English Setter
ING-lish SET-ur
Friendly, Mellow, Gentle, Affectionate. Originally bred for pointing and setting game birds.
An adult English Setter weighs 65-80 lbs (male) or 55-70 lbs (female), needs 1,090-2,070 calories daily, and lives 12-15 yrs. Large breeds need portion control and joint-conscious exercise, especially during growth. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult English Setter needs 1,090 to 2,070 calories per day. An average male (72 lbs / 32.9 kg) needs around 1,630 kcal; a female (62 lbs / 28.4 kg) roughly 1,460 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult English Setter. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Large breeds face a particular set of health challenges related to their size and growth rate. The English Setter typically lives 12-15 yrs. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
60-90 minutes of daily exercise. Loves field work, long walks, and running in open spaces. More mellow than many sporting breeds indoors. As a sporting breed, the English Setter was developed for endurance in the field. They excel at activities that engage both body and brain: retrieving, swimming, agility courses, and long hikes on varied terrain. Many sporting breeds develop behavioral problems without adequate outlet for their natural drive. Without sufficient exercise, the English Setter is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
English Setters have a long, flat, silky with feathering (belton pattern) coat. Origin: England.
One of the most beautiful sporting breeds. The distinctive 'Belton' flecked coat pattern is unique to English Setters. They mature slowly; expect puppy behavior until age 3-4.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Tools for English Setter owners
Frequently asked questions
Expect to feed your English Setter between 1090 and 2070 calories per day. A 72-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Large breeds benefit from two measured meals daily rather than one large meal, which reduces bloat risk. Working or competition dogs may need 20-30% more than resting estimates. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 65-80 lbs (29.5–36.3 kg). Females run lighter at 55-70 lbs (24.9–31.8 kg). Large breeds carry weight in the midsection and over the ribs. A visible waist from above and a tuck behind the ribs when viewed from the side indicate healthy condition. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
If you own a English Setter, hip dysplasia is the condition your vet will likely screen for first. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include elbow dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism. Not every English Setter will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
This breed needs genuine exercise, not just a quick walk around the block. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes daily. Good activities for this breed include retrieving games, swimming, field work. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is as important as physical exercise for this breed. An under-exercised English Setter will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026