ABOUT
ENGLISH SETTERS
| HISTORY
OF THE BREED |
ENGLISH
SETTERS have been known to exist for at least
400 years, although at that time this type of dog was
known as a Setting Spaniel. They were originally used
to find and "sett" birds so that they could
be captured with a net. Following the invention of the
gun, they were adapted so that a hunter could shoot over
them.
The English Setter is one of four breeds of Setter - the
others being the Gordon, the Irish and the Irish Red &
White.
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| GENERAL
CHARACTERISTICS |
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The
ENGLISH SETTER is very active dog with
a keen game sense. The body is covered in long silky hair,
which may be slightly wavy and the legs & tail also
have long feathering. The dog moves with a free and graceful
action with a lively slashing action of the tail. The English
Setter is very intelligent, although he can be stubborn
at times. However, the intensely friendly and good natured
character of the breed makes it one of the most suitable
for living with children in a family environment.
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| SIZE |
The
ENGLISH SETTER is of medium-size, with
the dogs measuring approx 25.5-27" (65-68 cms) at
the shoulders and the bitches being slightly smaller at
24-25.5" (61-65 cms). In terms of overall build,
the English Setter is lighter than the Gordon Setter,
but heavier than the Irish Setter.
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| COLOUR |
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The
colour of an ENGLISH SETTER is described
as "belton" (white with flecks). White with black
flecks (blue belton), white with orange flecks (orange belton)
or tricolour are the most usual, but liver belton or lemon
belton are possible. Head/neck patches are acceptable. Body
patches are undesirable. |
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