The largest and only black-and-tan setter, a stylish Scottish bird dog known for stamina, loyalty, and a bold, determined nature. Needs ample exercise and an active owner.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
House with yard + serious daily exercise
House + secure yard + 60–90 min exercise
A large dog can adjust to apartment life only with an athletic owner; most do better in a house with a secure yard and 60–90 minutes of structured exercise daily. Crate-train and supervise free-roam until reliably mannered.
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Recommended
Suburban home + ¼-acre fence + 90 min exercise
House + ¼-acre fenced yard + 90 min exercise
A suburban property with a quarter-acre or larger securely fenced yard, 90 minutes of daily exercise split across walks and off-lead time, and consistent training. Most large breeds peak in this setting. High-drive working breed — the recommended tier still demands daily structured mental work (training, scent games, herding ball, fetch with rules), not just walks.
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Ideal
Rural / acreage home + sport or working role
Acreage + secure fencing + canine sport / working role
Pointing gundog — field bird work satisfies the heritage. — ideal is acreage or rural property paired with a daily job or canine sport: herding stock, scent detection, agility, protection sport, sledding, gundog field work, or a structured working role. Without that outlet, expect destructive behaviour, reactivity, and welfare-relevant frustration.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Not suited to small apartments. Best in a home with a securely fenced yard and room to run; needs 1-2 hours of vigorous daily exercise such as long walks, running, or fieldwork. A working bird dog with great endurance, it grows bored and noisy without enough physical and mental outlet. Keeps its family company indoors when not exercising.
Diet
Feed a quality diet for an active large breed and adjust to workload. As a deep-chested setter it carries bloat (GDV) risk — split meals into two, use slow feeding if needed, and avoid heavy activity around mealtimes. Keep the dog lean to protect hips and joints.
Behavior & temperament
Confident, affectionate, and devoted to its family, often described as a one-family dog and more reserved with strangers than other setters. Intelligent but independent and slower to mature, so training requires patience and consistency. High energy and birdy. Generally good with children and other dogs when socialized; strong prey drive toward birds and small animals.
Health
Screening concerns include hip dysplasia (OFA/PennHIP), elbow dysplasia, hereditary eye disease including progressive retinal atrophy (rcd4 PRA DNA test and annual eye exam), hypothyroidism, and as a deep-chested breed, bloat (GDV). Epilepsy, cerebellar abiotrophy, and cataracts also occur in some lines. Responsible breeders test hips, eyes, and PRA.
Tips, DIY & hacks
The soft, shiny coat with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail needs brushing 2-3 times weekly to prevent mats and tangles, plus trimming for neatness. Moderate, seasonal shedding. Check and clean the long ears regularly. Provide a job — fieldwork, tracking, or dog sports — and start positive, motivating training early to manage the breed's independent streak.
