Gundog Large size 20-36 kg

English Setter

A gentle, feathered bird dog that is great with family but needs daily exercise and regular coat care to stay content.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Large
Size
20-36 kg, 61-69 cm
High
Activity
High; needs real daily exercise and a job
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Prefers company; struggles with long days alone
Moderate
Trainability
Willing but needs steady guidance
High
Coat care
Frequent brushing; coat needs real upkeep
Very good
Fit with kids
Good family dog with children
Very good
Other pets
Generally good with other dogs and pets
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia

The English Setter typically weighs 20-36 kg, stands 61-69 cm, and lives 10-12 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a mellow, affectionate large dog that genuinely likes children,
you can give it an hour or more of real exercise every day,
someone is home most of the day or the dog can come along,
you don't mind brushing a feathered coat several times a week.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would regularly be alone a full workday,
you want fast, precise obedience - setters are willing but slow to mature,
you cannot commit to regular coat and ear care,
you need a dog that stays reliable off leash around birds without training.

A typical day with a English Setter

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    45-60 min walk or free running in a safe area
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Rest near the family; setters nap deeply after work
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Short sniff walk and a chew
  4. 16:30 · Afternoon
    Training or fetch, 15-20 minutes
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer walk or field time; check ears and coat
  6. 21:30 · Night
    Settles quietly indoors when exercised

Temperament and training

Gentleness Very high
Energy outdoors High
Calm indoors High
Bird and scent drive High
Independence Moderate
Guarding tendency Low
Common owner mistakes
Assuming the calm house dog doesn't need real outdoor exercise · Letting the feathered coat mat before starting a brushing routine · Trusting off-leash recall too early around birds and wildlife

Family and environment

Kids Very good
Patient and gentle; a classic family gundog.
Dogs Good
Sociable; usually fine in multi-dog homes.
Cats Conditional
Fine when raised together; may chase outdoor cats.
Apartment Conditional
Only with serious daily exercise outside.
House with a yard Suitable
A yard helps but doesn't replace walks and running.
City Manages
Adaptable if exercise needs are met daily.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run is what this breed was made for.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip Dysplasia Joint malformation; screen breeding stock
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears trap moisture; keep them clean and dry
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited retinal disease; DNA test available

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Same setter temperament, flashier coat
Irish Setter
A glamorous, exuberant setter that stays puppyish for years - affectionate and family-friendly, but demands heavy daily exercise and coat care.
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Heavier, more one-family setter
Gordon Setter
A handsome, loyal black-and-tan setter that bonds closely and needs daily exercise plus regular grooming of its feathered coat.
View profile →
Smaller, easier-coated bird dog
Brittany Spaniel
A bright, tireless bird dog and affectionate family companion for active homes - its high energy quickly overwhelms sedentary owners.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

Is an English Setter a good family dog?
Yes, one of the gentlest large breeds with children. The trade-off is that this sweetness comes bundled with real gundog energy and a coat that needs upkeep. Families that walk, hike, or run daily get a calm, affectionate house dog; sedentary households get a restless, whiny one.
How much does an English Setter cost to own in the US?
Puppies from health-tested litters commonly run $800-$1,500, sometimes more from field or show lines. Budget roughly $1,500-$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, and grooming supplies. Over a 10-12 year life that adds up to $20,000 or more before any surprises - chronic ear infections and joint problems can add thousands, so plan insurance or savings from the start.
Can an English Setter be left alone during a workday?
Not comfortably on a regular basis. Setters are people-oriented and tend toward boredom barking and chewing when left long hours, especially if under-exercised. A half-day alone after a solid morning outing is realistic for a mature adult; a daily 8-9 hour stretch usually is not.
How much grooming does the coat really need?
Plan on thorough brushing 2-3 times a week, more during shedding, plus regular attention to the feathering on legs, ears, and tail, which mats and collects burrs. Many owners add a professional tidy-up every couple of months. The drop ears also need routine checks and cleaning to prevent infections.