Is there a Breed of Dog called a Russian Setter?

John R: I'm looking for information on a breed of dog called a Russian Setter.

Photo Credit: royerdan/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by TJB
The Russian Setter was known to exist before the Russian Revolution. It resembled the English Setter very much. It was a medium-sized dog that had an elegant appearance. Its size ranged from 24 inches for females up to 27 inches for males. The Russian Setter breed was designed to hunt game such as birds so it was able to cover a lot of ground when seeking the scent of the birds carrying its head high.

In the Soviet times, there were only a few hunting dogs bred, including Russian Hounds, and the Russian Spaniel. I don't think the Russian Setter can be found now, even in Russia. These dogs belong to the old times.

Answer by Cleoppa
This is a historical misnomer for the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. The first WPG to be registered with the AKC was registered as a Russian Setter (in 1887).
(Although once in a while you'll see "Russian setter" referring to a dog of one of the four setter breeds that were bred, raised or live in Russia.)
It's very uncommon to see the WPG called this today. Where did you see this referenced?

Answer by froggy10282002
The Setter is a type of gundog used most often for hunting game such as quail, pheasant, and grouse. A setter silently searches for game by scent. When prey is encountered the dog's behavior defies nature, and the dog freezes rather than chases after the game. Setters get their name from their distinctive stance; a sort of crouch or "set" upon finding their quarry. Most setters are born with a natural proclivity to hunting. Dogs that show excitement and interest in birds are described as being "birdy", and trainers look for puppies that show this particular trait. Training is usually done with domesticated pigeons.

The ancestors of modern setters probably originated in Spain in the 1500s and evolved from spaniels. Later these dogs were exported to France and England where the breeds were developed into today's varieties.

Most setter breeds have long smooth, silky coats that require maintenance. Setters have a tendency to be happy, playful dogs, and are usually very friendly both to people and other dogs. They have a great deal of energy and require daily exercise.

Setters include the following breeds:

English Setter
Gordon Setter
Irish Setter(also called a red setter)
Irish Red and White Setter
Black Welsh Setter
Russian Setter
Brittany
French Brittany

Know better? Give your own answer to this question!