The English Setter belongs to the Gundog Breeds and was initially used for setting (pointing) game.  There are now two types of English Setters – the Show or Laverack type which is seen at Crufts and elsewhere in the Show ring, and the Working/trials/field or Llewellin type which, as implied, is still bred to work.  Both, though somewhat different in stature and characteristics, make excellent pets.  

Like all the gundog breeds, in the early 1900s dogs started to be bred for the show ring, i.e for exhibition, and a Mr Laverack began to breed a more glamorous English Setter resulting in the Show dog we see at Crufts each year. Mr. Llewellin was one of those interested in the working side only and in breeding a dog of excellence to work – the patching and colour of the coat was immaterial.

Today, therefore, we have two distinct English Setter types, though one no more a ‘true specimen of the breed’ than the other. They both come in the same colours and coat texture. The Show type is heavier in head, weight and coat. The Working type are usually smaller, have higher set ears and are more amenable to training. They are quiet in the home but, typical of any working gundog, very busy when in the garden or out on a walk!

The colours are mainly Blue Belton (black and white), Blue Belton and Tan (black, white and tan) and Orange Belton (orange and white) with occasionally Liver Belton (brown and white) turning up, mostly in the working dogs. Liver Belton in the Show type is rare, almost to extinction. In all colours, there is a range from almost pure white to almost solid. (see examples below)

Light Blue Belton	Medium Blue Belton	Dark Blue Belton
Light Blue Belton &Tan	Medium Blue Belton &Tan	Dark Blue Belton &Tan
Light Orange Belton	Medium Orange Belton	Dark Orange Belton
Light Liver Belton	Medium Liver Belton	Dark Liver Belton

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