Llewellin Setter

Description

The Llewellin Setter is a distinguished and versatile breed of dog, primarily known for its exceptional hunting and pointing abilities. It is a type of English Setter that was selectively bred for its superior performance in the field, particularly in bird hunting. The breed is named after R.L. Llewellin, an Englishman who, in the late 19th century, refined and improved the breed through his focused efforts to produce a dog with excellent fieldwork, agility, and a natural ability to point and retrieve game. The Llewellin Setter’s refined abilities as a hunting dog, combined with its friendly demeanor, make it a popular choice for hunters and dog enthusiasts alike.

Physically, the Llewellin Setter is an elegant, athletic dog with a well-balanced, muscular build. Males typically stand between 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder, while females are usually slightly smaller. They are known for their long, flowing coat, which is typically white with speckles of orange, black, or liver, giving them a beautiful and distinctive appearance. Their coat is smooth and silky but requires regular grooming to prevent matting. With their long legs and strong, lean body, the Llewellin Setter is built for endurance, capable of running for long periods and covering great distances in pursuit of game.

Temperamentally, the Llewellin Setter is renowned for its friendly and gentle nature. These dogs are typically affectionate, loyal, and eager to please, making them excellent companions both in the field and at home. Their high energy and playful nature mean they thrive in active households, where they can receive plenty of exercise and attention. Though they are highly intelligent and easily trainable, Llewellins require consistent leadership, as their hunting instincts can sometimes be strong. They are known to be gentle with children and other pets, and their sociable demeanor makes them an excellent choice for families and hunters alike.

As a hunting dog, the Llewellin Setter is renowned for its exceptional pointing ability, which makes it an outstanding bird dog. It has a natural talent for finding and locating game, particularly upland birds such as quail and pheasant. Its keen nose and instinctive pointing behavior make it an invaluable tool for hunters, and its high energy levels and enthusiasm for the chase ensure that it can keep up in challenging terrain. Unlike some other breeds, the Llewellin Setter is known for its methodical and precise work in the field, making it a reliable and efficient hunting partner.

In summary, the Llewellin Setter is a highly skilled and versatile dog with a beautiful appearance and a gentle temperament. Known for its exceptional hunting abilities, particularly in bird hunting, this breed excels both in the field and as a loyal family companion. Its intelligence, friendly nature, and strong work ethic have earned it a dedicated following among hunters and dog lovers, and it remains a cherished breed for those who appreciate its athleticism, intelligence, and affectionate demeanor.

History

The Llewellin Setter is a distinguished strain of the English Setter, specifically bred for exceptional hunting abilities and versatility in the field. Its history begins in the mid-19th century, when Edward Laverack, an English breeder, began refining the English Setter to create a bird dog known for its pointing, retrieving, and stamina. Laverack’s work laid the foundation for the modern English Setter, and his dogs became highly regarded for their elegance and performance.

In the late 19th century, another breeder, Richard Purcell Llewellin, further refined Laverack’s lines by selectively breeding the best field-performing English Setters. Llewellin introduced outcrosses with dogs from other strains, including the bloodline of R. L. Purcell's Duke and Kate, which proved to enhance the hunting qualities he sought. The resulting dogs, known as Llewellin Setters, were smaller, more agile, and had an intense focus on fieldwork. They quickly gained a reputation among hunters for their exceptional ability to locate and point game birds, making them a favorite in field trials and hunting expeditions.

The Llewellin Setter was imported to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where it found a strong following among bird hunters. American enthusiasts valued its natural instincts, intelligence, and adaptability to various terrains and climates. Unlike show-bred English Setters, the Llewellin Setter has remained a performance-driven strain, with breeding focused on maintaining its field abilities rather than conforming to aesthetic standards.

Today, the Llewellin Setter is celebrated as one of the premier hunting dogs, particularly in North America. While it is not recognized as a separate breed by major kennel clubs, it is regarded as a distinct strain within the English Setter lineage. Its history reflects the dedication of breeders like Llewellin and the enduring appeal of a dog that combines grace, intelligence, and an unparalleled passion for the hunt.

Colors

•  Blue Belton
•  Chestnut Belton
•  Lemon Belton
•  Liver Belton
•  Orange Belton
•  Tri-colour Belton
•  Tricolored
•  White & Black w/ Tick