Dogs - Setters World Wide

Setters are thought to have originated in different parts of UK and Ireland. They were bred for hunting game birds like grouse and pheasant.

The setter is a good-natured dog, and fits in well with the family. Regular brushing and trimming helps to keep the coat tidy.

Gordon Setter

The Gordon setter was bred in Scotland by the Duke of Gordon in the 1800's. There may be some collie in the ancestry as the breed was used to herd sheep as well as hunt on the country estate. The dogs pointed to birds or game and crouched while hunters threw a net over the birds and caught them.

Gordon setters are easy to train. They love to go for runs in the country and are not suited to being kept in a small yard.

Gordons are the heaviest of the setters. They are big, lively dogs and not suited to life in a small flat.

Colour: Coal black with tan markings of rich chestnut or mahogany, colour lines clearly detailed.


Above: Gordon setters Cruze and Peppa, belong to Bob & Marie of Rotorua, New Zealand. Both dogs were imported from Warchant Kennels, Australia.

Red and White Setter

The red and white setter is thought to be the original Irish setter. The head is broader than the Irish setter. The colour is white with red patches on head and body. The legs are spotted.

Setters are energetic dogs and need firm handling. A training class will help. Owners need to be consistent with laying down the rules.

English setter

The English setter has a long, silky, slightly wavy coat. Regular grooming is needed.

colours: black and white, orange and white, lemon and white, liver and white, or tricoloured.

Irish Setter

Irish setters developed in Ireland from hunting dogs. In the 18th century, they were red with white markings, but by selective breeding the white was discouraged leaving the mahogany colour we have today.

Irish setters are friendly dogs, and not considered watchdogs. They love a romp in the country.

The dogs have a long, lean head with a kind expression. The coat is long with graceful feathering.

An Irish setter can be any height, but they are normally around 61 - 65 cms at shoulder.


Avacet Allrounder, a champion Irish setter	Allrounder, aka Wellington, with puppy Avacet Autumn Sunrise
The above Irish setters belong to Barbara Simpson, South Africa. Wellington, aka Ch Avacet Allrounder, is doing wonderful work visiting elderly peoples' homes, handicapped adult and childrens' homes, and critically sick homes. They love him and it makes such a difference to their day.

Llewellin setter

Llewellin setters are named after a nineteenth century Welshman - R. L. Purcell Llewellin - who developed the breed. At the time of writing, April 2008, in many countries, Llewellins are not recognised as a breed and cannot be registered. They are seen as a sub-type of the English setter. But a few fanciers are breeding them and are keeping a register of the offspring.

They make good bird hunters and loyal pets. The colour and markings can be the same as any English setter.


Above: Kite, a Llewellin setter, belongs to Richard Wostenholm, South Africa. Kite is white with black and brown ticking.

A person who hunts birds is a fowler, a fowl being a bird. The fowler needs to be careful his dog does not get caught in a snare laid by a poacher. A snare is usually a wire noose cunningly hid in the bushes. The hunter may catch his foot in one. The Bible says that if we stick close to God, He will protect us from the snare of the fowler and all the things that try to ensnare us. Psalm 91.