The LLEWELLIN SETTER

Other names: Field English Setter
Origin: U.K. (England)
Use: gun dog
Recognition: IPDBA, FDSB, NLGDC



HISTORY:
This dog breed actually evolved from the English Setter which had been recorded as being a prized hunting dog as early as the 1600s. Llewellin Setters started off as a strain of English Setters, but were changed over time to possess other characteristic and working abilities, although both breeds still share their main "features". This is why, event today, some refuse to recognize the Llewellin as a separate breed.

The breed`s starting point dates to the late 1800s, when R. Purcell Llewellin of Pembrokeshire, South Wales, started breeding his dogs to those from Edward Laverack`s kennel. In doing so, he picked only the absolute best males and females, dogs that excelled in field trials, as Llewellin did not consider conformation shows to be relevant in breeding quality hunting dogs. His first best field dogs and, basically, founders of the Llewellin as we know it, were Dashing Bondhu, Wind`em and Gladstone, as well as others.

The purpose of breeding Llewellins was to create the perfect close-range field dog, a gun dog that would perform perfectly in an open field.

After Purcell Llewellin`s death, in 1925, the selection of the breed was continued by William Humphrey (1882 - 1963) who managed to produce 41 field champions in 38 years of carefull selection and breeding.

CHARACTERISTICS:
Llewellin Setters, like all Setters, enjoy human company and are a good play-time partner for children, as they have quite a calm and loving temperamnet. However, being highly inteligent, they will also need a calm but firm owner, especially in the puppy-hood stage, as they can get more free-spirited than one might like.

They have a VERY strong hunting instinct, and, generally, should not be trusted with birds. However they get along just fine with other animals and enjoy playing with other dogs.

Being a "gentleman`s dog", Llewellins are not instinctively aggressive and make poor guard dogs.
They require daily exercise and can actually get depressed if they do not spend enough time outdoors. This is why the breed is recomended only to those that can provide the dog with adequate exercise, and, ideally, the occasional field hunt.

COAT:
- medium-long, silky coat
- colors: white base with black, orange, chestnut ticking or spots

SIZE:
- Height: 21 - 25 (56 - 60 cm)
- Weight: 35 - 65 lbs (15 - 29 kg)


ARTICLE WRITTEN BY EXCLUSIVELY FOR