The beautiful reddish coat and friendly personality of the Irish Setter make it a popular breed. What’s good about it is that there are other breeds that resemble the looks of the Irish Setter. Their category usually falls under the so-called “Irish Setter similar breeds“. Families looking for a loyal and affectionate furry companion usually go after those breeds.
One of the breeds among those similar to the Irish Setter is the English Setter. Both the Irish Setter and English Setter are sporting breeds that are popular for being friendly and outgoing. Their appearance, having long and silky coats, looks similar in various shades. However, it’s worth noting that the English Setter tends to be slightly smaller and more reserved compared to the Irish Setter.
The Gordon Setter is often compared to its Irish relative. A setter dog has a sporty and cute demeanor, and this breed is no exception. They have a robust body and always love to play. But they also thrive on attention like any other dog. All three breeds look similar. They have long coats with unique feathering on their ears and limbs.
However, the Gordon Setter has a different body stance compared to the others making it stand out more. And what really sets them apart is their coat color which is black with tan spots.
Irish Setter Overview
Irish Setters are medium to large-sized dogs. They have a strikingly red coat and a lovable personality. Their roots go back to the 18th century in Ireland, where they were bred for hunting. However, don’t let that fool you; they’re also very good with guns. But being skilled hunters isn’t all they’re good at. Irish Setters have an overall impressive amount of athleticism and grace.
They’re highly active dogs who need lots of physical activity to maintain their well-being and contentment. You’d be surprised at just how smart these dogs are, always willing to learn new things, which makes them great competition participants.
When it comes to their personalities, these dogs are absolutely amazing. Known for their warm and sociable demeanor, they love getting affection from loved ones and being around humans as much as possible. Although having a keen instinct like hunting down smaller creatures might make them seem dangerous, they’re quite gentle and friendly with children and other animals.
All in all, Irish Setters are the ideal addition to any lively household. They demand ample physical activity and affection, but their unwavering devotion and affection make them the perfect companion for their owners.
The Irish Setter Similar Breeds
Irish Setters are such a unique dog breed that boasts a distinct set of qualities that make them stand out. Yet, you may see other dog breeds that look like them. Let’s discover the following Irish Setter similar breeds:
1-English Setter
First on the list is the English Setter, a closely related cousin of the Irish Setter. In terms of appearance, both breeds share many physical traits. They are medium-sized, athletic dogs with lustrous, flowing coats. While the Irish Setter boasts a solid red coat, the English Setter is usually white with black or brown markings. Additionally, the English Setter is known for its amiable and outgoing nature, making it a wonderful choice for families as well.
Breed History
During the 19th century in England, there originated a new dog breed, the English Setter. The purpose of their breeding was to hunt game birds like quail and pheasant. They are also popular for having an excellent sense of smell and stamina.
Comparison with Irish Setter
The English Setter and Irish Setter look very alike. Yet one may also distinguish notable differences between them.
Physical Appearance
The size of the English Setter and the Irish Setter varies. At a height of 23-27 inches and a weight of 45-80 pounds, the English Setters are slightly smaller. The coat comes in various shades, including black and white or liver markings, orange, and lemon.
Temperament
English Setters are known for being affectionate, gentle, and intelligent. Training is a breeze for them because they can easily follow commands, making them great family pets. However, do not leave them for a long time, as they may develop separation anxiety.
Exercise Requirements
Both the Irish Setter and the English Setter are energetic, which necessitates them to have lots of exercise. Outdoor activities like long walks and running are what they really love because of their need to burn off excess energy. Generally, the English Setter is a loyal, affectionate companion who loves more outdoor activities.
2-Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is another breed that is closely related to the Irish Setter. What makes the Gordon Setter look like the Irish Setter is its medium-sized body with a long, silky coat. However, the coat of Gordon Setter usually comes in black with tan markings, while the Irish Setter is a solid red color. Gordon Setters are known for their intelligence and loyalty, and they make great companions for active families.
The Gordon Setter a medium- to large-sized dog, originated in Scotland. People basically used them for hunting. During the 18th century, the fourth Duke of Gordon was instrumental in developing the breed. Moreover, the name Gordon Setter came from him.
Comparison with Irish Setter
Because of their similarities in hunting, comparing the two breeds is common. Yet differences still exist.
One major difference is their physical appearance. The black and tan coats cover the Gordon Setter, while the red coat is for the Irish Setter. Moreover, the Gordon Setter is a heavier and more muscular dog than the Irish Setter.
A more reserved and serious Gordon Setter is very popular for their loyalty to their owners compared to the Irish Setter.
3-Red Setter and White Setter
The Red and White Setter is a breed of dog that is closely related to the Irish Setter. It is a medium-sized dog that is known for its distinctive red and white coat.
Comparison with Irish Setter
When pitting the Red and White Setter against the Irish Setters, one of the first differences you’ll notice is the coat color. It’s pretty much right there in the name. The Irish Setter you can find with a red coat that’s almost like fire, while their counterpart is, well, red and white.
They also differ in size. Standing at a height of 22-24 inches and weighing 50-70 pounds on average, you’ll see that the Red and White Setter is slightly shorter and lighter. In contrast, the Irish Setter typically stands at around 25-27 inches tall and weighs between 60-70 pounds.
Comparing how they act is also important. Both of these breeds are friendly, smart, and energetic. But when it comes to stubbornness and independence, Red and White Setters stand out a little more. This can make training them more difficult.
If you want an Irish Setter but with a bit of a twist in appearance and temperament, then you might be interested in a Red and White Setter.
4-English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel, a breed of gun dog originating from England, bears a striking resemblance in size and appearance to the Irish Setter.
Comparison with Irish Setter
Differences between them are still noticeable.
A difference between the English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter is their coats. The Irish Setter has a longer, silky coat in shades of mahogany or chestnut. Meanwhile, the English Springer Spaniel’s are shorter and coarser. It usually comes in liver and white or black and white with some variations.
Another difference is temperament. The English Springer Spaniel is known for being energetic and friendly. They make popular choices for hunting or family pets alike because they are highly loyal and easily trained. On the other hand, Irish Setters are also very energetic and outgoing but can exhibit a moodier demeanor at times.
For size, the English Springer Spaniel falls within the medium-sized category weighing between 40 to 50 pounds. While the Irish Setter tips on the bigger side of things with an average weight of 60 to 70 pounds.
When choosing which breed to welcome into your home, you should consider the English Springer Spaniel. Their energy level and dedication make them suitable for active individuals seeking a faithful friend. They don’t have flashy looks like the Irish Setter but they make up for it with their ability to learn things quickly and amiable nature.
5-Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel, affectionately known as the Brittany, is a gun dog breed originating from the Brittany region in France. Their energetic nature, intelligence, and loving disposition make them a popular choice among dog owners.
Comparison with Irish Setter
The Brittany Spaniel and the Irish Setter look closely alike. But distinctions are noticeable. The Brittany weighs 30-40 pounds, which is obviously smaller than the Setter which is 60–70 pounds. Moreover, the coat of Brittany is shorter and finer, which needs less maintenance. Although both breeds are friendly and loving, one may see a more reserved and less outgoing personality in Brittany.
Both breeds have a high level of energy and need ample exercise. However, the Brittany may be better suited for apartment living since they are smaller and have lower exercise needs. Despite not being as renowned as the Irish Setter, the Brittany Spaniel is an excellent option for anyone seeking a lively, loving, and clever companion.
6-Irish Setter Similar Breeds: Vizsla
The Vizsla is a breed that shares some similarities with the Irish Setter. Both the Irish Setter and the Visla are athletic and energetic dogs. With that, engage them in physical activities and mental stimulation. The short and smooth coat of a Vizsla is reddish-brown, while the Irish Setter’s long, silky coat comes in a solid red color. Vizslas are known for their friendly, affectionate personalities, and they make great family pets.
Vizsla is a unique dog breed even if they possess similar traits to the Irish Setter. It’s important to know something about the breed before buying one, especially if you are a potential dog owner. Doing so may let you find your fur-fect match.
Choosing the Right Breed
Breed selection is actually challenging. Your decision to come up with the right dog breed involves consideration of some important factors. Look at the Irish Setter as an example. They are lovable but they may not be compatible with everyone. Check the following factors when looking for similar breeds to the Irish Setter.
Activity Level
The breed’s activity level is significant. The Irish Setters are energetic dogs, and they love to play and exercise. This dog is your perfect match if you have an active lifestyle and love the outdoors. Yet it is better to look for another breed if you prefer lounging on the couch.
Size
Another factor to consider is the dog’s size. Irish Setters are medium to large dogs. Their physique is generally compatible with those who want a sturdy furry companion to join in an adventure. However, do not opt for this breed if your space is limited or living in an apartment.
Grooming Needs
The Irish Setter boasts a luscious, flowing coat. To keep it looking good, they need to have regular maintenance. This means that you must devote your time to bonding with your furry buddy. By giving your time to brushing its coat, you and the Irish Setter are a great match. But think of considering a breed with shorter coats if you may not commit to grooming your dog.
Personality
With their friendly nature, the Irish Setters are outgoing and affectionate dogs. Because of that, dealing with the kids is not a problem with this Setter breed. But, because of their strong-willed personality, you need to exert some effort when it comes to training and socialization. Moreover, patience and dedication are the key here.
Final Thoughts
Irish Setter has a rich history and unique characteristics. With that, the Irish Setter breed becomes one of the most remarkable dogs. Although they have similarities with the other breeds such as the Gordon Setter and English Setter, they still have distinction. Their beautiful red fur really makes them stand out.
They have high energy that is incomparable. Moreover, their abundance of energy makes them a great addition to families with an active lifestyle. Yet this may be a challenge for novice dog owners.
Further, the Irish Setters’ smartness is exceptional. They are highly trainable and excel in competitions like obedience and agility training. But more than that, they are very loyal to their human family.
