English setter Breed description: Character & Co

What are typical character traits of English Setter?

The English Setter is a passionate hunter who needs clear rules. If you let the reins slip during training, your four-legged friend may want to assert his stubbornness. It is especially important to train the retrieveability from the beginning. The English Setter temperament also characterizes his urge to move. The breed is best suited for you if you enjoy sports and spending time in nature. Since the breed is the most social of all hunting dogs, they have gained a following among families in recent years. They love to romp around the yard with children and are always up for a game. They also get along well with other dogs of their own species. At home he is a pleasant contemporary, provided you offer him daily exercise. Tracking games and mantrailing keep the animal's clever mind busy.

What are typical diseases of English Setters?

Like many other dog breeds with hanging ears, the English Setter also suffers from ear problems: Especially after spending time in water, yeast fungi that love moist environments multiply. Eventually an inflammation occurs, which the animal indicates by shaking its head and scratching. To prevent this from happening, it is better to clean your pet's ears regularly. The best way to do this is to use special products from the vet and a soft cloth.

In addition the following breed-typical illnesses are to be noticed:

• congenital deafness
• hip dysplasia
• thyroid disease
• elbow dyplasia
• Allergies against food
• CLAD: genetically determined immune deficiency
• Progressive retinal atrophy (retinal detachment)
• Cancer (mainly from the age of 10 years)

English Setter breeding - where, how, what?

If you want to buy an English Setter, it is best to contact a responsible breeder. Information about litters can be found at the Austrian Setter Club. Animals approved for breeding by the club are subject to strict conditions: Among other things, x-ray examinations are carried out to exclude hereditary hip dysplasia as well as further genetic tests. Before you decide on an English Setter puppy, ask to see the pedigree and make sure you have a pedigree certificate. Reputable breeders also emphasize early socialization. This will come in handy later when you attend puppy school with your new roommate. A breeding puppy of the English Setter costs about 1000Euro.