We wouldn’t dare to name the best hunting dog breed, but if you asked Alexandre Miliàn, he would undoubtedly say it’s the English Setter. Our brand ambassador from France is a proud owner of four furry hunters, and he recently introduced us to this breed a little closer.
Can you briefly introduce us to your dog and tell us why you chose him?
His name is Folk, and he’s an English Setter, the oldest of my four hunting dogs. He is 12 years old, and he’s a really great hunter.
I’m an English Setter lover. They are really intelligent, affectionate and playful. In hunting action, they are impressive, make spectacular stops, have a lot of patience, and have a big urge to quest.
I'm an English Setter lover. They are really intelligent, affectionate, playful and impressive in hunting action.
What’s the funniest thing he ever did?
He does a lot of funny things! He hates cats and can climb everywhere, chasing them. Once I found him in a tree! He is also very jealous, and as soon as I hug my other dogs, he climbs on me so that I only pay attention to him.
What’s the greatest challenge about owning an English setter?
You have to be very patient to train your dog. Gradually, he becomes passionate and understands what his master expects of him.
Folk hates cats and can climb everywhere, chasing them. Once I found him in a tree!
I mostly use the Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 when hunting with Folk. The device allows me to spot the waterfowl I shot and guide my dog to retrieve it.
What Pulsar device do you use for hunting with Folk?
Since he is also a very good retriever dog, I mostly use the Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 when hunting with Folk. The device allows me to spot the waterfowl I shot and guide my dog to retrieve it. Plus, the Axion 2 XQ35 is very light, so I can always have it on me.
How did you train Folk for hunting?
Since his puppy days, Folk instinctively stopped in the presence of a simple feather in the garden, so I encouraged him. Subsequently, I put him in the presence of a quail, and he then learned to stop at the sight of it and, later – at the smell.
Once he mastered this, I brought him into hunting action by accustoming him to the sound of the gunshot. He understood very quickly and soon became a great hunting dog.
What's your favorite hunting story with Folk?
I have many very good stories of hunting with Folk – we have been hunting together for 12 years. Now, Folk hunts with Jellya, a female English Setter that I have had for 7 years, and Naps – her son, who is now 4 years old. I am really delighted to be able to hunt with this family of Setters. When the father, the mother and the son stop on a woodcock, the sensations are indescribable.
English Setter: the fun and loyal partner
- Gentlemen by nature – that’s how English Setters are commonly described. That being said, they can also be quite stubborn and mischievous.
- They thrive in hunters’ families. English Setters love attention, activity, and having a job to do; plus, they’re great with children.
- Their coat is called feathering. Sounds like a pun, but that’s true – English Setters have a medium, silky coat which grows longer around ears and other parts of their bodies and is called feathering – very fit for a bird hunting dog.
- Setter means almost-seated, and this refers to the position these dogs assume when they discover game.
- English Setters are extremely sociable and easy to train, but on one condition: you should include them in as many activities in your daily life as possible.
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