History

Over the time, the English Setter has undergone a number of significant developments. The oldest of the setters (a dog bred to crouch down or ’set’ when it spotted game), the breed is believed by some to have its origins in 14th century France.

Then it is believed, the breed was further developed in England (where it is credited with originating) some 400 years ago by crossing the Spanish Pointer, the Springer Spaniel and large water spaniels to produce a dog closer to today’s English Setter although at that time not necessarily a recognised and ’standard’ breed.

Subsequently however, in order to standardize the breed, Englishman Edward Laverack set out to develop the English Setter further over a 35 year period during the early and middle part of the 19th century. His work was yet further developed by another Englishman,  Richard Purcell Llewellin.