Grooming

If possible, an English Setter should be groomed every day. This will keep the coat in good condition by removing loose, dead hair. It also allows you to check the condition of the coat and skin. If the dog has been exercised in areas of heavy undergrowth, it is easy for the coat to pick up thorns, thistles, grass seeds, etc. All of these should be removed as soon as possible. If they are left in the coat for too long, the coat will get into knots or they will start to bury into the skin and cause sores. If an English Setter comes home wet after exercise, he will look filthy, but it is surprising how clean he appears after his coat has dried. However, any accumulation of mud should be removed as soon as possible. Failure to remove mud, grass seeds and other debris can be a contributory factor in triggering skin problems.

Daily grooming will enable you to check for any cuts, sores, abrasions, etc, and treat them if necessary. It also allows you to check for signs of external parasites. A dry or patchy coat can often be caused by fleas or lice. If a dog is exercised on grass used by sheep, it is common for them to pick up ticks. These tend to gather in warm areas of the body. Check the fold of skin on the rear edge of the ears and also the hollows where the underside of the limbs meet the body, as these are frequently the first places affected. During the harvest months, microscopic parasites known as mites gather on grass and can be picked up on the dog's paws. If you find that your dog starts to chew his paws when settling down after exercise, or if the paws develop a reddish colouring, then it may be that he has picked up mites. Try bathing them in an antiseptic wash.

Trimming

If you intend to show your English Setter, you will have to consider the need to trim him in order to enhance his appearance and highlight his attributes in accordance with the Kennel Club Standard. You can get advice from your Breeder or other Exhibitors regarding the best way to achieve this. Beware of using advice or pictures from books written by non-English authors. These are often based on the American show scene and the extensive level of trimming depicted would be frowned upon at British shows.

Even if you do not intend to show your English Setter, it is important to recognise that a little trimming will help to keep him clean, tidy, and comfortable. A significant amount of hair tends to grow on top of and underneath the ears, around the neck and throat, under the body and around the hindquarters, and underneath and between the toes. Keep the hair short underneath the ears. This will help keep ears cool, clean and problem-free. Trimming underneath the toes will reduce the amount of dirt which is brought into the house after exercise. Do not forget the toenails and dew claws as these may need to be clipped. This is particularly true where the dog is not regularly exercised on a hard surface (eg paths or roadways). A Triming Chart showing the areas of the dog which are normally trimmed is shown below and is also downloadable in PDF format by clicking HERE