Setters are a family of hunting dogs originating in the British Isles. They are so named because of their distinctive hunting stance; their point (remaining in placed with their noses pointing towards the hidden quarry) is in a crouching position.
Setters may be classed as hunting dogs, sporting dogs, gundogs, and specifically, as bird dogs. They are officially placed in either the Sporting Group or the Gundog Group, depending on the kennel club.
All the variants in the Setter family have silky coats, spaniel-like dropped ears, and long feathered tails.
They exhibit some sexual dimorphism, with males taller and heavier than females, and some of the breeds are required by their breed standard to have a distinctly masculine or feminine appearance.