How to Manage and Maintain Your English Setter

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By nancyzee
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English Setter

There are two types of English Setters – Laverack and Llewellin. This article focuses on the Llewellin English Setter.

The Llewellin English Setter, developed by an English breeder by the name of R. L. Purcell Llewellin who was primarily interested in developing dogs for field work, is famous for its excellent hunting abilities. The sitting position the dog exhibits when he has discovered game is the origin behind its “setter” distinction. The English Setter is very gentle with children and is perfect as a family dog.

If you decide to choose a Llewellin English Setter as your family dog, here are a few points to maintain your English Setter.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Living Conditions: A Llewellin English Setter loves the outdoors and needs a good-size, fenced yard to stretch its legs. They are not recommended for apartment living. English Setters are known to be difficult to housetrain at times.
Step 2

Grooming: All that is required is regular combing and brushing of its silky, medium-length coat. Bathe them only when necessary. You do need to clip the nails if they do not wear down naturally on a paved surface. Trim the hair on the bottom of the feet.
Step 3

Exercise: A daily long walk is essential to managing your English Setter, or they become quite restless. Please keep in mind, however, as with most dogs, it is important that they are made to heel beside the walker holding the lead.
Step 4

Health Problems: This breed tends to gain weight easily, so take care not to overfeed. This breed is prone to hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket, that can result in crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints.
Step 5

Temperament: The English Setter is excellent with children, mild-mannered and sensitive. They should be handled calmly, but firmly, when in training, and never treated harshly. They can become a nuisance barker, so early intervention by the owner is encouraged. They do make a good watchdog, and are social with other dogs.