When deciding on a dog that fits you the best, you need to look at that breed’s characteristics. We all know and love popular breeds like Golden Retrievers or French Bulldogs, but there are also amazing and unique breeds that are not so well known, like the Llewellin Setters. If you are interested in learning about this breed, stick with us.
Llewellin Setter dogs are unique-looking pups that resemble their close cousins English Setters. Their origin is not entirely known, but a theory goes that they were bred out of English Setters by a breeder named Llewellin, and that’s how they got their name. However, the word “setter” comes from how they stand during hunting when the hunter asks them to “set.” They are known for their striking looks, but they are also very agile and fast, which explains why they were originally used for hunting.
Llewellin Setter Characteristics
If you are interested in one of these dogs, you’ll need to be patient because they are not easy to find. We suggest you contact a reputable breeder who will inform you of everything you need to know about your future puppy. It would be best if you asked questions about the past care they received or any information regarding the health of your future puppy.
They are charming dogs that come in various colors, so choosing the right puppy for you will be a tough decision. Also, Llewellin puppies would be great for families, and the only thing you need to ensure is that they aren’t bored because they constantly need to be active and entertained. You must start their training early because you will want to prevent the development of bad habits, such as biting and barking.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Llewellin Setter Dog🧠
Llewellin Setters are usually very timid and affectionate dogs that make powerful bonds with their owners. They typically don’t require a lot to be satisfied, but like every dog, they require a lot of attention, and what better way to give them attention than through playtime?
Are These Dogs Good for Families?👪
Hunters worldwide love them because of their outstanding skills and agility, but you will also be pleasantly surprised by their family-oriented behavior. They are known to be very gentle with children and especially do well in very active families. On the other hand, they are not the biggest fans of being left alone in the house, so keep that in mind.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Llewellin Setters are dogs that were primarily used for hunting, so with that said, you need to be careful when introducing them to other pets. If you have other dogs in your household, you should introduce them slowly and look at their reaction to avoid aggressive behavior. Meeting your two dogs in neutral territory is best before having them together in your yard or house.
You should be even more careful if you have other pets, such as cats, birds, and rodents. We suggest keeping them separated to avoid any incidents due to their hunting origins.
Things to Know When Owning a Llewellin Setter Dog:
As with any other dog parent, you might have endless questions regarding their care and maintenance. While these pups are rare, they require similar treatment and handling to any other popular breed.
Food & Diet Requirements🦴
Feeding your Llewellin Setter should be done as any other dog—always match the food with the dog’s age, size, activity level, and potential food allergies. Considering the Llewellin is a pretty active breed, you can expect them to eat larger portions and with a lot of animal-based protein to keep their bodies lean and muscular. You can give them a full kibble diet or a wet diet and occasionally mix it up with vegetables.
However, if your dog is used for hunting or any activities of that sort, you should give them food that is high in calories which would provide them with enough energy to perform well. It is always recommended to seek personalized advice from your veterinarian in case your pup has any food sensitivities.
Exercise🐕
The Llewellin Setter is highly active, which means they are nonstop on the move. This means that your duty as an owner is to make sure that they get enough exercise daily. This way, you will help them and yourself because when they are bored, they are known to make a lot of mess around the house. It would be best to have a fenced area where they can run freely and spend their energy on healthy activities. Because the Llewellin Setter is quite agile and has much stamina, you can also enjoy hiking trips with your favorite sidekick.
Training🎾
As with any other breed, proper training is essential from the early years. The Llewellin Setter is very affectionate and sensitive, so a gentle approach is always recommended. These pups will best respond to positive reinforcement methods rather than harsh punishments. Because they are so sensitive, they are in tune with your emotions and frustrations, so staying calm during your training sessions is crucial. Gently lead your pup in the right direction, and it will eagerly follow your guidance to become a well-mannered dog.
Proper training is necessary, especially for people who intend to take this dog hunting. For any additional help, you can ask a professional dog trainer for some key advice on how to train your dog quickly and effectively.
Grooming✂️
They have unique coats that are usually white with patches of black and brown. It is long, so it needs proper and regular grooming. We suggest you groom them weekly. An occasional bath is required to keep their fur silky smooth, although don’t overdo it, or you can disrupt their skin’s pH levels. Especially with dogs that go hunting, hair could get very dirty in every area of their body, so proper bathing is essential.
Llewellin Setters have adorable, long ears, and any dog with long ears has a predisposition for ear infections. Regularly cleaning their ears with a cotton pad and pet-safe solution will ensure your dog has no problems.
Health and Conditions❤️
While the overall health of Llewellin Setters and other Setters is decent, they are prone to some health issues. They are prone to elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy, and Canine Hip Dysplasia. Any responsible breeder will screen their litter for these genetic conditions.
Male vs. Female
Male and female Llewellin Setters have few visual differences, making them difficult to tell apart just by looking at them. Most of their differences are behavioral. Females tend to be more stubborn and strong-willed, while males are easier to train. Because male dogs usually have better stamina, they might perform better in hunting and other sports activities.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Llewellin Setter Dog
1. All Llewellin Setters are English Setters, but not all English Setters are Llewellin Setters
The Llewellin Setter is thought to be a famous strain of the English Setter. They were bred to be smaller than English Setters, giving them more agility and making them better hunters.
2. All Setter breeds got their name from being able to “set” during hunting
All Setter breeds got their names from the hunting trips, where the hunter often needed them to lay down quietly or “set.” This skill was beneficial when locating game birds. These hunting rituals often required the hunters to cast a net on the game, covering the dog as well. Laying low would be a much more efficient way to escape the net than a standing dog on point. So any dog that “set” would be branded as a Setter.
3. They have gorgeous Belton markings
Just like their English Setter cousins, the Llewellin Setters can exhibit gorgeous Belton markings. When these pups are born with pure white coats, they start exhibiting dark freckles and “blanketed” coloring later in life.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article will help you learn more information about this rare and lovely breed. Whether you decide that the Llewellin Setter is the ideal breed for you or not, you can’t deny their exceptional qualities as lifelong friends and skilled hunters. Make sure to maintain their skin and coat health, and provide them with plenty of daily activities to keep them satisfied.
Featured Image Credit: Ginger Livingston Sanders, Shutterstock
