How Much Does an English Setter Cost?
The English Setter's typical 12-year lifespan and large size both factor into its long-term cost of ownership. Routine trips to a professional groomer are common, so factor that into the annual budget. Routine preventive care — vaccinations, parasite control, and annual check-ups — makes up most of the ongoing vet budget. High energy levels mean a larger food budget and more spending on toys, exercise gear, and enrichment.
Get My Personalised EstimateWhat these figures assume: US national average pricing, own home (no pet deposit), standard food, grooming at the breed's typical frequency, insurance and professional training included, no daycare, routine dental care only. See how this is calculated or change these assumptions.
First Year Costs (inc. setup)
Annual Ongoing Costs (Year 2+)
Budget for emergencies
We recommend keeping $3,000 in a dedicated emergency fund for unexpected vet bills.
About the English Setter
The English Setter is a large-sized dog breed with an average lifespan of 12 years. First-year ownership costs typically run around $5,890, which includes the purchase or adoption fee, initial vet visits, vaccinations, starter supplies, and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance.
From year two onwards, ongoing costs average $3,685 per year. The largest recurring expense is food at $945/year, followed by vet care at $635/year. Grooming is a significant cost for this breed at $1,070/year, reflecting their coat maintenance requirements.
Over a 12-year lifespan, the total estimated cost of owning a English Setter is approximately $46,425. These figures are US national averages — your actual costs will vary based on your city, lifestyle, and whether you use a breeder or rescue organisation. Use our calculator above to get a personalised estimate.
What drives English Setter costs
Grooming leads the English Setter's costs at ~$1,070/year — the highest of any breed on this list — because the long, feathered 'feathering' coat needs frequent brushing and trimming to prevent mats. Combined with a large-dog food bill (~$945/year), the ongoing total (~$3,685/year) is among the steepest here.
Health-wise the breed is prone to hip dysplasia, congenital deafness (reputable breeders BAER-test puppies) and hypothyroidism. As a large, active field dog it also needs real exercise, so budget for both the coat and the calories this breed demands.
Written by Darren Newland. Health information here summarises published veterinary and breed-health sources for cost-planning purposes and is not clinical advice — we do not have a veterinarian on staff. Talk to your vet about your own animal.
How to save on English Setter costs
- →Learn to maintain the coat yourself. At $1,070 a year, grooming is one of this breed's largest running costs. Booking a professional groom quarterly instead of monthly, and brushing and bathing at home in between, is the single biggest saving available on an English Setter — typically $428–$535 a year.
- →Buy food in bulk. A large dog gets through about $945 of food a year, so unit price matters more here than for smaller breeds. Buying 15–20kg bags rather than supermarket sizes, and comparing brands on cost per kilo rather than per bag, typically cuts 20–30% — around $236 a year.
- →Insure early, before anything is pre-existing. At $740 a year, insurance is one of the larger predictable costs — but English Setters insured as puppies see lower premiums and, more importantly, no pre-existing-condition exclusions. Every condition that appears before cover starts is excluded for life, which is why waiting is the expensive option.
- →Use a wellness plan for routine care. Routine veterinary care runs about $635 a year for this breed — high enough that many practices' annual wellness plans, which bundle vaccinations, checks and parasite control, work out cheaper than paying per visit. Ask your practice for the itemised comparison before signing up.
- →Build an emergency fund. We suggest $3,000 in a dedicated pet savings account for a large breed. A single emergency surgery runs $3,000–$8,000 without insurance, and four in five owners face an unexpected veterinary bill at some point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an English Setter cost?
An English Setter typically costs $5,890 in the first year, including the purchase or adoption fee ($375), initial vet visits ($580), supplies ($875), and the first year of food, grooming, and insurance. Annual ongoing costs from year two are approximately $3,685/year.
How much does an English Setter cost per month?
After the first year, an English Setter costs approximately $307/month on average. This covers food ($79/month), vet care ($53/month), grooming ($89/month), and insurance ($62/month).
Is an English Setter expensive to own?
English Setters cost approximately $3,685/year to maintain — among the higher-cost breeds to own. Over their 12-year lifespan, total costs come to around $46,425.
How much does an English Setter puppy cost?
An English Setter puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $375. Rescue or shelter adoption fees are usually $150–$400 and often include initial vaccinations and desexing. Remember the purchase price is just one part of the first-year cost of $5,890.
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