English Setter vs Weimaraner (Short-haired)
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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.
Weimaraner (Short-haired)
The short-haired Weimaraner is the more common variety, tracing back to the Grand Duchy of Weimar, where 19th-century aristocrats used it to hunt large game. The sleek, metallic grey coat gave the breed its nickname, the grey ghost, earned from its unusual color and quiet, gliding movement. Males can weigh up to 40 kilograms, with a muscular build originally suited to big game rather than just birds. The grey or amber eyes stand out sharply against the coat. The breed needs serious daily exercise, without it the dog tends to grow anxious and vocal. It bonds closely with its family, often following its owner from room to room. Life expectancy runs 10 to 13 years.
At a glance
| English Setter | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 65.0–68.0 cm | 59.0–70.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 25.0–30.0 kg | 30.0–40.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–13 yrs | 10–13 yrs |
| Coat | long, silky, feathered | short, sleek, metallic grey |
Temperament & Family Life
| English Setter | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| English Setter | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| English Setter | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| English Setter | Weimaraner (Short-haired) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding | ||
| Drooling | ||
| Grooming need |
Temperament and care scores (1-5) are a general guide based on the breed standard — every individual dog is different.