Page 20 - ShowSight Presents - The English Setter

heads plopped straight on to shoulders, no bodies a mile long, no legs too short or too long, no straight front and over-angulated rears- I am sure you get the picture! His head is not as lean as the Irish, nor as deep and wide as the Gordon but shows parallel planes as the others. He has a definite stop and occiput and a lovely dark almost round eye, well set. Full pigmentation of the eye and lips is important as it is essential in creating that wonderful, soft expression. The head should be in balance with the rest of the dog and not either underdone or overdone. These are scenting animals so it is important to have good noses and straight nasal bones.
A lean, arched neck should lead into well laid-back shoulders. Front and back assembly must match if this dog is to be well-balanced and good angulation front and back is ideal but often lacking. Abrupt, steep shoulders create a pounding movement that is far from effortless. The same can be said for short upper arms. I find this to be a common problem in most sporting dogs. I am thrilled when I find a correctly assembled front and rear and as a fellow setter judge just commented to me, “if you find that run to the table and throw them every ribbon you have!” A chest with fill in the front and depth to the elbow will provide the lung room needed for a dog who is hunting hard all day. Ribs should be well-sprung but not barreled. The ribs need to be carried back with a short loin for the efficiency of movement. This correct assembly should result in an oval look when viewed from the top. A wide thigh is a plus. Our standard does not give any height to length measurements but balance is key- too short or too long in body will distort as legs too short or long. I need to caution you not to dwell on pieces and parts but judge the whole dog. Yet, the summation of the pieces and parts are what makes the dog. Might I mention again that it is important to reward animals with correct assembly.
We ask for medium bone, good feet essential for hunting and nice short hocks that will propel him with ease. Tails are extensions of the spine and should be straight off the back and lively. They should be long enough to only reach the hock and taper from the set. This does not mean a flag flying in the breeze nor a tail pointing to the head. Incorrect tails have become the norm. If the croup is correct it would be
264 • SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2014