. Their gentle temperament, devotion to their people and beautiful appearance make them a standout choice for families who want a dog that’s as sweet-natured as it is good-looking.
• The trade-offs are real: grooming is a commitment, recall is a lifelong project, and they need more exercise than their couch-potato tendencies might suggest. They’re also not the easiest breed to housetrain.
• For Australian families willing to invest the time in grooming and exercise, the English Setter rewards you with a companion that’s affectionate, loyal and genuinely happy to be part of your life. They mellow into one of the calmest, most dignified dogs you’ll ever own.

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Frequently Asked Questions