Gun Dog: Are English Setters Good Dogs for Family Pets?

The English setter, called the "gentleman of the dog world" by the American Kennel Club, could be a great family pet, but there are numerous considerations one must take into account when considering this elegant dog.

The AKC listed the English setter as its 87th most popular breed and described its personality as "friendly, merry and mellow," which should be the dog ideal around children.

AKC's website also said the English setter is "an elegant, substantial and symmetrical gun dog suggesting the ideal blend of strength, stamina, grace, and style. … Males (are) decidedly masculine without coarseness. Females (are) decidedly feminine without over-refinement."

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The English setter, though, will want its master's attention, and its white coat, which according to Vetstreet is at times spotted with tan and black flecks, will require constant maintenance.

"English Setters need frequent combing to prevent or remove mats and tangles," Vetstreet said. "A bath every six weeks or so doesn't go amiss. In addition, trim the nails as needed, brush the teeth, and keep the ears clean and dry to prevent infections. Last but not least, it should go without saying that a people-loving dog like the English Setter needs to live in the house with plenty of human companionship."

The Animal Planet's dog breed selector warned that if you are thinking of getting an English setter for your family, be ready to get a workout. The breed is best for those looking to get the dog outdoors, but those from "conformation lines" can work just a little better for couch potatoes, according to Animal Planet's website.

"Bred to cover a lot of area when hunting, the English Setter is a lively dog that loves to hunt and run," the Animal Planet website said. "This is especially true of dogs from field lines. If not given sufficient exercise, they can be overly lively inside. With daily exertion, however, they are calm and tractable house dogs."

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"Those from conformation lines are particularly laid-back and gentle and excel with children and less active adults," Animal Planet said. "This is an amiable, easygoing breed that gets along well with children, strangers and other dogs."

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