How Much Does a English Setter Really Cost?
Calculate monthly expenses, annual budgets, and lifetime costs for owning a English Setter. Adjust food quality, insurance, and grooming to match your lifestyle.
Understanding English Setter Ownership Costs
English Setters are gentle, energetic bird dogs requiring substantial grooming investment, hip awareness, and massive daily exercise commitment. Weighing 28kg with a 12-year lifespan, English Setters have moderate food costs ($75-125/month) for their athletic build. Their long, silky feathered coats demand professional grooming every 6-8 weeks at $65-95 per session ($550-850/year) plus regular brushing to prevent tangling and debris removal. As tier 2 health dogs, they face hip dysplasia (treatment $1,500-6,000), hypothyroidism (medications $30-60/month), deafness (5-10% born deaf), and occasional bloat risk. Monthly costs average $240-430 including food, grooming, substantial exercise needs, insurance, and preventative care. English Setters require 90-120 minutes daily vigorous exercise—understimulated setters become destructive. This calculator accounts for moderate food needs, high grooming investment, tier 2 health concerns, massive exercise requirements, and 12-year commitment. For very active owners wanting a gentle, beautiful bird dog and budgeting $30,000-55,000 lifetime.
💡 Key Cost Factors for English Setter
- High grooming: feathered coat needs professional care every 6-8 weeks ($65-95/session)
- Very high activity: requires 90-120 minutes daily exercise non-negotiable
- Health tier 2: hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and deafness risk
- Gentle temperament but massive exercise commitment prevents behavioral costs
💰 Budget Estimator for English Setter
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Where Does Your Money Go?
Frequently Asked Questions About English Setter Costs
1. How much grooming do English Setters need?
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks at $65-95 per session costs $550-850/year. Their long, silky feathering requires trimming, de-shedding, and bathing. Home maintenance includes brushing 2-3x weekly (20-30 minutes) to remove debris and prevent tangling. Field dogs need less grooming than show dogs. Over 12-year lifespan, grooming costs $6,500-10,000. Beautiful coats require commitment.
2. Do English Setters have hip dysplasia?
Yes—hip dysplasia is common in English Setters. Symptoms include limping, difficulty rising, reluctance to jump. Treatment ranges from weight management and supplements ($30-60/month) to surgery ($1,500-6,000). Responsible breeders screen parents (OFA/PennHIP testing). While not all Setters develop hip issues, it's a significant breed risk. Insurance ($35-60/month) recommended. Budget for potential treatment.
3. How much exercise does an English Setter need?
English Setters need 90-120 minutes daily vigorous exercise (running, hunting, hiking, dog sports). Costs include training/activities ($300-1,000/year), hunting gear if applicable ($200-800), doggy daycare if working ($300-800/month), or extensive DIY exercise. Understimulated Setters become destructive, hyperactive, and develop nuisance behaviors. Exercise commitment is massive but financial costs manageable for active owners providing DIY outlets.
4. How much does an English Setter cost monthly?
Monthly costs average $240-430 including food ($75-125 for athletic 28kg), grooming ($50-70 averaged), exercise/enrichment ($40-80), insurance ($35-60), hypothyroid medications if affected ($30-60), toys/treats ($20-30), and preventative care ($30-50). Very active owners providing DIY exercise pay less. Lifetime costs over 12 years: $30,000-55,000.
🐾 Ready to Bring Home a English Setter?
Now that you understand the financial commitment, explore our guides on English Setter care, training tips, and dog-friendly destinations perfect for your new companion.
Disclaimer: Cost estimates are based on average market prices and typical breed characteristics. Actual expenses vary by location, individual dog health, lifestyle choices, and unforeseen circumstances. Always consult with veterinarians and pet professionals for personalized advice.