English Setter: Equipment and travel

Choose English Setter's travel equipment for fit, comfort, and the actual journey, then condition each part before combining them. Watch English Setter's response closely and change one variable at a time. Condition the harness, crate, car, surfaces, and handling separately; check fit and comfort before adding distance or duration. Condition fit, movement, and duration separately before combining them in a real journey.

What the dog's body and routine require

English Setter's height is recorded as 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female). Here, that matters because it is useful context, but the individual dog's response still decides the next step.

Condition equipment in stages

  1. Condition the harness, crate, car, surfaces, and handling separately; check fit and comfort before adding distance or duration.
  2. Keep the height in view (25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)) and make the next step reversible, observable, and easy to stop.
  3. Condition fit, movement, and duration separately before combining them in a real journey.

Stop using it if

Stop if equipment causes rubbing, restricted breathing, panic, limping, or escape risk.

References

Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height

Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 45-55 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight

Life expectancy: 12 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy

Grooming: To keep their long, silky coats beautiful, English Setters need to be brushed at least once a week with a soft bristle brush. A long-toothed metal dog comb can also come in handy for gently working through areas where tangles may be beginning to form. Left unattended, tangles and mats are uncomfortable for your dog and can cause skin problems to develop.…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy

Exercise: An English Setter needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ideally this could be a daily vigorous run or play session in a large, securely fenced area. Many owners don't have access to such an area, however, so they may ride a bicycle with their English Setter alongside on a leash, jog with him, or take him for long walks or hikes. Because their…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy

Training: English Setters are sensible, good-natured, and devoted companions. They are very sensitive and take reprimands to heart, so it's best to teach them with positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Their keen nose and prey drive can lead them to follow their instincts'but this can get them into trouble, so it's important to start training early and be…
AKC page Training > official section copy

Official breed description: The English Setter is a medium-sized sporting dog of sweet temper and show-stopping good looks. It is one of the AKC's four British setters created to work on the distinctly different terrains of England, Ireland, and Scotland.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description

Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation', 'BAER Testing']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club

Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishSetter.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard

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