Grooming
English Setters have a soft silky coat with medium-length hair on their body. While shedding is not a big issue, they should be brushed at least once a week to prevent tangles and mats on the areas where their hair is feathered. Pet parents should use a soft-bristled brush for weekly grooming, and for areas where their hair is feathered (underbelly, legs and tail), a long-toothed metal comb will help detangle those long, silky strands of hair. Moreover, a bath every four to six weeks should keep skin healthy and their coat looking clean. When it’s bathtime, check their nails; they may be ready for a trim. Bonus: the bathwater will soften the nails, making them easier to cut. A good rule is if you can hear their nails tapping as they walk, it’s time for a trim.
While pet parents should brush their pup’s teeth daily to keep tartar and gingivitis at bay. When raising an English Setter, pet parents should get their dog used to teeth brushing while they’re a puppy, so it’s easier to do once they’ve grown up. Plus, your dog should get a professional cleaning by your vet at least once a year.
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Training
English Setters rank high for intelligence, so they’re relatively easy to train. But the pups were bred as hunting dogs, so they may think they’re smarter than you and know better. Starting while your English Setter’s a puppy and being patient will win them over. Be sure to reward them with treats, praise and fun playtimes with special toys when they do a good job (aka positive reinforcement).
Start your puppy with the basics, like sit, stay and come and be sure they know how to walk nicely on a leash. These will help you manage their hunting instincts (like chasing), but it’s important to remember that you won’t train these traits completely out of your pup.
If you find your English Setter puppy doesn’t take to potty training easily, be patient. You may find crate training to be helpful, as it limits access to your entire house. Like with the rest of their obedience training, patience, consistency and lots of positive reinforcement are the keys to successfully housetraining your dog.
Be sure to start introducing your puppy to new people, other dogs and situations while they’re young. These experiences will help their naturally friendly nature shine. Take them on walks and introduce them to new people and dogs and enroll in puppy preschool. Here, they’ll learn how to play nicely with other puppies and meet new people all under one roof.
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Diet
Like most dogs, high-quality commercially available dog food should suffice for your English Setter. Choose a formula based on their stage in life (puppy, adult or senior), and look for the statement that says it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Pet parents should know that English Setters are prone to obesity, so maintaining a healthy weight is important. Extra pounds can lead to health problems down the road, like heart disease. And while treats can make everyone happy, it’s important to remember that they have calories, too; be sure to include them in your daily meal plans.
If you have questions about your pup’s diet, chat with your veterinarian. They’re in the best position to help guide you when picking the right food for your English Setter based on their unique needs.
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Exercise
English Setters have a high energy level, and they require daily exercise. Plan on spending about an hour every day dedicated to burning their energy reserves. While pet parents who have an active lifestyle will find they have a great buddy for running and hiking, it’s not a deal-breaker for pet parents who aren’t so active. Like many dogs, a long walk twice a day with your furry companion should be more than enough. Playing games like fetch in the backyard or at the dog park are also great ways to give them the activity they need. If you’re a bit competitive, you and your pup may enjoy dog sports, like agility or tracking.
These dogs are born to hunt, so any off-leash activity needs to be in a controlled environment, like a fenced yard or dog park. Otherwise, your nose-first pup may catch wind of something that needs chasing, and they’re off speeding away from you! Even with all the expert training you’ll give, these pups will be laser-focused on their quarry. And no amount of calling or begging will get them to pay attention to you. So, for their safety and your mental health, always have them on a leash when out and about.
It’s important to note that the English Setter breed doesn’t fully mature until they’re about 2 years old. Protect their growing bones and joints and don’t include them in strenuous activities until after they’ve stopped growing. It’s a good idea to check with your vet before engaging in a new activity.
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Environment
English Setters thrive in the hustle and bustle of a loving family—whether that’s a home with a gaggle of kids or just you. They enjoy being around a lot of activity, so they’ll be happy welcoming guests to your home for a summer BBQ. While they may bark at strangers, they’re not barky, like a Silky Terrier, and they’ll quiet down fairly quickly. These guys are great with kids and other dogs, and with proper socialization, they’ll even get along with cats. But English Setters will chase small pets that look like critters—hamsters, rabbits and gerbils beware. And they’re relatively easy to train, making them a good choice for someone looking for their first pet.
These dogs really need a home with a fenced yard where they can run around and get all their wiggles out. They’re not ideally suited for smaller homes, like apartments, but if you’re able to give them the daily exercise they need (either at a dog park or on leashed walks), you may find they do well in tinier abodes.
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