Types of Setter Dog - A Comprehensive Guide

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A Gordon Setter dog lying on a sandy beach at sunset, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Credit: pexels.com, A Gordon Setter dog lying on a sandy beach at sunset, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

There are several types of setter dog, each with its unique characteristics and origins. The Irish Setter is a popular breed known for its distinctive red coat and friendly demeanor.

The Irish Setter is a large dog, typically weighing between 60-70 pounds and standing between 24-27 inches tall. They are a versatile breed, exceling in both hunting and family roles.

Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners. Irish Setters are also known for their high energy levels, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

They are generally good with children, making them a popular choice for families.

Related reading: What Is an Irish Setter

Types of Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a popular breed known for its distinctive red coat.

There are two main types of Irish Setter: the Irish Setter and the Irish Red and White Setter.

The Irish Setter has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, originating from Ireland as a hunting breed.

You might enjoy: Show Irish Setter

English Setter

English Setter Dog on Grassland
Credit: pexels.com, English Setter Dog on Grassland

The English Setter is a breed that's often confused with the Irish Setter, but they're actually quite distinct. It's native to Great Britain and dates back to the 15th Century.

One of the most notable characteristics of the English Setter is its friendly and affable character. They're a very active breed with a keen hunting sense.

In terms of size, English Setters are medium-sized dogs, with males measuring between 23-25 inches and females measuring between 21-23 inches at the shoulder. Their elegance can be seen in their movement as much as their sleek body shape.

The English Setter has a unique coat pattern, known as "Belton", which features a white ground color with darker hairs intermingling in a speckled pattern. The most common Belton colors are blue, orange, lemon, and liver.

Here are the most common English Setter coat colors:

  • Blue Belton: black and white
  • Orange Belton: orange and white
  • Lemon Belton: lemon and white
  • Liver Belton: liver and white
  • Tricolor: blue Belton and tan or liver Belton and tan

Types of Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a beloved breed with a rich history, and within this breed, there are several types that stand out. The Irish Red Setter, for example, descends from the Red and White Irish Setter and is characterized by its cunning, intelligent, energetic, affectionate, and loyal nature.

On a similar theme: Irish Setter Hunting Dog

Cute Irish setter on shore
Credit: pexels.com, Cute Irish setter on shore

The Irish Red Setter has a more variable size range than the Red and White Irish Setter, with males standing between 58-67 cm tall and females between 55-62 cm tall. This breed is known for its fluid and energetic movement.

The Irish Red and White Setter, on the other hand, is a breed that was nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century but was revived in the 1920s by dedicated breeders. This breed is courageous, determined, and has a working and field dog temperament.

Here are the different types of Irish Setters:

The Irish Setter is another type of the breed, known for its sleek appearance and energetic temperament. This breed was bred in the 1800s to run swiftly through the Irish countryside to locate and point upland game birds.

In terms of appearance, the Irish Red Setter has a square muzzle and dark hazel or dark brown eyes, while the Irish Red and White Setter has a medium-length double silky coat with red patches. The Red and White Irish Setter has a distinctive coat pattern with solid red patches on a white base.

Overall, each type of Irish Setter has its unique characteristics, but they all share a common thread of being intelligent, energetic, and loyal companions.

For another approach, see: Dark Border Terrier

Gordon Setter

Selective Focus Photography of Gordon Setter
Credit: pexels.com, Selective Focus Photography of Gordon Setter

The Gordon Setter is actually a Scottish breed, not Irish. They originated in 17th Century Scotland and are known for their intelligence and nobility.

Their character is described as affable and stable, but they do stand out for their excellent swimming ability. In fact, they're smaller than most other Setter breeds, with males measuring up to 66 cm at the withers and females about 62 cm.

Gordon Setters are built for speed, with a graceful appearance and a weight range of 25.5-29.5 kg (56-65 lbs). They have a distinctive coat color, which is deep and shiny black with spots of tan.

Here are some key physical characteristics of the Gordon Setter breed:

  • Head: clearly defined stop, black nose truffle, bright and dark brown eyes, and medium-sized ears.
  • Body: long, thin, and arched neck, deep but not wide chest.
  • Tail: medium in size, straight, and carried horizontally or below the line of the back.
  • Coat: straight, short on the head and forelimbs, and medium length on the rest of the body.
  • Color: deep and shiny black with spots of tan.

The breed has a rich history, dating back to the 1500s or early 1600s, and was developed by Scottish aristocrat Alexander Gordon. They're a high-energy breed that requires daily physical and mental stimulation, but are always ready for a challenge.

Breed Characteristics

Irish Setter Walking on Meadow in Mountains
Credit: pexels.com, Irish Setter Walking on Meadow in Mountains

Setter breeds have a rich history and unique characteristics that make them great companions. They originated in the UK and were developed from spaniel stock.

There are four main types of setter breeds: English Setter, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter (also known as Irish Red Setter), and Irish Red and White Setter.

Setters are known for their instinctive tendency to crouch or "set" when they find their quarry, a characteristic that was useful in hunting with nets but is now mostly a nostalgic trait.

Here are some key characteristics of setter breeds:

  • Weight: Mature English setters typically weigh between 56 to 65 pounds.
  • Shedding: Setters are moderate shedders.
  • Temperament: Setters are happy, playful, and friendly dogs that require daily exercise.

These dogs are great with families, especially kids, as they are laid-back, gentle, and smart. They make perfect companions for active families who can provide them with the exercise and attention they need.

History and Development

The setter dog has a rich history that spans over 400 years, dating back to the 16th century in Ireland and Scotland.

The first recorded mention of a setter was in 1607, when King James I of England received a gift of a spaniel-like dog from the Earl of Ormond.

Two Long-coated Brown and Black Dogs
Credit: pexels.com, Two Long-coated Brown and Black Dogs

The breed was originally bred to hunt game birds, with the English Setter being developed in the 18th century for hunting woodcock and other birds.

Their keen sense of smell and strong hunting instinct made them an invaluable asset to hunters.

The Irish Setter was developed in the 18th century for hunting larger game birds, such as pheasants and grouse.

Their distinctive red coat was a result of selective breeding for a specific color pattern.

The Gordon Setter was developed in the 18th century for hunting large game birds, requiring a strong and agile dog.

Their black and tan coat pattern was a result of the breed's origins as a working dog.

Consider reading: Dog Hair Types

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of setters?

There are four main Setter breeds: English Setter, Irish Red and White Setter, Irish Setter, and Gordon Setter. These breeds excel as both family companions and skilled hunting dogs.

What is the calmest setter breed?

English Setters are known for being the mildest-mannered of the setter breeds, making them a great choice for those seeking a calm companion. They thrive on regular walks and occasional playtime, requiring less high-energy activity than other setter breeds.

Dipesh Jha

Senior Writer

Dipesh Jha is a skilled writer with a passion for storytelling. He has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human emotions, which he brings to life through his words. With a background in creative writing, Dipesh has honed his craft over the years, producing a body of work that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

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