The setter is a medium-sized breed of dog known for its hunting skills, however, it can also be an excellent companion dog. There are four types of setter: English, Scottish, Irish Red, and Irish Red and White. All of them have some common features, although there are some characteristics in their appearance and behavior that differentiate them.
If you want to know what setter dog breeds exist, as well as their main characteristics and differences, keep reading this article on our site.
General characteristics of setter dogs
As we have mentioned, setters are dogs that stand out for their hunting skills, which makes the International Cinological Federation (FCI) classify all types of setter within the group ofpointing dogs Pointing dogs are a type of hunting dog, specifically they are in charge of showing the direction where the game is with their muzzle.
In general, they are very intelligent, noble and affectionate dogs, which also makes them excellent companion dogs. However, it is usually a somewhat stubborn breed, so it is important to give them a correct education from the time they are puppies, in which patience and affection prevail.
They are dogs with an elegant and athletic In movement they are characterized by holding their heads high and having a very powerful propulsion with their hind limbs. The size is fairly constant between the different types of setter. Males have a height at the withers of between 52-68 cm and females between 57-65. The weight usually ranges between 20-32 kg.
There are some common characteristics between the breed standards of each type of setter. In general, they tend to have dark-colored eyes and low-set ears that droop on either side of the face. Its neck is usually long, muscular and somewhat curved, and ends in a deep chest, not very wide and with well sprung ribs. Generally, all setters have a long coat on the ears, belly, back of the limbs and on the tail. The hair can be straight or slightly wavy, depending on the specific type. Coat color will also vary depending on the type of setter.
English Setter
It is a breed originally from Great Britain that began to be bred in the 15th century. Within the setter breed, it is the most widespread type.
It is a dog with a very friendly and affable character It is a very active breed with a keen sense for hunting. Regarding size, males have a height at the withers of between 65-68 cm and females between 61-65 cm. They are dogs with a elegant appearance and movements, but at the same time they are characterized by their speed, strength and resistance.
The most important characteristics included in its racial standard are:
- Facial region: they have a well-defined stop (fronto-nasal junction). His nose (nose) should be black or liver, depending on the color of the hair. The muzzle is quite square. They have bright eyes, with a sweet and expressive look. The color of the eyes can vary from hazel to dark brown, with dark colors being the most valued in the official standard. The ears are medium in size and hang on either side of the face; they are covered with fine, silky hair at the base and are velvety at the tip.
- The neck, long, muscular and slightly arched, ends in a deep chest (well let down) with well sprung ribs.
- The tail is of medium length (does not reach the height of the hocks) and has about long and hanging fringes that gradually decrease in length until they reach the tip.
- The hair is long and slightly wavy, but never curly. The back of the forelimbs and hindlimbs are fringed, as is the tail.
The coat of hair can be of various colors:
- Blue belton: black and white
- Orange belton: orange and white
- Lemon belton: lemon and white
- Belton liver: liver and white
- Tricolor: blue belton and tan or liver belton and tan
When the color of his coat bears the surname “Belton” it refers to the characteristic mottling of the English setter's coat.
Discover all the characteristics of the English setter in this other article.
Scottish Setter or Gordon Setter
Originated in Scotland during the 17th century. Within the setter breed, it is the least widespread type. His character is defined by intelligence and nobility. It is a clever, intrepid and daring dog, but at the same time it has an affable and stable character. Stands out among other types of setter for being an excellent swimmer
The size is similar to that of other setter dogs. The males have a height at the withers of about 66 cm and the females of about 62 cm. The average weight of males is 29.5 kg and that of females 25.5 kg. Like the English Setter, the Gordon Setter has a elegant appearance with features that denote speed.
The most outstanding characteristics of its official racial standard are:
- Facial region: they have a clearly defined stop. In this case, the nose is always black The eyes are bright and dark brown, with a cunning and intelligent expression. The ears are also medium in size and hang on either side of the head.
- The neck is long, thin and arched. The chest is deep, but not very wide.
- The tail is of medium size, not exceeding the line of the hocks. It is straight and usually takes it horizontal or below the line of the back. Also is provided with hair in the form of fringes from the base, which decrease as they reach the tip.
- The hair is straight (no waves or curls), short on the head and front of the extremities and of medium length on the the rest of the body.
- The coat of the hair is Deep and shiny black with fiery streaks (red-brown). They may have black spots on the fingers and black streaks on the maxillary area.
Irish Red and White Setter
It originates from Ireland, in the 17th century. Today it is much rarer than the Irish Red Setter. They are dogs with a cunning and intelligent character, in which determination and courage prevail. They are characterized by being especially friendly and easy to train as hunting dogs.
Size is slightly smaller than that of the English Setter. The males have a height at the withers of 62-66 cm and the females of 57-61 cm. His general appearance is strong, well balanced and proportionate, being more athletic than slight. When trotting, they have a lively and graceful movement.
The most outstanding characteristics of its racial standard are:
- Facial regionl: the snout is quite square and the stop is marked. The eyes are dark hazel or dark brown and the ears fall back close to the head.
- The neck is moderately long, very muscular and slightly arched. Ends in a deep chest with well sprung ribs.
- The body and limbs are especially strong and muscular.
- The tail does not descend below the hock and is usually at or below the level of the back.
- The hair is long and forms the characteristic fringes on the back of the forelimbs and hindquarters, ears, flanks and tail. On the rest of the body the hair should be short and smooth.
- Base color is white and has patches of solid red (like well-defined islands). Only spots are allowed, not mottled or "sprinkled" as in the English setter.
Irish Red Setter
The last of the setter dog breeds described here originated in Ireland, in the 18th century, from the Irish setter Red and white. The Irish setter specimens that had a more uniform red coat were selected until they established themselves as a different type of setter. Although the Irish Red and White Setter is considered the original, today the Irish Red Setter predominates.
Over the years it has evolved into a dog with great ability to work and great vigor. It is characterized as a race cunning, intelligent, energetic, affectionate and loyal. His movement is fluid and energetic.
Size range is more variable than Irish Red and White Setter. The males have a height at the withers of between 58-67 cm and the females between 55-62 cm. Like its red and white ancestor, it has a balanced and well-proportioned appearance.
The most characteristic points of its official racial standard are:
- Facial region: the muzzle is almost square and the stop well defined. Nose is mahogany, dark walnut or black Eyes are dark hazel or dark brown. The ears are medium in size and fall back on either side of the head.
- The neck, very similar to that of its red and white ancestor, is moderately long, very muscular and somewhat arched. It ends in a deep but rather narrow chest, with well sprung ribs.
- The tail is of medium size and carried at the level of the line of the back or lower.
- The hair is short on the head, front of the limbs and tips of the ears. The rest of the body is medium length and smooth (no waves or curls). It has fringes at the base of the ears, back of the limbs, belly, feet and tail.
- As its name indicates, the color of the mantle is reddish brown, without a trace of black. They may have white patches on the chest, throat, or fingers.
Discover all the characteristics of the Irish Red Setter in this other article.
As you have seen, although they retain similar characteristics, there are also differences between the types of setter that help us identify which breed they belong to. However, it is important to note that the mixed breeds of these breeds are also excellent companions that will present many similarities with the official standard, especially in terms of character, so we encourage you to adopt a setter dog regardless of whether it is purebred or purebred. No.
