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English Setter
This is a good-natured breed
whose elegance and hunting prowess typifies the English
country scene.
History:
The English Setter comes from
an ancient line of sporting dogs, with its origins most
probably from the Spaniel and the Old Spanish Pointer. Similar
looking dogs were known prior to the 1800s. The English Setter
as we know it today was developed in the mid-1800s by a
British breeder, Sir Edward Laverack, who bred from a pair and
inbred them until he achieved the type he wanted. Further
breeding by Sir Purcell Llewellin established the breed in the
USA and, although going by different names, the Laverack
Setter and the Llewellin Setter, they are essentially the same
breed, with one for hunting and the other for show. The first
showing of the breed was in 1859 in Newcastle-apon-Tyne.
Physical
characteristics:
An elegant, medium-sized dog.
Height: 25 - 27 in (63.5 - 68.6 cm) for the dog and 24 - 25 in
(61 to 63.5 cm) for the bitch. Weight: 59 - 66 lb (27 - 30 kg)
for the dog and 55 - 62 lb (25 - 28 kg) for the bitch.
The
head is long and lean, with an oval skull, well-defined
occiput, and pronounced stop. The muzzle is square, equal in
length to the skull length. The nose is black or liver,
depending on the coat color, and has wide nostrils. The jaws
are of equal length. The eyes are oval, hazel or dark brown,
with an intelligent and gentle gaze. The ears are set low, of
moderate length, and hang in folds next to the cheek. The body
of the English Setter is of moderate length, with a short
level back with well-sprung ribs. The tail is set almost in
line with the back, of medium length, and slightly curved with
a feathering coat.
The
forequarters are muscular and solid, with rounded bones. The
hindquarters have long thighs, wide loins, are slightly
arched, and are strong and muscular. The coat of the English
Setter is long, silky and flat, with a slight wave from the
back of the head. The thighs are well-feathered. The coat
color is black and white, lemon or orange and white, liver and
white, or tricolored black, white and tan.
Behavior:
This large handsome dog is
very gentle, and makes a wonderful family dog. Underneath that
calm exterior there lies a dog with boundless energy and a
willingness to please. The English Setter, learns very quickly
and waits poised for your command. It is wise to be firm with
the English Setter but on no account must you be overbearing,
as the dog will then become unsure of itself.
The
English Setter is very good with children and tends to walk
away when it has had enough, rather than snapping. This dog
makes an excellent watch-dog, as it has a deep bark. However,
its gentle nature and willingness to please make it unsuitable
as a guard dog. The English Setter requires a lot of exercise
to maintain it in top condition. Either it must be walked on a
daily basis or it should be part of an active family. Its ears
should be checked regularly and debris removed from its coat.
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