| Height | 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), 45-55 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Mellow / Merry [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 89 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
An English Setter needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ideally this could be a daily vigorous run or play session in a large, securely fenced area. Many owners don't have access to such an area, however, so they may ride a bicycle with their English Setter alongside on a leash, jog with him, or take him for long walks or hikes. [1]
Grooming
To keep their long, silky coats beautiful, English Setters need to be brushed at least once a week with a soft bristle brush. A long-toothed metal dog comb can also come in handy for gently working through areas where tangles may be beginning to form. Left unattended, tangles and mats are uncomfortable for your dog and can cause skin problems to develop. [1]
Health issues to budget for
English Setters are generally healthy dogs. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for health concerns such as elbow and hip dysplasia and deafness. The breed can experience bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition, and owners should learn what signs to look out for and what to do should it occur. The ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation, BAER Testing. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the English Setter in 1878. [1]
- It ranked No. 89 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 96 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “English.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do English Setters live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12 years.
How big does a English Setter get?
AKC breed information lists height 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) and weight 65-80 pounds (male), 45-55 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a English Setter?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the English Setter, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.