Sur cette page (6 sections)
The English Setter is a born athlete that needs wide open spaces to express its full vitality while traveling. Its natural elegance and gentleness make it a pleasant but demanding companion in terms of daily physical expenditure. This dog is built for active holidays with long outings morning and evening at minimum. Its large size and intense exercise needs require rigorous planning of accommodations and activities. It will reward its sporty owners with extraordinary companionship on the trails.
Atouts en voyage
- Exceptional endurance for long and sporty hikes
- Gentle and affectionate character despite its large size
- Excellent outdoors and in varied natural environments
- Natural sociability with humans and other dogs
Defis a anticiper
- Very high exercise needs making sedentary days problematic
- Large size complicating public transport and compact accommodations
- Long coat requiring regular maintenance especially after nature outings
Profil voyage
En images
Se deplacer avec votre Setter
The English Setter travels by train muzzled and on a short leash with a half-fare ticket. Its large size requires reserving a seat with enough floor space for it to lie down. Favor off-peak trains for more comfort. A long walk before departure is essential for it to remain calm during the journey.
The car is the most suitable transport for the English Setter thanks to the trunk or rear seat space. Install a partition grid or a safety harness suited to its build. Plan frequent breaks of at least 20 minutes so it can stretch its legs. Its long coat can make vehicle cleaning tedious; use a seat protector.
The English Setter must travel in the cargo hold in an IATA crate large enough for it to stand and turn around. Some airlines refuse dogs above 32 kg including crate; check limits carefully before booking. Cargo travel is stressful for this sensitive dog; favor other transport modes when possible.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Gastric torsion linked to exercise after meals, life-threatening
- Thorns and foreign bodies in the long coat and between the toes
- Heatstroke in summer as its high activity level pushes it to exert itself even in hot weather
Precautions
Strictly respect a two-hour gap between meals and any physical activity to prevent gastric torsion. Thoroughly inspect its coat, ears, and paws after each nature outing to remove foxtails and ticks.
Tolerance chaleur
The English Setter copes poorly with high heat due to its thick coat and high energy level. Shift activities to cool hours and limit exertion in temperatures above 25 degrees. Regularly wet its belly and paw pads.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Blunt-tipped scissors to remove tangles and foreign bodies from the coat
- Antiseptic solution for minor running injuries
- Cohesive bandage to immobilize a paw in case of a sprain
- Portable cooling mat for summer breaks
Equipement indispensable
Sturdy hiking harness
Its pulling power while running requires a strong harness well-fitted to its deep chest
10-meter training lead
Gives it the running space it needs while maintaining control in unsecured areas
Detangling brush
Its long silky coat accumulates debris and tangles after every nature outing and needs daily brushing
Large water bottle with bowl
Its intense activity level demands frequent and abundant hydration on hikes
Blanket or sleeping mat
Its build requires a spacious and comfortable bed to recover properly after long exercise days
Ou partir avec votre Setter ?
The English Setter is made for long mountain hikes and vast natural spaces where it can gallop. Off-season beaches also provide a wonderful playground for this athletic dog.
Le saviez-vous ?
The English Setter can reach speeds of 45 km/h in full sprint, making it one of the fastest hunting dogs
Its name comes from the English verb 'to set' because it freezes in a crouching position when it detects game, a spectacular posture to observe on walks
Edward Laverack devoted 35 years of his life to fixing the breed standard in the 19th century, creating one of the most elegant dogs in the canine world
Questions frequentes
How much exercise should you plan per day on holiday with an English Setter?
The English Setter needs at least two hours of intense physical activity per day, ideally split into two outings. On active holidays, it can easily accompany hikes of 20 km or more. Without enough exercise, it will become restless and difficult to manage in accommodations.
Can the English Setter sleep in a tent while bivouacking?
Yes, the English Setter can sleep in a tent provided there is enough space for its large build. Bring an insulating mat and blanket as it can get cold at night despite its coat. Tie it up or zip the tent securely as its hunting instinct might push it to go out during the night.
Is its long coat a problem on holiday?
The English Setter's coat requires daily brushing on holiday, especially after nature outings where it accumulates foxtails, twigs, and tangles. Allow 10 to 15 minutes of grooming each evening. Bring a detangling brush and blunt-tipped scissors to remove foreign bodies.
Does the English Setter get along with children on holiday?
The English Setter is generally very gentle and patient with children, making it a good family holiday companion. Its large size and enthusiasm can accidentally knock over toddlers. Always supervise interactions and teach children not to disturb it during rest times.
Can you let an English Setter off leash on a beach?
Letting an English Setter off leash on a beach is risky because its hunting instinct can send it running very far very fast. Make sure the beach is fully enclosed or use a lead of at least 10 meters. Work intensively on recall before traveling but never count on it 100 percent with this breed.
