English Setter.

English Setter. English Setter, breed of hunting dog, originated in England more than 400 years ago. The modern English setter dates from about 1825, when the so-called Laverack strain was developed. Later in the century further breeding of the Laverack produced the so-called Llewellin strain. The Laverack strain was imported into the United States from England in 1874, and the Llewellin during the following decade. The English setter has a long, lean head; dark-brown eyes; a long, square muzzle; ears of moderate length, silky-haired and somewhat rounded at the ends; a flat coat; and a straight tail with a fringe of featherlike hair that tapers to a point when the tail is raised. The dog may be of a number of colors or combinations of colors, including pure white; black and white; black, white, and tan; and liver and white. The male is about 61 to 64 cm (about 24 to 25 in) high at the shoulder and weighs from 23 to 32 kg (50 to 70 lb); the female is somewhat smaller. The dog is used in bird hunting. It has a very gentle nature and makes a fine pet for children. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.