The 60-second version of the English Setter: what they're like, what they need, and whether one would suit your home — written for Australian owners.
English Setter at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed group | Gundog |
| Weight | 25–36 kg |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years |
| Energy | High — born to range |
| Coat | Long, silky, Belton-speckled |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3 times weekly |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Good with kids | Outstanding — gentle and playful |
| Puppy price (AU) | $1,800–$3,000 |
| Insurance (AU) | ~$50–$85/month |
Living with a English Setter in Australia
The English Setter is the most mild-mannered of the setters — a beautiful, speckled ("Belton") gundog that ranges all day and charms all evening. They’re famously gentle, sociable with dogs and people, and sensitive to harsh handling. In Australia they suit active, kind households with space and time: like all setters, the exercise need is real and the recall around birds is aspirational.
Health watch-outs
A healthy gundog with a few notes:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — ask for scores.
- Deafness — BAER testing recommended.
- Hypothyroidism and bloat — the large-breed awareness list.
Budget at a glance
- Puppy price: typically $1,800–$3,000 from a registered breeder — much lower offers are often scams.
- Insurance: around $50–$85/month — see our pet insurance cost guide for what shapes premiums.
- Feathered-coat grooming plus serious daily exercise.
Is a English Setter right for you?
Great fit if you… ✅
- Active families wanting a gentle, beautiful gundog
- Kind, patient trainers
- Homes with space and secure fences
Think twice if… ⚠️
- Exercise needs are substantial
- The nose and ears switch off around birds
Keep exploring
🍖 Best food: See our dog food picks — chosen for Australian conditions and budgets
🛡️ Insurance: What pet insurance costs in Australia — breed-by-breed premium guidance