Which of the English Setter vs Gordon Setter would you like more? These two canine companions might share certain similarities but display striking distinctions as well. Learn more about these common dog types to see whether one of them fits well with your way of life.
Make sure the breed of puppy you’re planning to buy or adopt is suitable for your family and home environment before making the commitment. The Gordon Setter, like the English Setter, is a popular breed for hunting and other outdoor activities. Keep reading to find out more about the distinctions as well as the similarities between these breeds, despite the fact that they all belong to the same breed group.
General Characteristics of Setter Dogs
As a breed of gundog, Setters are well-known for their exceptional hunting abilities. Pointing dogs, to be more precise. We identify pointing dogs by their distinct demeanor when they spot potential prey. This sounds the alarm for their human hunting partners.
Setters are well-known for more than just their intelligence and nobility. Their friendly personalities are also well known. Because of this, they are just as good at working as they are at being pets. Because they are known for being stubborn, they will need a good education to learn how to behave.
Types of Setter Dog Breeds
Setters are energetic hunting dogs bred for locating and indicating birds. The pointing behavior of these birds inspired the name “Setter.” They will stoop to the ground in a crouching stance when they spot a bird in the bushes. The term for this is “setting.”
In the past, this allowed the hunter to use a net without worrying about catching the dog in it. The Setter family includes four unique dog types. Size and weight are the most obvious ways that these four Setter breeds are different from each other.
1-Irish Setter
Their fur is rich in mahogany or chestnut crimson. They stand at about 61 to 69 centimeters (about 24 to 27 inches) tall and 35 to 70 kilos (16 to 32 kg) in weight.
2-Gordon Setter
Black and tan in color, they tend to be stockier and heavier than other Setter varieties. Having a weight of 45 to 80 lbs, this Setter stands from 23 to 27 inches or 58 to 69 cm.
3-English Setter
Their fur is spotted, usually orange or black on a white background, but they can also be tricolored. They weigh between 65 and 80 pounds (29 and 36 kg, approx.), and their height at the shoulder ranges from 25 to 27 inches (63 to 69 cm), making them smaller than the Irish and Gordon Setters. They have innate proficiency in both signaling (setting) and retrieving.
4-Irish Red and White Setter
In general, their fur is white, but it has some red patterns. In fact, these dogs came before the Irish Red Setter. Through careful breeding, the IRWS eventually gave rise to the Red Setter. Compared to the Irish Red Setter, they are smaller and lighter, but their overall build is stronger. They weigh anything between 35 and 60 pounds, and their shoulder height is somewhere between 22 and 26 inches (56 and 66 cm).
What is an English Setter?
The English Setter, a member of the Sporting Group of the American Kennel Club, is known for being social, easygoing, and joyful. In the United States, English setters are only as prevalent as the 98th most common dog breed.
Where Do English Setters Come From?
Unlike the Irish Setter, the English Setter has a long documented history—around 500 years. According to the AKC’s online article, the English Setter was likely bred from Pointers and Spanish Spaniels. The name “Setter” comes from the way these dogs used to hunt by lying still and “setting” when they sighted their prey.
They can sniff out game birds with their acute sense of smell. As we said at the beginning, the English Setter is often said to have helped make the Irish Setter. An English Setter was created by Edward Laverack in the 1820s.
What is a Gordon Setter?
Gordon Setter is in the AKC’s Sporting Group, and people often say that he is confident, friendly, and brave. The AKC officially acknowledged the Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, and English Setter in 1878. They are currently the 113th most common dog in the United States.
What is the Origin of Gordon Setter?
Though it predates the Irish Setter, the Gordon Setter can’t claim the same antiquity as the English Setter. The Gordon Setter stands out from the pack as the heaviest and most squarely built of the setters. Gordon Setters are native to Scotland. Their name comes from the fact that they are used for hunting in the Highlands of Scotland.Â
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Alexander Gordon, fourth Duke of Gordon, the Gordon Setter could not have gotten off the ground without it. Gordon is said to have created the Gordon Setter by putting the English Setter, Bloodhounds, Pointers, and black Setters together. Black and tan settlers first arrived in the United States in 1842 under a different name. But in 1924, the American Kennel Club gave the breed the name Gordon Setter, which is still used today.
English Setter vs Gordon Setter Size
The two species are roughly the same size. Both the English and Gordon Setters typically weigh 45 to 80 pounds and stand 23 to 27 inches tall. There is a statistically significant difference between male and female dogs in terms of average height, with males measuring in at 69 inches and females at 63.5 inches, according to the CDC.
English Setter vs Gordon Setter Lifespan
Certainly, the standard of care given to the dog is a major element in the dog’s overall lifespan. However, other factors, including the dog’s breed, also play a role. English Setters have a longer lifespan than Gordon Setters, anywhere from 11 to 15 years. A Gordon Setter has an average lifespan of 11–12 years.
Comparing the English Setter & Gordon Setter: Their Temperament
It’s challenging to make a blanket generalization about the temperament of an entire breed. There are many variables that can alter a dog’s behavior, and each breed has its own unique temperament.
Seeking the Ideal Canine Companion: An English Setter or A Gordon Setter
The English Setter and the Gordon Setter are two of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They have an outgoing and amiable attitude, making them a good fit for families. Both are extremely affectionate with their families, so they will quickly be accepted.
Guarding Behavior
Some dog owners like that their pet is protective, while others would rather have a dog that is friendly with people they don’t know. In a family setting, a Gordon Setter can perform well with the right amount of training and socialization. However, the English Setter isn’t widely seen as a good choice for a family dog or a companion animal.
English Setter vs Gordon Setter Trainability
However, while all dogs require obedience training, some are simpler to teach than others. In comparison to English Setters, Gordon Setters is much simpler to educate. If you do decide to adopt one of these dogs, keep in mind that the three pillars of dog training—patience, persistence, and consistency—are crucial to the success of your training efforts. Last but not least, if you think you need help training your dog, you might want to think about hiring a professional.
English Setter vs. Gordon Setter as a Working Dog Comparison
Unfortunately, dogs of this breed are not chosen to serve as support animals in most cases.
English Setter vs. Gordon Setter Recognition Comparison
| RECOGNIZING TEAM | ENGLISH SETTER | GORDON SETTER |
|---|---|---|
| American Kennel Club | The AKC has recognized the sporting breed since its inception in 1878. | In 1878, the AKC was the first to recognize the breed, and it was later made a sports breed. |
| FCI Team | The members of the British and Irish Pointers and Setters subgroup of the FCI's Pointing Dog Club. | In the FCI's registry as a member of the Pointing Dog family's British and Irish Pointers and Setters subgroup. |
| Identifying Groups | Unidentified | United States Dog Book AKC, or the American Kennel Association National Animal ID System Association of Australian Dog Club Kennel Club of Canada The Continental Kennel Association American Dog Registry, Inc. International Cynological Federation The United Kingdom's Kennel Association There is a National Dog Association Club de Chiens de Chiens de Nouvelle-Zélande N.A.P.R.I., International Cat Association Incorporated American Canine Association |
Health And Grooming Needs
The best way to make sure your new puppy is healthy is to find a reputable breeder. When you go to visit them, make sure to ask to examine the dogs’ living circumstances and the health certifications of their parents. Plus, some dog breeds have a higher risk of obesity-related illnesses. If your dog’s breed has a history of being overweight, it’s important to pay special attention to the ingredients in the food and adjust feedings accordingly.
For example, hip dysplasia, which is caused by genes and is usually fatal, affects larger dogs more than smaller ones. This genetic tendency can be made worse by environmental and lifestyle factors like rapid growth, certain types of activity, and a body composition that isn’t healthy.
What about Shedding?
One of the worst things about having a dog is having to vacuum up dog hair all the time. Take this into account while deciding which breed is best for you. An English setter can produce fur at industrial levels. The Gordon Setter sheds less than the English Setter, but both breeds require frequent brushing to keep their coats in good shape.
Health Problems
See below how the English Setter and the Gordon Setter differ from each other based on their specific health issues.
Gordon Setters
The average lifespan of a Gordon Setter is 10–12 years, but with proper care and feeding, your dog can live to that age and beyond. Hip dysplasia, stomach torsion (bloat), retinal atrophy (eye disease), and ear infections are just some of the frequent health problems that can affect a dog.
English Setters
Congenital deafness is a problem in English Setters, as it is in many other breeds with a predominantly white coat. In 2010, LSU did research on this and found that 12.4% of the dogs they looked at had it. In addition, they frequently suffer from:Â
- Allergies
- English setters can suffer from both airborne and dietary allergies.
- Thyroid problem
1-Fracture of the Hip
The risk of hip dysplasia is higher in large dog breeds. The disease causes pain and makes it hard to move around in the lower body.
2-Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This eye condition deteriorates steadily and may cause permanent blindness.
3-Gastric Torsion or Bloat
Due to the pet’s enlarged stomach and the twisting and turning that results. This is a potentially fatal condition.
4-Health Issues
The English Setter can also develop the following conditions:
Bloat: is caused by working out too hard immediately after eating a lot. Your English Setter needs to eat twice a day, but not right before or right after doing a lot of physical activity.
Ear: Regularly check for ear infections and make sure her ears are clean.
Exercise and Games
The English Setter needs extra physical activity, such as daily walks and free playtime in a small backyard or dog park. Include this Setter in your workouts, whether you choose to go jogging, biking, hiking, or just walking. Their strengths lie in the arenas of lure racing, speed, affirmation, obedience, and rally.
English Setter vs Gordon Setter Price and Availability Comparison
Which of the two setters—the English or the Gordon—is more affordable? Which one would set you back a heftier sum? How much more do English Setters cost than Gordon Setters? Well, in terms of the cost, better to prepare around $400-$600 and $800-$1000 for having an English Setter and a Gordon Setter, respectively.
Yet, if you want a dog that can be accessed instantly, which from an English Setter or a Gordon Setter is more accessible? Although English Setters are widely available due to their popularity, the Gordon Setter is more readily available than most other dog breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: The English Setter comes in two distinct varieties; what are they?
In reality, Laverack and Llewellin are just two of the many varieties of English setters available. Gladys Jacobson, the breeder of EvrSett English Setters, explains that Llewellin setters are typically smaller and more frequently employed for hunting. Despite their size, Laveracks are still capable of hunting, but they are much happier as companions and family pets.
Q: Can you call an English Setter aggressive?
English setters are calm, kind, and good with youngsters. He has a gentle demeanor and a soft heart, and he enjoys showing and receiving attention. This kind of dog is renowned to be watchful and protective of its people and territory, but it can be easily redirected into submission.
Q: Can Gordon Setters be aggressive?
When threatened by an unfamiliar person or animal, the Gordon Setter may become defensive or even aggressive. Very active and capable of becoming a wonderful family pet, this breed of dog is a top choice for hunting birds.
Q: When left alone, do English Setters suffer from anxiety?
They are exceptionally gregarious animals who thrive on human companionship and suffer when separated from their owners. Your English setter may develop some bad manners, like excessive barking or destroying furniture if he suffers from separation anxiety.
Q: Do you ever wonder if Gordon setters are snugglers?
Gordons were originally bred for the role of personal hunting dogs and later expanded their role to include that of a nanny. They’re happiest when they’re either at your side or your feet, though they also enjoy long runs in the grass.
The Bottom Line: English Setters vs. GordonÂ
Multiple distinctions separate these canine species. The most noticeable distinction is in how they look. There is a noticeable change in coat color when they are purebred.
Gordon setters are often black and brown. In contrast, the English setter is often a lighter-colored canine, with the majority of purebreds sporting a white coat and black patches. Typically, their sizes are also comparable.
English setters are smart and gentle. The Gordon setter is an excellent choice if you would like a watchdog that is both friendly and energetic.
