Llewellin Setter vs English Setter: Is There a Difference?

Written by August Croft
Updated: October 27, 2023
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There is a lot of debate regarding the differences between a Llewellin Setter vs English Setter. Are they both the same dog breed, or are there specific things that separate them from one another? If you have ever heard of Llewellin Setters, it is likely that you know of some of the debate surrounding them.

In this article, we will endeavor to illustrate these two breeds so that you can decide for yourself which dog is right for you. We will address if there are truly any differences between these dogs, including differences in appearance, behavior, ancestry, and size. Let’s get started and talk about these two fantastic dogs now.

Comparing Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter
All Llewellin Setters are English Setters, but very few English Setters are Llewellin Setters.
Llewellin SetterEnglish Setter
Size23-27 inches tall; 45-80 pounds23-27 inches tall; 45-80 pounds
AppearanceBeautiful silky coat in a variety of colors; often spotted and long. Long tail that points upward while hunting, and drooping ears with wavy fur.Beautiful silky coat in a variety of colors; often spotted and long. Long tail that points upward while hunting, and drooping ears with wavy fur.
AncestryBred as a specific bloodline of English Setters by R. LL. Purcell Llewellin. The “highest performing” hunting dog of its timeBred 200-400 years ago in England for hunting birds. “Sets” down on the ground while hunting so that they don’t disturb the birds
BehaviorIncredibly capable and hunts alongside its owners. Very eager to please, but generally calm and even tempered when put to work. Fantastic hunting dog.High energy and capable of hunting in high heat. Eager to please and a capable worker, ready to protect its family and owners. May need ample training to keep it from barking and resisting its prey drive.
Lifespan11-15 years11-15 years

Key Differences Between Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

Both English Setters and Llewellin Setters look identical.

©iStock.com/Michel VIARD

There are very few differences between a Llewellin Setter and an English Setter. In fact, all Llewellin Setters are English Setters, but very few English Setters are Llewellin Setters. The bloodline of Llewellin Setters may not exist in our modern era, though some dog breeders claim otherwise. Both English Setters and Llewellin Setters look identical. However, the hunting performance of the Llewellin Setter consistently outranks the performance of the English Setter.

Let’s take a look at both of these dog breeds in more detail now.

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter: Size

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

The hunting performance of the Llewellin Setter consistently outranks the performance of the English Setter.

©Minko Peev/Shutterstock.com

Both the English Setter and the Llewellin Setter are the same size, given their identical breeding and genetics. Depending on gender, both Llewellin and English Setters reach anywhere from 23-27 inches tall. Additionally, they weigh an average of 45-80 pounds, with females weighing far less than males. 

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter: Appearance

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

The ears of the Llewellin Setter and the English Setter are drooping, covered in wavy fur.

©Radomir Rezny/Shutterstock.com

The English Setter and the Llewellin Setter have an identical appearance that helps them while hunting. The coat of both of these dogs is found in a variety of colors and patterns, and the fur is long and silky. Additionally, the coat is often spotted, likely to mimic dappled light as the dogs set themselves down low in the underbrush to hunt birds.

The ears of the Llewellin Setter and the English Setter are drooping, covered in wavy fur. Their tails are long and point upward while they are hunting or tracking scents, tall enough to be seen over a variety of bushes and grasslands. Their bodies are lean and capable, and they are both hunting dog breeds that do well in high heat environments.

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter: Ancestry and Breeding

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

The English Setter is a purebred dog recognized as its own breed by the AKC, while the Llewellin Setter is not.

©Zelma Brezinska/Shutterstock.com

The primary difference between Llewellin Setter and English Setters lies in their ancestry and breeding. The English Setter is a purebred dog recognized as its own breed by the AKC, while the Llewellin Setter is not. However, the creator of the Llewellin Setter, R. LL. Purcell Llewellin, insisted that his dogs were their own distinct breed and bloodline, separate from English Setters.

Both of these dogs were bred for hunting birds and other game, though the Llewellin Setter was bred as a more competent and efficient hunter compared to the English Setter. Again, however, this is a hotly contested fact, despite Llewellin Setters consistently outperforming English Setters back in the 1800s when they were first created. No matter the case, all Llewellin Setters are indeed English Setters, but not all English Setters qualify for the high expectations and bloodline of the Llewellin Setter.

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter: Behavior

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

The Llewellin Setter was bred as a more competent and efficient hunter compared to the English Setter.

©janveber/Shutterstock.com

Many people debate whether or not the Llewellin Setter and the English Setter have different behaviors. The hunters who own Llewellin Setters claim that these dogs are more in tune with their owners compared to the aloof English Setter. These owners mention their Llewellin Setter never straying too far from home, while English Setters may be more likely to follow their noses.

Some owners say that their Llewellin Setter is more calm and capable than the average English Setter, though both breeds are excellent hunting companions when properly trained. Perhaps it is the extra training associated with the Llewellin Setter bloodline that leads to them being better hunting dogs compared to the average English Setter!

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter: Lifespan

Llewellin Setter vs English Setter

The hunters who own Llewellin Setters claim that these dogs are more in tune with their owners compared to the aloof English Setter.

©iStock.com/alexeys

Given that the Llewellin Setter and the English Setter are essentially the same dog breed, they have an identical lifespan. However, both of these dogs are healthy breeds, living an impressive 11-15 years. Given their large size, this is a fantastic lifespan. With a proper diet and sufficient exercise, both the Llewellin Setter and the English Setter live long and happy lives!

How Many Types of Setters Are There?

While the Llewellin setter is a type of English setter, you may be wondering how many types of setters there are. As far as being officially recognized, there are 4 types of setters. Let’s take a look at each below:

English Setter

Portrait of an English Setter dog in outdoors.

The English setter was developed in the 1800s in Great Britain.

©Ricantimages/Shutterstock.com

This setter was developed in Great Britain in the 1800s. Besides the feathering found on setter breeds, it has a deep chest, a lean, medium-length body, and small but compact feet. It stands between 24 and 27.5 inches high at the shoulder and weighs between 56 and 66 pounds.

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter in Autumn Leaves

Athletic and high-energy, the Gordon Setter loves to be outdoors.

©Anna Tronova/Shutterstock.com

Named for the Scottish nobleman Alexander Gordon, this black and tan bird dog originated in the 1600s in Scotland. It measures 24.5 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 56 and 65 pounds.

Irish Setter

©Canden Scales/Shutterstock.com

Originating in Ireland in the 1700s, the Irish setter (or red setter) probably descended from the Gordon setter and Irish water spaniel. It stands 25 to 27 inches high at the shoulder and weighs from 60 and 70 pounds. It’s characterized by a luxurious, rich mahogany or chestnut red coat.

Irish Red and White Setter

Types of Setter Dogs - Irish Red and White Setter

Irish red and white setter walking in the field. This type of setter is known for its power and athleticism.

©iStock.com/Wavetop

Irish red and white setters almost went extinct but found a resurgence in the 1920s. Their coats have a fine, wavy texture with white with red patches. Their average height is 23 to 27 inches high at the shoulder, while their average weight is 60 to 70 pounds.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gonzalo Jara/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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