English Setter
The first Setters appeared in France in the 1500s. Three hundred years later, Setters were brought to Great Britain and Sir Edward Laverack developed the English Setter. These dogs were bred primarily for beauty and became show dogs. Another breeder, Llewellin, was dissatisfied with the hunting ability of this dog and developed these abilities in a separate strain of English Setter through selective breeding with Gordon Setters. Both versions are considered English Setters and both are part of the larger Setter family. All English Setters have long, flowing coats that require regular grooming. Regular combing helps keep shedding in check (English Setters are average shedders) and helps keep the coat from becoming tangled and matted, particularly if the dog has been running through grass and fields. It is important to do the same for the hair between the pads and toes of and English Setter as well. If the hair is not cared for, it can be a breeding ground for fungus that can lead to infection. The coats are all speckled in some way with different variations of white with blue, lemon, orange, brown, or tri-color (blue, white & brown).
