A gundog for the 21st century

Graceful, intelligent and with incredible sporting instinct, the English setter is the perfect field companion in the age of sustainability

- CHARLOTTE MACKANESS

'OF ALL SPORTING dogs perhaps there are none more generally useful, beautiful and sagacious than the setter. So wrote Edward Laverack, who was instrumental in the development of the modern English setter, in 1872. 'They are possessed of all the necessary requisites for general utility, viz, great speed, nose, staunchness, method of range, and finding, and, without any exception, one of the most enduring breed of setters I have ever come across.

English setters have been involved with field trials and dog shows since their inception in the 19th century. "Around this time, the breed underwent considerable development and Edward Laverack created a breeding programme to fix the English setter into the type we see today," says Ciara Farrell, library and collections manager at the Kennel Club.

Dom Goutorbe, champion trainer, field trial judge and president of the English Setter Club, confirms that the breed has changed little in this time. "English setters came from a Spanish setting spaniel. When you look at old paintings of early setters, the working dogs today still look that way." He shares Laverack's enthusiasm but with caveats.

"If you get the training right, nothing beats a good English setter. Their grace and sheer intelligence are something else. They are also the softest, sweetest dogs; super with kids, they don't moult and have no end of wonderful qualities. However, their sporting instinct is incredibly strong, so anyone considering one needs to think carefully," he warns. "I'd equate it to buying a Mini as a run-around only to discover a highly tuned Ferrari engine under the bonnet. You just touch the accelerator and - whoosh - it's off."