What is a Setter? Setter definition and information

The definition of a setter is a type of dog bred in Europe -- particularly Great Britain -- for hunting purposes, and includes a number of breeds.

A picture of an Irish Setter

Setters are characterized by long hair, silky coats, and pleasant personalities. Due to their fine coats, they often need attention from their owners to maintain the coat.

It is believed that Setters originate from Spain through the Spaniels breed of dog, and were later bred in Great Britain and to a lesser extent in France, to enhance their hunting abilities to assist in fox, rabbit, and other game hunting. Setters are often trained extensively shortly after birth by professional dog trainers to enhance and sharpen their natural hunting abilities.