English Setter Dogs Available for Adoption

Socialization: He likes to play with toys and other dogs, and he shares his toys nicely with the other dogs. He loves access to the couch and getting cuddles by your side. He loves petting and affection. He respects the baby gates and barriers we have in the house. Atlas has been living with a large pack of 10 other dogs. He likes to play with the other dogs in the pack but also seems comfortable doing his own thing. He has demonstrated no aggression or dominance behavior, and he gets along well with all of pack and new dogs that have passed thru. He also knows which dogs in the pack are more possessive of their space and gives them a healthy distance. There are no cats or children in Atlas's foster home. Atlas has demonstrated a strong prey drive with the squirrels, chicken, and rabbits outside the yard. He would likely view a cat as prey or something he can play with. He met a 5-month-old child at one point and decided to give it a wide berth. We have had a good number of guests visit the house and while he tends to bark at them initially he settles down after determining they are not a threat.

Training: His recall is good, and he normally comes back to me if I call for him. Atlas is crate trained and sleeps in one during the night. He knows he needs to go to his crate for meals and/or treats and then waits patiently to be let back out. He sleeps peacefully in his crate at night and when we are away from the house, but if he sees you, he likes to remind you that he is in the crate and wants to get out. He got some practice with leash-walking since the weather has improved and he walks very well on the leash.

Activity requirements: Atlas is an energetic young dog with a sensitive side. His preference is for play both inside and outside. Atlas loves to play with toys, sticks, and other dogs. He will happily play and romp with reciprocating playmates. He has been very good at checking back in with me when in the yard but loves to run the fence line and bark at the neighboring squirrels and chicken. He likes to stay out and play with his pack and will normally follow his playmates back inside to continue the romping inside. He does calm down nicely indoors, and he likes to sprawl out on the couch. The couch is his safe space, and he is more than happy to share it with someone that will give him affection.

Fence requirements: A fence is always preferred. If he doesn't have a fenced yard to run and play, he will need time at the dog park or a doggy day care to expend his energy and desire to play. He has not challenged the fence, but we are confident that he would come back to us if he got out of the yard.

Personality: Atlas is a shy, fun-loving puppy. He loves to play, cuddle and get affection but gets nervous and tentative with new experiences. He looks to his pack for cues on how to tackle new challenges, so he would do best in a house with another dog who is more confident. He has claimed the couch as his safe space and likes to plant himself on it whenever there is space. He has learned to love the Michigan winter and goes blasting through the snow for a couple of hot laps before coming back inside to warm up. If he gets really scared and you reach to pick him up he might let out a fear tinkle but that is not very common. He is a great dog who continues to build his confidence with each new experience.

Health history: Atlas is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention. He is due for his next Leishmaniasis test in January 2027.

This dog originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80.

Foster comments: Atlas is the overlooked dog in his pack. His other 9 litter mates found forever homes but nobody has shown interest in him because he does not have a unique look or exuberant personality. He is timid with new people, but quickly overcomes his reservations if offered affection. He is smart and has quickly learned what is expected of him. He is one of the best crate accomplished dogs we have had in decades. Atlas would really like another friendly dog to play with in his new home. He would also benefit from having another dog to learn from. Atlas would do best with a family that is patient and will expose him to new experiences gradually since he's very sensitive.

According to the DNA test we did, Atlas's mom is a purebred setter (combination of English and Llewellyn setter) and his dad was a mix of setter, german shepherd, brittany and a few other breeds.

Foster location: Delton, MI

Guardian Angels: The typical adoption fee for our dogs is $490, however, Atlas has $340 of his adoption fee covered by a donation through our Guardian Angel program! As a result, his adoption fee is $150. Read more about our Guardian Angel program here: https://givebutter.com/s34cU4

Transport note: We are able to arrange volunteer transport to get dogs from their foster home to their adopter as long as the adopter and the foster are within a 1,000 mile radius of each other and the adopter is located in the USA. If the adopter is more than 1,000 miles from the foster home, adoption would only be possible if the adopter is willing to drive the distance beyond the 1,000-mile transport limit. Long distance adoptions may also be possible if the adopter is willing to pay for a flight for getting their dog from the foster home to their location if the foster feels this is an appropriate arrangement for the specific dog. Canadian adopters would have to drive into the USA to pick up their dog, as we do not transport outside of the USA.

The English Setter is a graceful and elegant hunting dog known for its distinctive feathered coat, which comes in various color combinations such as orange, blue, or lemon belton. These dogs are friendly, affectionate, and sociable, making them excellent family pets. English Setters are energetic and require regular exercise to be happy and healthy. With their keen sense of smell and natural hunting instincts, they excel in fieldwork and dog sports thanks to their enthusiastic nature and quick intelligence.