English Setter
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the English Setter. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip and elbow dysplasia | moderate | The main orthopedic concerns; request OFA scores. |
| Hypothyroidism | moderate | Frequent in the breed; cheap to diagnose and treat. |
| Deafness | moderate | Congenital deafness occurs at elevated rates; BAER testing available. |
| Skin allergies | moderate | Atopy and ear flare-ups are common chronic complaints. |
| Bloat (GDV) | low | Deep chest confers some risk; rest after meals. |
Pet insurance for a English Setter
Insurers price a English Setter from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a English Setter is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 45–80 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the English Setter sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the English Setter
The English Setter is a speckled, feathered bird dog developed in England to locate and crouch-point game, prized for a notably gentle, mellow temperament. It is one of the friendliest sporting breeds — devoted to family, patient with children, sociable with other dogs — and settles into the home more calmly than most pointers given a solid hour of daily exercise. The feathered coat needs brushing several times a week, and drooping ears need routine care. Suits active families wanting beauty and sweetness in one dog.
Origin: England
Temperament
Related reading for English Setter owners
English Setter FAQ
How long do English Setters live?
The typical English Setter lifespan is 11–13 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a English Setter?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The English Setter carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the English Setter a good apartment dog?
Usually not. At 45–80 lbs with an energy level of 4/5, the English Setter needs more space and daily exercise than most apartments can offer.
What health problems are English Setters prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip and elbow dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Deafness. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.