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 | English Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 23-27 inches tall; 45-80 pounds | 23-27 inches tall; 45-80 pounds |
| Appearance | 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. | 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. |
| Ancestry | Bred as a specific bloodline of English Setters by R. LL. Purcell Llewellin. The “highest performing” hunting dog of its time | Bred 200-400 years ago in England for hunting birds. “Sets” down on the ground while hunting so that they don’t disturb the birds |
| Behavior | Incredibly 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. |
| Lifespan | 11-15 years | 11-15 years |
Key Differences Between Llewellin Setter vs English Setter
Both English Setters and Llewellin Setters look identical.
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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
The hunting performance of the Llewellin Setter consistently outranks the performance of the English Setter.
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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
The ears of the Llewellin Setter and the English Setter are drooping, covered in wavy fur.
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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
The English Setter is a purebred dog recognized as its own breed by the AKC, while the Llewellin Setter is not.
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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
The Llewellin Setter was bred as a more competent and efficient hunter compared to the English Setter.
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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
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!
