The English Setter is such a sweet tempered breed that it is thoroughly trustworthy with people and other animals. The breed standard describes English Setters as "intensely friendly" which when coupled with their medium size makes them an ideal family dog. This is a breed that will adapt easily to your lifestyle whether you are seeking a companion, a show or working dog, just as long as they are loved and can give love in return.

Suitable owners would be those who enjoy regular exercise and want an affectionate and loyal canine as a member of their family.  The English Setter is a social animal and needs companionship, so prospective owners must be prepared to include them in their day to day living activities.

A medium sized breed, the average height at shoulder for dogs and bitches is:

Dogs 65 to 68 cms or 25.5 to 27 ins;  Bitches 61 to 65 cms or 24 to 25.5 ins

English Setters come in a variety of colours. The ground coat is white and this is flecked with colour ranging from lightly marked to roan. In the latter the colour predominates.

Recognized colours are:

Black and white

Orange and white

Lemon and white

Liver and white

Tricolour – which can be either, black white and tan, or liver white and tan.

Eyes should be hazel to dark brown with a sweet, soft expression.

The pigment on the eyelids and nose should be well formed and of a colour that blends with the coat.

A good show specimen should be elegant in outline and movement. The head is long, reasonably lean and is set on a clean, long neck that flows evenly into a level topline. This breed has a good spring of rib providing ample heart and lung room. A correctly angulated front and rear will enable a show English Setter to move around the show ring with reach and drive. A silky coat evenly flecked with colour completes a very attractive picture.

If you have decided that the English Setter is what you want then contact the Victorian Canine Association or the English Setter Association of Victoria, both of which will direct you to registered breeders.

The English Setter’s silky coat is easy to look after. A good brush several times a week, checking for tangles after a romp in the park, and a little trimming around the neck ears and feet, is all that is required for pet and show dog alike. If you are planning to exhibit your English then a higher degree of trimming is required to present a clean outline. This is not difficult to learn and most new exhibitors pick up the skill quickly from the breeder who sold them their puppy.

Being a gundog – or hunting breed – the English Setter enjoys regular exercise. A bored dog turns to other diversions, so if you are considering this breed be prepared and regularly put aside an hour or two for exercise and play.

Once this is over your English will be content to curl up and doze. They enjoy their run in the park or daily walk, but they are equally at home curled up in a favourite chair, preferably yours.