Laverack Setter
Breed Description

The Laverack Setter is most commonly known simply as the English Setter in modern breed registrations and kennel club classifications. This breed represents the original strain developed by Edward Laverack in the 19th century and is sometimes distinguished from other English Setter lines by the designation "Laverack type" or "Laverack strain." Historical references may include "Laverack English Setter" to differentiate from the Llewellin strain, another famous English Setter lineage that incorporated Laverack bloodlines with additional outcrossing. In sporting dog circles, these dogs may be referred to as "Laverack line setters" or simply "Laveracks" when discussing pedigree and breeding heritage. The breed is occasionally called "Original English Setter" by enthusiasts who emphasize its foundational role in the modern breed's development.

The Laverack Setter represents the pinnacle of English Setter breeding, embodying the elegant yet functional characteristics that Edward Laverack sought to perfect throughout his fifty-year breeding program. This medium to large-sized sporting dog combines aristocratic bearing with athletic capability, displaying a harmonious balance of strength, grace, and endurance that makes them equally suited to field work and family companionship.

Standing between 23-27 inches at the shoulder and weighing 45-80 pounds depending on sex, the Laverack Setter presents a picture of refined power. The breed's most distinctive feature is its silky, flowing coat marked by the characteristic "belton" pattern - a fine speckling of colored flecks over a predominantly white base. This unique coat pattern, which Laverack himself named after a village in northern England, can appear in blue belton (black flecks), orange belton, lemon belton, liver belton, or tricolor combinations.

The Laverack Setter's head is long and lean with a well-defined stop, dark oval eyes that convey intelligence and gentleness, and low-set ears that hang close to the head with silky feathering. The neck is long and muscular, flowing into well-laid-back shoulders and a deep chest that provides ample lung capacity for extended field work. The topline is level, supported by strong loins and carried to a tail that is set on level with the back and carried horizontally with a gentle upward curve.

Movement in the Laverack Setter is fluid and ground-covering, with the characteristic setter gait that allows them to quarter efficiently across varied terrain. The breed's athleticism is enhanced by well-angulated hindquarters and strong, compact feet with well-arched toes and thick pads designed for traversing rough ground.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC recognizes the Laverack Setter under the English Setter breed standard within the Sporting Group. The standard calls for a dog of medium size with an elegant overall appearance. Size ranges from 25-27 inches for males and 23-25 inches for females. The coat should be flat, straight, and silky, with extensive feathering. Color varieties include blue belton, orange belton, lemon belton, liver belton, and tricolor. The head should be long and lean with a well-defined stop, dark eyes, and low-set ears. The body should be moderately long with good depth of chest and well-sprung ribs. The tail should be carried horizontally or with a slight upward curve. Temperament should be friendly, eager to please, and demonstrate natural hunting instincts. Movement should be smooth and effortless with good reach and drive.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Under FCI Standard No. 2, the Laverack Setter is classified in Group 7 (Pointing Dogs), Section 2.2 (British and Irish Pointers and Setters). The FCI standard emphasizes the breed's working heritage, describing a medium-sized dog with harmonious proportions. Height is specified as 65-68 cm for males and 61-65 cm for females. The standard details the distinctive belton coat pattern as fine flecking rather than large patches, with accepted colors being blue belton, orange belton, lemon belton, liver belton, and tricolor combinations. The head should show nobility with a pronounced stop, and the expression should be soft yet alert. The gait should show the breed's natural quartering ability with smooth, ground-covering movement. The standard emphasizes the breed's gentle nature combined with energy and determination in the field.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC Gun Dog Group includes the Laverack Setter under the English Setter classification, with emphasis on the breed's dual nature as both field dog and companion. The UKC standard recognizes the Laverack heritage and emphasizes working ability alongside conformation. Size requirements align with other major registries, with males typically larger than females. The standard particularly values the breed's natural hunting instincts, biddability, and endurance. Coat texture should be silky and flat-lying with abundant feathering that enhances the dog's elegant appearance without hindering field performance. The UKC places strong emphasis on temperament, requiring dogs to be friendly, tractable, and demonstrate the "gentleman by nature" character associated with the breed.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) maintains the original standard for English Setters, recognizing the Laverack contribution to the breed's development. Field Dog Stud Book (FDSB) registers focus on working ability and field performance characteristics. The English Setter Association of America (ESAA) maintains detailed breed standards that honor the Laverack heritage while addressing both show and field lines. International registries generally follow FCI guidelines while some specialty clubs maintain their own variations that emphasize particular aspects of the Laverack type, including coat quality, belton patterns, and working temperament.

The story of the Laverack Setter begins with Edward Laverack (1800-1877), a gentleman from Whitchurch, Shropshire, who would become the most influential figure in English Setter development. In 1825, at the age of 25, Laverack purchased two blue belton setters named Ponto and Old Moll from the Reverend A. Harrison of Carlisle, Cumberland. These two dogs had been bred on Harrison's estate for approximately 35 years, representing a carefully maintained bloodline that would become the foundation of all modern English Setters.

Laverack's breeding philosophy was revolutionary for its time. Rather than outcrossing to multiple bloodlines as was common practice, he maintained a closed breeding program using only Ponto and Old Moll's descendants for over four decades. This intensive linebreeding allowed him to fix type and establish the consistent characteristics that define the breed today. His meticulous record-keeping and scientific approach to breeding were unprecedented in an era when most sporting dogs were bred haphazardly.

The foundation pair, Ponto and Old Moll, were described as exceptional both in appearance and working ability. Ponto was noted for his intelligence, biddability, and natural pointing instinct, while Old Moll possessed the gentle temperament and beautiful coat quality that would become hallmarks of the strain. Through careful selection within their offspring, Laverack was able to consistently produce dogs that combined elegant appearance with superior field performance.

During the development period, Laverack faced considerable skepticism from the sporting community, many of whom believed that such close breeding would result in weakness and degeneration. However, his dogs consistently proved their worth both in the field and in early dog shows, with their descendants dominating competition well into the 1890s. The term "belton" to describe the breed's distinctive flecked coat pattern was coined by Laverack himself, named after the village of Belton in Northumberland.

Laverack's influence extended far beyond his breeding program. He was a prolific writer and his book "The Setter" published in 1872, became the definitive work on setter breeds and established many of the principles that guide modern English Setter breeding. His detailed descriptions of ideal type, temperament, and working ability formed the basis for the first breed standards adopted by kennel clubs worldwide.

The dogs' success in early field trials and conformation shows brought international attention to the Laverack strain. Many of the finest specimens were exported to America, where they formed the foundation of American English Setter breeding. Notable exports included champion dogs that established important bloodlines in the United States and contributed to the breed's popularity as both hunting dogs and family companions.

While Richard Purcell Llewellin would later develop his own famous strain by outcrossing Laverack dogs with other setter varieties, the pure Laverack line remained highly prized for its consistency of type and gentle temperament. Today's English Setters, whether from show or field lines, can trace their ancestry back to Ponto and Old Moll through Laverack's careful breeding program.

The legacy of the Laverack Setter extends beyond mere pedigree influence. Edward Laverack's approach to breeding - emphasizing health, temperament, and working ability alongside physical beauty - established principles that remain relevant to responsible dog breeding today. His insistence on maintaining detailed records and his scientific approach to genetic improvement were far ahead of their time and contributed to the establishment of the modern purebred dog fancy.

The Laverack Setter was developed specifically as a superior gun dog for upland game bird hunting, representing the pinnacle of setter functionality in the field. Their primary role involves systematically quartering hunting grounds to locate game birds using their exceptional scenting ability, then indicating the birds' presence through the characteristic "setting" behavior - freezing in a pointing position that allows the hunter to approach and flush the birds within gun range.

In their hunting role, Laverack Setters demonstrate remarkable efficiency and intelligence. They work at a moderate pace that allows them to thoroughly cover ground while maintaining close communication with their handler. Their natural range typically extends from 50 to 200 yards depending on terrain and cover, with experienced dogs adjusting their pattern based on wind conditions and game availability. The breed's stamina allows them to hunt effectively for extended periods, often working full days in challenging terrain.

The setting behavior that gives the breed its name is deeply ingrained and typically appears in puppies as young as six months old. When game is located, the dog freezes in position - sometimes dramatically dropping to a crouch, other times standing tall with one front paw raised - and maintains this pose until released by the hunter. This natural behavior was essential in the pre-shotgun era when hunters used nets to capture birds, requiring the dog to remain motionless while nets were positioned.

Beyond their primary hunting function, Laverack Setters excel as retrievers of downed game, though this was considered a secondary skill in their development. Their soft mouths and gentle nature make them excellent at delivering birds undamaged to hand. Many Laverack Setters also demonstrate natural water entry and swimming ability, though they were not specifically bred for waterfowl work like retrievers.

In the modern sporting context, Laverack Setters continue to excel in field trials and hunting tests that evaluate their natural abilities. They compete in pointing breed field trials where dogs are judged on their ability to find, point, and handle game birds under actual hunting conditions. Their biddability and eagerness to please make them excellent candidates for force-fetch training and advanced handling techniques.

The breed's function has expanded significantly beyond hunting in contemporary times. Their gentle, intelligent nature makes them excellent therapy dogs, able to provide emotional support in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Their striking appearance and calm demeanor have made them popular choices for dog shows and conformation competition, where they compete based on their adherence to breed standards.

As family companions, Laverack Setters serve multiple functional roles. Their natural protective instincts make them effective watchdogs who will alert to strangers while remaining non-aggressive. Their high energy and athletic ability make them excellent jogging and hiking companions for active families. Their intelligence and trainability allow them to excel in various dog sports including agility, rally, and competitive obedience.

The breed's function in modern working roles includes search and rescue work, where their scenting ability and endurance prove valuable in locating missing persons. Some Laverack Setters work in conservation efforts, using their natural game-finding abilities to locate and monitor bird populations for wildlife management purposes. Their gentle nature and intelligence have also made them suitable for some assistance dog roles, though their high energy levels may limit their effectiveness in certain service applications.

The behavioral profile of the Laverack Setter reflects centuries of selective breeding for both working ability and companionship. These dogs exhibit what breed enthusiasts call the "gentleman by nature" temperament - a combination of dignity, intelligence, and gentle manners that makes them exceptional family companions while retaining their effectiveness as sporting dogs.

Intelligence is perhaps the most defining behavioral characteristic of the Laverack Setter. These dogs demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and show remarkable capacity for learning complex behaviors quickly. Their intelligence manifests in their ability to read human emotions and intentions, making them highly responsive to their handler's moods and expectations. This emotional intelligence contributes to their effectiveness as therapy dogs and their reputation as intuitive family companions.

The breed displays a natural eagerness to please that makes training generally straightforward, though their intelligence can sometimes manifest as independence or selective hearing when they find their own agenda more interesting than their handler's commands. Successful training approaches emphasize positive reinforcement and mental stimulation, as these dogs thrive on having a job to do and can become destructive when bored or understimulated.

Energy levels in Laverack Setters are notably high, particularly during their first three to four years of life. These dogs require substantial daily exercise - typically two or more hours of vigorous activity - to maintain mental and physical health. Without adequate exercise, they may develop behavioral problems including excessive barking, destructive chewing, digging, or hyperactivity. Their exercise needs are best met through activities that engage both their physical and mental capabilities, such as hiking, retrieving games, or structured training sessions.

Socially, Laverack Setters are typically outgoing and friendly, though they may show initial reserve with strangers. Early socialization is crucial for developing confident, well-adjusted adults. They generally interact well with other dogs, particularly when properly introduced, though their hunting heritage may trigger chase behaviors toward small animals. Their social nature means they thrive on interaction and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods regularly.

The breed's hunting instincts remain strong even in dogs never used for hunting. They will naturally quarter yards and parks, investigating interesting scents and often freezing in pointing positions when they encounter birds or other small animals. This behavior is instinctive and typically emerges in puppies as young as eight to twelve weeks old. Understanding and accommodating these natural behaviors is essential for successful ownership.

Laverack Setters typically display a slow maturation process, maintaining puppy-like behaviors and energy levels well into their third or fourth year. This extended adolescence requires patience from owners but also means these dogs retain playfulness and enthusiasm throughout their lives. Their love of play and interaction makes them excellent companions for children, though their size and energy may be overwhelming for very young children.

Territorial behaviors in Laverack Setters are generally mild compared to guardian breeds. They will alert to strangers approaching their territory but rarely show aggression. Their approach to protection is more likely to involve positioning themselves between their family and perceived threats rather than aggressive confrontation. This makes them excellent watchdogs but poor guard dogs in the traditional sense.

Stress responses in the breed typically involve increased activity levels, vocalization, or withdrawal behaviors. Signs of stress might include excessive panting, pacing, or attention-seeking behaviors. These dogs are sensitive to their environment and may react strongly to loud noises, conflicts within the household, or changes in routine. Creating stable, predictable environments helps minimize stress-related behavioral issues.

Communication patterns in Laverack Setters include a variety of vocalizations beyond barking. They may whine when excited or seeking attention, use soft "talking" sounds during greeting behaviors, and employ body language extensively to communicate their needs and emotions. Understanding these communication patterns helps owners respond appropriately to their dog's needs and strengthen the human-animal bond.

The Laverack Setter's integration into family life represents one of the breed's greatest strengths, as these dogs were developed not only as superior hunting companions but as gentle, intelligent household members. Their natural affinity for human companionship makes them exceptional family dogs, though their specific needs and characteristics require understanding and accommodation from all family members.

Within the family hierarchy, Laverack Setters typically bond strongly with all family members rather than selecting a single favorite person. However, they often show particular attachment to the family member who provides the most training, exercise, and interactive engagement. This inclusive bonding pattern makes them excellent family dogs who participate enthusiastically in household activities and show genuine concern for all family members' welfare.

Their interaction with children is generally exemplary, characterized by patience, gentleness, and protective instincts. Laverack Setters seem to inherently understand the need for careful behavior around young children and often adjust their energy levels and play style accordingly. However, their size and enthusiasm can overwhelm toddlers, and supervision is recommended during interactions with children under five years old. They excel as companions for school-age children who can participate in training and exercise activities.

The breed's exercise requirements significantly impact family dynamics, as these dogs need substantial daily activity to maintain good behavior and mental health. Families must be prepared to commit to daily walks, runs, or active play sessions regardless of weather conditions. Weekend hiking, swimming, or field trips can help meet their exercise needs while providing enjoyable family activities. Sedentary families may find the breed's energy demands challenging to meet consistently.

Training responsibilities within the family should ideally be shared among members old enough to participate meaningfully. Consistency in commands, expectations, and boundaries is crucial for successful integration. Family meetings to discuss training goals and methods help ensure everyone interacts with the dog appropriately. Children can participate in basic training exercises under adult supervision, which strengthens their bond with the dog while teaching responsibility.

Space requirements for Laverack Setters include both indoor and outdoor considerations. While they can adapt to various living situations, they thrive with access to securely fenced yards where they can exercise and explore safely. Their tendency to roam when following interesting scents makes unsupervised outdoor time in unfenced areas inadvisable. Indoor space should accommodate a large, active dog who may have difficulty settling in cramped quarters.

The breed's social nature means they integrate best into families who spend considerable time at home or can include the dog in many activities. Laverack Setters left alone for extended periods regularly may develop behavioral problems including destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, or depression. Families with busy schedules should consider doggy daycare, dog walkers, or other arrangements to ensure adequate social interaction and exercise.

Multi-pet households can work well with Laverack Setters, though careful introductions and management are essential. Their hunting heritage means they may chase cats or small pets, particularly during play or excitement. Early socialization with other household pets is crucial. They typically coexist peacefully with other dogs of similar size and energy levels but may become frustrated with less active companions who don't engage in play.

Household routines benefit from structure and predictability when including a Laverack Setter. These dogs thrive on routine and knowing what to expect from their day. Establishing consistent feeding, exercise, and training schedules helps prevent behavioral problems and makes the dog a more pleasant household companion. Flexibility within structure allows for family activities while maintaining necessary boundaries.

The breed's grooming requirements impact family dynamics through the time commitment needed for coat maintenance and the reality of dealing with shed hair throughout the house. Regular brushing, professional grooming, and management of their feathered coat are ongoing responsibilities that affect household cleanliness and maintenance routines.

Financial considerations for families include not only the initial acquisition cost but ongoing expenses for quality food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and exercise equipment. The breed's athletic nature may result in higher veterinary costs due to activity-related injuries, and their longevity means a long-term financial commitment that families should carefully consider before acquisition.

The Laverack Setter generally enjoys robust health with a typical lifespan of 12-15 years, though like all purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions. The breed's overall health profile reflects the benefits of Edward Laverack's careful breeding program, which emphasized not only appearance and working ability but also the health and longevity of breeding stock. Modern Laverack Setter breeders continue this tradition through health testing and genetic screening.

The breed's athletic nature and active lifestyle contribute positively to their overall health profile. Regular exercise helps maintain appropriate weight, cardiovascular health, and muscle tone while reducing the risk of obesity-related health problems. However, their high activity levels also increase the risk of injuries, particularly to joints and soft tissues during field work or vigorous play.

Genetic diversity within the Laverack Setter population has been carefully managed since the breed's inception, though the intensive linebreeding used to establish the strain has resulted in some health concerns common to the breed. Responsible breeding practices including health testing of breeding stock and careful pedigree analysis help minimize the transmission of genetic disorders to offspring.

Preventive healthcare for Laverack Setters should follow standard veterinary recommendations for vaccinations, parasite prevention, and routine examinations. Annual wellness visits allow for early detection of health issues and provide opportunities to discuss nutrition, exercise, and age-related health concerns. Senior dogs benefit from more frequent examinations to monitor for age-related conditions.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining Laverack Setter health throughout their lives. High-quality dog food appropriate for their life stage, activity level, and any health conditions provides the foundation for good health. Puppies require food formulated for large breed dogs to promote proper growth and development. Active adult dogs may need higher calorie densities than sedentary pets.

Weight management is particularly important for this breed, as excess weight exacerbates joint problems and increases the risk of other health issues. Regular body condition scoring and weight monitoring help maintain optimal body condition. Exercise should be adjusted based on individual health status and any physical limitations.

Environmental factors affecting Laverack Setter health include exposure to extreme temperatures, toxic plants, and chemicals. Their active outdoor lifestyle increases exposure to ticks, which can transmit serious diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Regular tick prevention and post-outdoor activity checks are essential preventive measures.

If you're looking to adopt a Laverack Setter, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Laverack Setters waiting for their forever homes. Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.