An overview on Setters and Water Dogs

The setter was noted for its long, silky hair and was usually thought of as a large breed of spaniel which originated from the Spanish peninsula. It was believed that the head of this breed showed a remarkable development of the brain. The intelligence of the Setter, its affection and docility, were said to have been unequalled by any other kind of dog. High prices were paid for Setters in Ireland where the more ancient colors were recognized as deep chestnut and white, or red. However, in England, they were mostly white with either black or brown marks.

The Springer as described in 1840 was quite different from the breed we know by that name today. Described as smaller than the Setter it was 'of elegant form and gay aspect'. Despite the accompanying illustrative material which shows a predominantly red coat, it was usually white with red spots, and a black nose and palate.

During this period the Water-dog was also referred to as the Barbet of the Continent, and occasionally they were also known as the Poodle. Even though the Setter was described as having remarkable brain development for a dog, the Water-dog was said to have had a cerebral space more developed than any other canine. This breed was intelligent and attached to its master, and renowned for its perseverance in finding lost property. In one instance a gold coin had inadvertently been dropped by the owner, and the dog insisted on watching the coin so carefully that it refused all food until the coin had been recovered.

The legs of the Water-dog or Poodle were short and this breed's long, curly hair was black, white or sometimes rufous. Height was 18-20 inches (46-51 cm). The breed is mentioned as being found in Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands and apparently a 'coarser, crisped-haired' Water-dog had long been known to England's middle classes. Such a dog was also familiar to fishermen and professional waterfowl shooters. Occasionally the Water-dog was found in and around London, but was mainly used in the countryside for the brutal sport of hunting and worrying to death domestic ducks which were placed on a pond for that very purpose.