The English Setter is a sporting dog that was bred to hunt birds. The setter type of dog was developed in France in the 1500's. The English Setter was created in the 1800's in England by breeder Sir Edward Laverack (thus the name the Laverack Setter). The Setter gets its name from the way it looks like it crouches down when it spots game to point. This is a pointing breed of dog that will find birds, and point at them by raising one fore leg and raising their tail like a flag. This signals the hunter that the quarry has been found. The dog can be then trained to flush the bird from their hiding spot for the hunter to shoot. They can then be trained to retrieve the birds, but it may take some time and patience to teach them to have soft mouths as to not damage the fowl.

Playful, intelligent and energetic, the setter can be a stubborn and mischievous breed. It makes a good family dog that requires plenty of exercise.

The English Setter has a squared muzzle, a deep chest, a long, lean neck and a streamlined body. Its fur is flat and feathers out on the ears, chest, back of the legs and on the tail. It is an athletic dog with strong legs and a long stride which allows for fast running.