English Setter health: what owners should know
Conditions the English Setter is known to be prone to, breeder screening and everyday habits that help.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, congenital deafness, hypothyroidism and allergic skin conditions are all associated with English Setters. Being deep-chested, they also carry some bloat risk. Most live around 10 to 12 years.
Ask the breeder for hip and elbow scores, thyroid results and BAER hearing tests for the litter, which are usually done at around six weeks old. Keeping your dog lean protects its joints throughout life. See a vet if your setter develops itchy, inflamed skin, gains weight without any change in diet, seems not to hear you, or becomes stiff after rest.
Numbers worth knowing
Life expectancy
10 to 12 yrs
Senior care
Individual assessment
age alone does not define care needs
Typical breed weight
20 to 36 kg