Gordon Setter vs Irish Setter
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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.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter was developed in 18th-century Ireland as a setting dog, working first with a net and later with a gun, hunting grouse across open moorland. The long, silky, mahogany-red coat with feathering on the ears, legs, and tail gives the breed one of the most striking silhouettes among gundogs. Males weigh around 32 kilograms, with a lean, fast build made for covering long distances across open country. Energy levels stay high well into adulthood, and the breed tends to keep a playful, puppyish streak for years. The coat needs frequent brushing to avoid matting, especially behind the ears. Temperament is friendly to a fault, often making it a poor guard dog. Life expectancy runs 11 to 13 years.
At a glance
| Gordon Setter | Irish Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Height (male) | 62.0–68.0 cm | 58.0–67.0 cm |
| Weight (male) | 25.0–36.0 kg | 27.0–32.0 kg |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 yrs | 11–13 yrs |
| Coat | medium-long, flat or slightly wavy, black and tan | long, silky, feathered, mahogany red |
Temperament & Family Life
| Gordon Setter | Irish Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Family friendly | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Trainability |
Exercise, Energy & Space
| Gordon Setter | Irish Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | ||
| Exercise need | ||
| Apartment friendly | ||
| Prey drive | ||
| Hunting instinct |
Guarding & Alertness
| Gordon Setter | Irish Setter | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarding instinct | ||
| Watchfulness | ||
| Barking level |
Grooming & Care
| Gordon Setter | Irish 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.