Happy. Energetic. Loving. Active.
Are you looking for a puppy for sale with all of these qualities? If so, one of the 4 types of Setter dog breeds may be a great fit for you and your family! As members of the Sporting group, Setters are alert, love to roam in the woods, and are well-rounded canine companions. Whether out in the field on a hunt or curled up by the fire after a long day of playing, Setters are versatile dogs that shine wherever they go. These sweet, enthusiastic dogs are a smart choice as one of the top family dog breeds that are playful and gentle with children.
You may have heard of an Irish Setter, but other Setter dog breeds – Gordon Setter, English Setter, and Red and White Setter – stand out uniquely. Discover the similarities and differences among the 4 Setter dog breeds – Irish Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Gordon Setters, and English Setters – to learn more about these lively, sweet, and loyal dogs.
Where Did Setters Originate?
Setters originated as early as the 14th century in Europe and were bred specifically from various spaniels and pointer dogs to assist with hunting, primarily waterfowl, and other birds. Instead of going after birds, Setters learned to crouch down in a “setting” position when they detected birds. When hunters saw their dogs’ stance, they knew to cast a wide net over the area, making a noise and flushing out the birds. Hunters trusted the dogs would not harm or scare off the whole point of the hunt.
Understandably, European nobility and aristocracy kept kennels of Setters ready to assist as members of royal hunting parties. As firearms were introduced, the need to crouch down dwindled since nets were no longer used, and Setters were desensitized to the sound of gunfire. Ever adaptable, people discovered that Setters were also fantastic family companions after spending all day out in the fields. As hunting fell out of favor, Setters were utilized more as family dogs rather than working Sporting dogs but have retained their active nature and instinct to hunt.
The Irish Setter
The Irish Setter dog breed combines athleticism with beauty thanks to their spirited fieldwork and gorgeous coats. Irish Setters are considered one of the most beautiful dogs in the world thanks to their rich, luxurious, glossy, coats that come in a deep mahogany, red, or chestnut. Originating around the 18th century in Ireland, these dogs were specifically developed to cover the flat, wide Irish countryside when hunting alongside humans and falcons.
Adult Irish Setters are medium-to-large-sized dogs, weighing 60-70 pounds and standing 25-27 inches tall. Irish Setter puppies are lively and curious, eager to learn, smart, and very trainable. They thrive when given a job to do, so even if you do not hunt, providing plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation is a must for this active breed. Irish Setters are goofy, affectionate, and gentle with children, matching their energy without being too rambunctious. Irish Setter puppy owners should know this breed takes a while to mature and retain a puppy attitude for a few years.
The Irish Red and White Setter
You may wonder if the Irish Red and White Setter is closely tied to the Irish Setter, and you would be correct. While they do share a similar origin, kennel owners and hunters separated the all-red Irish Setters from their red-and-white pups, one reason being that it was easier to spot a multi-colored dog in the distance over a solid color. Despite the color preference, red setters surged in popularity instead, and the Irish Red and White Setter almost went extinct around World War I. A dedicated group of breeders brought them back, preserving a still-rare dog breed, and they did not join the AKC until 2009.
An Irish Red and White Setter weighs 50-70 pounds and stands 22-24 inches tall, sporting a solid white coat with red patches and fine, silky, feathery fur. Irish Red and White Setters are good companions for older children but may be too boisterous for small children. While they are eager to learn and please their owners, they can be extremely stubborn when training, so patience is a must. Irish Red and White Setters will need around 90 minutes of daily exercise broken into sessions throughout the day to keep them healthy and satisfied.
The Gordon Setter
Hailing from Scotland, the Gordon Setter dog breed is bold, confident, and friendly with their families. In contrast to their Irish counterparts, Gordon Setters have heavier bodies bred to work on rockier, unforgiving Scottish terrain rather than the flat countryside of Ireland and are slower to approach birds. The breed was named after Alexander, the Fourth Duke of Gordon, who developed the breed in between building the Scottish whisky industry, perfecting his kennels at Castle Gordon in the Scottish Highlands.
As the largest of the Setter dog breeds, Gordon Setters grow to be 45-80 pounds and stand 23-27 inches as adults. Their coats are also stunning and come in the signature breed standard black and tan but can also be red or tan. Some people say their coats are so sleek and shiny that they glisten in the sun. Tan “eyebrows” give a Gordon Setter human-like expressions, often making their owners laugh. Gordon Setters make fast friends with children and are eager to please their owners. As a gundog at heart, Gordon Setters have a high prey drive and may go after small animals in the home as part of their instincts. Enrolling a Gordon Setter in agility, obedience, or other dog sports is a great way to keep them busy, occupied, and active.
The English Setter
English Setters first appeared in a 1570s book about British Dogs, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that two men named Sir Edward Laverack and Richard Purcell Llewellin began a dedicated effort to preserve the breed. A favorite of English country gentlemen for hunting, one line was developed more for the field and the other for show, both falling under the same breed standards. English Setters are excellent scent trackers and are more upright when they “set,” which made them popular gundogs for rolling hills and forests of the British countryside.
English Setters weigh 45-80 pounds and stand 23-27 inches tall, a comparable size to other Setters. However, the English Setter has more of a slim, elegant build than some of the sturdier, muscular Setters. Their coats are mainly white with brown, blue, orange, or lemon speckling, and some can be tricolored with white, blue, and brown. English Setters are a perfect match for active families who like to hike, run, and go on adventures. They are extremely social and need to be a part of the family as loyal companions.
Set Your Eyes on a Pawrade Puppy
If you’re an active family looking for your next best friend, consider Pawrade’s puppies for sale. We have healthy puppies to cater to each lifestyle, especially active individuals and families looking for large, hardworking, and loyal family dogs. All of our puppies come with a 3-year health guarantee, 30 days of MetLife insurance, a health certificate, up-to-date vaccinations, and more. You’ll rest assured knowing we offer a scam-free adoption process via a secure management system designed for communication and safe transactions. Come see the difference as you experience the top dog in the pet adoption space!
