Setters

The Setter is a type of gundog used most often for hunting game such as quail, pheasant, and grouse. A setter silently searches for game by scent and when they detect it, the dog will "freeze" rather than madly chase after it. Setters get their name from their distinctive stance; a sort of crouch or "set" upon finding their quarry. Most are born with a natural love of hunting. Dogs which show excitement and interest in birds are described as being "birdy", and trainers look for puppies that show this useful trait. Training is usually done with domesticated pigeons.

The ancestors of modern setters probably originated in Spain in the 1500s and evolved from spaniels. Later, these dogs were exported to France and England where the breeds were developed into today's varieties.

Most setter breeds have long, silky coats that require extensive maintenance, these coats protected their skin as they rushed through undergrowth in search of game. Setters have a tendency to be happy, playful(loopy?) dogs and are usually very friendly both to people and other dogs. They have a great deal of energy and require daily exercise.

Setters include the following breeds:

English Setter
Gordon Setter
Irish Setter - Red Setter
Irish Red and White Setter