You can’t distinguish between these Setter dog breeds and are looking for ideas which dog might suit you better?
Both dog breeds are perfectly suited as hunting dogs. Nevertheless, both are suitable as absolute family dogs and feel most comfortable in the countryside with plenty of exercise. For sporting activities, the Gordon Setter is a little more flexible and has better endurance. However, both breeds are ideal for cycling or jogging. The Gordon Setter and the Irish Setter need daily grooming, otherwise both can easily get matted coats. Especially in the nursery, both dog breeds need to be trained very well, otherwise owners can get serious problems later on.
Besides the Gordon Setter and the Irish Setter, there are other Setter breeds such as the English Setter and the White Setter.Here you can find out about the basic differences and what you should look out for in each dog breed.
The Irish Setter – A family hunting dog
Typical breed characteristics
- Character: friendly, patient, absolute family dog
- Size: 55 to 70 cm
- Weight: 25 to 32 kg
- Colours: light brown, chestnut brown, red/brown
- Life expectancy: 12 years
The Irish Setter is a true hunting dog. But it is also considered to be an ideal family dog that obeys all the rules.
The dog breed comes from Ireland, as the name part already reveals.
His life expectancy is 12 years on average and he has a light brown/red coat.
It can weigh up to 32 kilograms and can reach a height of 70 cm.
The Irish Setter loves the outdoors and needs a lot of exercise.
The dog breed is also suitable as a search or rescue dog.
Typical diseases of this breed include hip problems, stomach upsets and epilepsy.
Training and care
The Irish Setter is a very trainable dog breed, which is ideally suited for hunting if well trained. If it is not needed for hunting trips, it is important that appropriate activity is provided in the form of extensive walks through nature or other challenges in dog sports.
The dog breed should not be brought up in a high-rise building in the big city, but loves to live in the open air in a large house with a family.
Due to its good willingness to learn, the Irish Setter can be wonderfully trained to be a family dog with a lot of patience, even with children.
In spite of his hunting instinct, the Irish Setter can also be kept in wild areas without any problems, provided he is properly trained.
Due to its coat, the Irish Setter must be brushed regularly to avoid matting.
If you would like to know which dog breeds shed the least and are very easy to care for, you can find out in our recent article Which dog breeds don’t shed?
Who is the Irish Setter suitable for?
The Irish Setter is a fantastic family dog and has a wonderful character. Especially due to his intelligence, good nature and his very loving nature, he is an enrichment for every family with children.
The dog breed is known for not showing any aggressive traits and listens to his master’s every word and step.
Due to his actual hunting ability, the Irish Setter needs plenty of exercise in the great outdoors.
Likewise, he can easily be taken jogging or cycling and loves to be active. If you want to know when it’s best to jog with your dog, we’ll tell you in our article: When to jog with your dog.
During the car journey, the Irish Setter should be placed in a large transport box that is suitable for him.
The Irish Setter loves nature and water. Therefore, he should not be kept in a big city.
The owners need a lot of time for the Irish Setter in order to exercise him sufficiently. If he is to be left alone at home, then only for short periods, because he always wants to be with you.
The Gordon Setter – A Hunting and Sporting Dog for the Whole Family
Typical breed characteristics
- Character: Intelligent, willing to learn, relaxed, courageous, friendly.
- Size: 58 – 69 cm
- Weight: 25 – 31 kg
- Colours: black, red markings are present
- Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Despite its nature as a hunting dog, it can be used wonderfully and without problems as a family dog.
Typical diseases of this breed are eye diseases and nervous diseases such as ataxia.
The Gordon Setter reaches a maximum height of 69 cm and weighs up to 31 kilograms.
Its coat colours are black with red markings and its average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years.
If you want to know how much money you can spend on a dog per month, you can find out this and much more in our great article: How much does a dog cost per month?
Training and care
The Gordon Setter is a very good family dog because of his good-natured and loving nature. Therefore, he should have enjoyed a good upbringing from puppyhood and have spent a lot of time with people in infancy.
His upbringing always includes consistent action, but also very positive motivation with lots of praise and petting.
For dog owners with little experience it is advisable to have the Gordon Setter trained in a good dog school so that there are no difficulties later on.
When training the Gordon Setter, it is important that he is given enough activity and exercise when he is young.
Due to the very long coat of the Gordon Setter, a long lasting coat care is very important. The dog’s coat should be brushed well every day, otherwise it can become matted.
The Gordon Setter’s ears should be checked for dirt and the teeth will be happy to have a regular chew.
If you’re wondering whether dogs are allowed to eat apples, we’ll tell you in our brand new article: Are dogs allowed to eat apples?
Who is the Gordon Setter suitable for?
The Gordon Setter is an ideal hunting dog, but with good training can also easily be raised as a very loyal and reliable family dog.
This dog breed especially needs a lot of exercise. Ideally, its owner lives in the countryside, where the Gordon Setter can be very much in the open air.
Sporting activities are a must with a Gordon Setter. Besides hunting, he also enjoys cycling and jogging.
The owner of a Gordon Setter should be aware from the beginning that this dog breed is a life task and will take up a lot of time.
Even small children will enjoy this dog breed, as he is always looking for cuddles and cuddles.
Irish Setter and Gordon Setter- The direct differences in temperament
Both dog breeds are perfectly suited as hunting dogs. Nevertheless, both are suitable as absolute family dogs and feel most comfortable in the countryside with plenty of exercise.
For sporting activities, the Gordon Setter is a little more flexible and has better endurance. However, both breeds are ideal for cycling or jogging.
The Gordon Setter and the Irish Setter need daily grooming, otherwise both can easily get matted coats.
Especially in the nursery, both dog breeds need to be trained very well, otherwise owners can get serious problems later on.
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Conclusion on two beloved dog breeds
Whether it’s an Irish Setter or a Gordon Setter, choosing a dog comes with the fact that you have to take responsibility.
In any case, it requires perseverance in training. Even though both dog breeds are considered family dogs, they still need to be well trained.
Can you imagine living with a dog? Inform yourself well and you will get a faithful companion!
