Page 17 - ShowSight Presents - The English Setter

!he English Setter is an upland bird hunt- ing dog. Although they Although they origi- nated, in England they became popular in the
U.S. as an important hunting dog in the South and later a competition field trial dog. In addition, there were dogs imported to be shown as well
The English Setter has been a great upland bird dog originating in England. It is extremely important when judging this breed that we remember they were bred to be hunting dog and they should retain these qualities.
The word Setters comes from the word Set. English Setters were bred to ‘set’ birds. To ‘set’ means to crouch down on point (pointing at a bird). Consequently, structure is important not only for endur- ance but also for crouching down for long periods of time. A dog often will stand on point for twenty minutes while the hunter works their way up to flush the bird that is being pointed.
The balance of a pointing/hunting dog is of utmost importance as they must cov- er vast terrain in pursuit of game (birds). Balance in structure help reduce fatigue and break down of joints and muscles. Often you will see a less angulated dog be quicker for short periods of time, but not be able to outlast the endurance of a dog with proper angulations and balance. Correct balance and angulations create effortless movement. In addition, you will
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gain much more effective movement with correct muscling.
It is important that they have good rib spring to be able to breathe, as a great hunting dog may hunt for eight hours a day for weeks at a time. Their movement should be easy, effortless, not heavy or pounding. With no hacking, sickle-hawks, over reaching or rolling as all of these things will break down the body rapidly and cause injuries, aches and pains.
The toes tight, arched and not flat. If their toes are flat, they are at risk of sores and injuries.
Type is pertinent for this breed. English Setters are a moderate gun dog, smaller than the Irish and Gordon Setters. They are of good bone and size without being slight weedy or massive.
Head planes should be level, the muzzle and skull should have a brick
like appearance. Flaws should be square, not pendulous. A must in this breed is the soft sweet expression in the eyes and face with no harshness.
Dog A—Represents the greatest bal- ance of the three dogs. Not only are the length of the bones important but where they are seated on the vertebrae.
As a straight scapula or upper arm will cause the dog to be off balance and make extra effort and motion that is not only unnecessary but will cause the body to break down quickly.
This dog is not only the most balanced in bone length, but also in length of body to height. Average measurements: 261⁄4 x 261⁄2.
Length of back is extremely important as well, as a setter can not reach and drive properly with a back that is too short or with a back that is too long and dipping or reaching.
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250 • SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2014