English Setter vs Gordon Setter
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English Setter
This British gundog was developed not to chase but to locate game and then quietly set, freezing low before the bird until the hunter closed in with a net or gun. The long, silky coat with heavy feathering on the ears, legs and tail is one of its most recognizable traits, though it mats easily and needs regular brushing. A male can reach 30 kilograms, but the frame stays elegant rather than heavy. The English Setter has long had a reputation as one of the gentlest tempered gundogs, often described as easygoing even around strangers. It stayed more popular in the field than in the show ring for much of its history, so many lines kept a strong working drive. At home it wants to be near people and does not cope well with being left alone for long stretches. Life expectancy runs 11 to 13 years.
Gordon Setter
The breed was developed in late 18th century Scotland by the fourth Duke of Gordon, who gave it his name, aiming for a setter sturdy and enduring enough for rugged, hilly terrain. It is the heaviest of the three setter breeds: a male can reach 36 kilograms, on a considerably heavier frame than its English or Irish cousins. The medium length, flat or slightly wavy coat is always black with rich tan markings, and that combination is so distinctive that similar coloring is often described simply as gordon coloring. Though bred as a gundog, the Gordon Setter matures more slowly than most breeds and can be quite boisterous and clumsy as a youngster. With family it tends to be loyal and protective, sometimes reserved with strangers. Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat from matting. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.
At a glance
| English Setter | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 65.0–68.0 cm | 62.0–68.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 25.0–30.0 kg | 25.0–36.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–13 yrs | 10–12 yrs |
| Coat | long, silky, feathered | medium-long, flat or slightly wavy, black and tan |
Temperament & Family Life
| English Setter | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| English Setter | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| English Setter | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| English Setter | Gordon Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.