About the Setter
The Setter is one of the oldest gundog breeds, with origins dating back over 400 years. They were developed to help hunters locate game birds using their exceptional sense of smell. When they found birds, they would instinctively freeze and crouch low to the ground or "set" to indicate their location, allowing hunters to approach before the birds took flight. This unique behaviour is where the breed gets its name.
Over time, different types of setters were developed to suit various landscapes and hunting styles. Today, the four recognised Setter breeds are:
English Setter – Known for their elegant appearance and silky, feathered coat, English Setters are white with coloured speckles or patches, known as belton. Common colours include blue, orange, lemon, liver, and tricolour. They have a refined head, long feathered ears, and a graceful build.
Gordon Setter – The largest and most heavily built of the setter breeds, Gordon Setters have a glossy black coat with rich tan markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, legs, and under the tail. They have a strong, powerful appearance while retaining the breed's characteristic elegance.
Irish Setter – Perhaps the most recognisable of the setters, Irish Setters have a rich mahogany or chestnut-red coat with long, flowing feathering. They are tall, athletic, and known for their striking appearance and expressive eyes.
Irish Red and White Setter – This rarer breed has the same athletic build as the Irish Setter but with a distinctive white coat marked by solid red patches. Their coat is slightly shorter and less profuse than the Irish Setter's, while still featuring beautiful feathering
There are also working (field) lines and show lines. Working setters have been bred primarily for their hunting ability and often have higher energy levels, stronger scenting instincts, and a greater desire to explore. Show lines have been bred more for appearance and temperament, making them generally calmer while still retaining the breed's affectionate and active nature. Many rescue setters have a mixture of both backgrounds, so each dog should be assessed as an individual.
Although originally bred for hunting, today's setters are much more than working dogs. Given enough exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship, they make wonderfully affectionate family pets, combining a love of the outdoors with a gentle, people-focused nature that has earned them a place in homes around the world.
What Are Setters Like?
One of the reasons so many people fall in love with setters is their affectionate nature. Many are incredibly people-oriented and thrive on human companionship. They often enjoy cuddling on the sofa just as much as they enjoy a long walk and are known for forming strong bonds with their families.
However, it's important to remember that setters are individuals. Because they were bred to work independently in the field, some have a much stronger prey drive than others. A setter with lower prey drive may happily stroll through the countryside and settle beside you at home, while a higher-drive setter may be far more focused on scents, wildlife, and exploring their surroundings.
Neither is "better" than the other—they simply need homes that understand and can meet their individual needs.
Exercise and Enrichment
Setters are active dogs who enjoy being outdoors. They benefit from regular exercise, opportunities to use their noses, and activities that engage both their minds and bodies. Scent games, training, enrichment toys, and countryside walks can all help satisfy their natural instincts.
Once their exercise needs have been met, many setters are wonderfully relaxed in the home and are happiest curled up beside their favourite people.
Why Are There So Many Setters in Rescue?
Sadly, setters are one of the breeds most commonly found in rescue across parts of Southern Europe, particularly Spain, Greece, and Italy.
Many working setters are bred for hunting. At the end of the hunting season, dogs that are no longer wanted, don't hunt to the owner's expectations, or are simply surplus to requirements are often abandoned or left in overcrowded municipal shelters. Others are bred without planning for lifelong homes, adding to the number of unwanted dogs.
Rescue organisations work tirelessly to give these wonderful dogs a second chance, providing veterinary care, rehabilitation, and the opportunity to find loving homes where they will be valued as family members rather than working tools.
Is a Setter Right for You?
If you're looking for a loyal, affectionate companion who enjoys outdoor adventures but also loves being part of family life, a setter could be the perfect match.
Like any rescue dog, they need patience while they adjust to a new home. Some may have had difficult starts in life and will need time to build confidence and trust. With kindness, consistency, and positive training, most setters blossom into devoted companions who repay that love many times over.
Every setter in our care is assessed individually, and we'll always help match you with a dog whose personality, energy level, and needs fit your home and lifestyle.
By adopting a setter, you're not only gaining an incredible companion—you are giving a deserving dog the opportunity to enjoy the safe, happy life they should always have had.