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Dogs · United Kingdom / Ireland

Setter

Elegant and silky pointing dog (English, Irish, Gordon), gentle and passionate. Size Large, life expectancy 11–13 years, energy Very high. Expect CHF 1'300 – 2'200 to buy and CHF 150–250 / month upkeep.

See available Setter
Setter
At a glance
Size
Large
Energy
Very high
Life expectancy
11–13 years
Estimated budget
CHF 150–250 / month
Indicative price
CHF 1'300 – 2'200
Origin
United Kingdom / Ireland
Weight
18–32 kg
Height at withers
58–69 cm
Coat
Medium-long, silky, feathered
Coat colour
Red, black & tan, speckled

The profile at a glance

Energy
Affection
With children
With other animals
Easy to train
Grooming
Noise level
Tolerates being alone
Pros
  • Elegant and passionate
  • Gentle and sociable
  • Hardy
Things to watch
  • Lots of exercise
  • Regular grooming
  • Distractible to train
01

Temperament

Elegant and silky pointing dog (English, Irish, Gordon), gentle and passionate.

02

Daily needs

Lots of exercise, grooming, stimulation.

03

Health & care

Hips, ears, gastric torsion.

04

Ideal for

Sporty owners, hunting, active families.

Origin & history

The term Setter refers to several breeds of British pointing dogs, including the English Setter, the Irish Setter and the Gordon Setter. Their name comes from the particular attitude they adopted toward game: they would freeze and crouch ("to set") to signal the presence of birds to hunters. Selected for their scenting ability, their elegance and their endurance, these dogs roamed the terrain in search of feathered game. With a silky, often fringed coat, the Setter is an active, sociable and affectionate dog that needs a great deal of exercise and enjoys the company of its family.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name "Setter" mean?

It comes from the English "to set," because these dogs would freeze and crouch to indicate the position of feathered game.

What are the main varieties of Setter?

They include, in particular, the English Setter, the Irish Setter and the Gordon Setter.

Does the Setter need a lot of exercise?

Yes, it is an athletic and enduring dog that needs long outings and activity to thrive.

Similar breeds

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