Graceful, elegant gun dog or sweet and loving family companion? The English Setter is both! Sometimes called the “gentlemen of the dog world,” they're an ideal combination of versatile hunting partner and gentle, affectionate pet. One look into those soulful eyes and you may be hooked for life.
The English Setter's silky white coat has unusual speckling, called belton, that's a distinctive trait of the breed. They may be either orange belton (white with tan markings); blue belton (white with black markings); tricolor (blue belton with tan on muzzle, over the eyes and on the legs), or the less common liver belton or lemon belton. Whatever color, they're beautiful dogs.
They're superb hunters.
If you don't hunt, you'll still need to give your English Setter lots of exercise. These are athletic dogs, always up for a hike or a run. In fact, they may get you up and off the couch.
At home, English Setters are the most gentle and loving of housemates.
The breed is particularly good with children.
Because they're usually mellow dogs, English Setters may ask for your attention in the most polite way.
But they will most definitely let you know when they want some love!
And did we mention that, with their flecked coat, elegant bearing, and feathered tail, they're beautiful?