English Setter vs Irish Setter: Compare Traits & Temperaments

The Irish Setter and English Setter have distinct origins rooted in different regions. Both breeds were developed for hunting purposes, but their paths diverged due to unique breeding goals and local preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two dog breeds.

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Physical Characteristics

English Setters and Irish Setters have distinct physical traits that set them apart. Their size, coat colors, and overall appearance make each breed unique and easily recognizable.

Appearance Comparison

• English Setters have a more compact build with a square-shaped body. Their heads are long and oval-shaped, with a pronounced stop. English Setters have dark, expressive eyes and long, low-set ears.
• Irish Setters are taller and more slender. They have a refined, aristocratic look with a long, lean head and a slightly domed skull. Their ears are set low and hang close to the head. Irish Setters have a graceful, flowing gait that adds to their elegant appearance.
• Both breeds have long tails that they carry horizontally or slightly elevated when alert.

Size and Weight

• English Setters are slightly smaller than Irish Setters. Male English Setters typically stand 25-27 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are 23-25 inches. They weigh between 55-80 pounds.
• Irish Setters are taller, with males reaching 27-28 inches and females 25-26 inches. They weigh between 60-70 pounds. Despite their larger size, Irish Setters often appear more slender due to their lean build.

Coat and Colors

English Setters have a distinctive speckled coat called “belton.” Their base color is white with flecks of another color. Common belton patterns include:

• Blue belton (black and white)
• Orange belton (orange and white)
• Liver belton (brown and white)
• Tri-color (blue or liver belton with tan markings)

Their coat is flat, silky, and of medium length with feathering on the ears, chest, belly, and legs.

Irish Setters are known for their striking red coat. The color ranges from rich mahogany to chestnut red. Their coat is fine, silky, and of medium length, lying flat against the body. They have longer feathering on the ears, chest, belly, legs, and tail. Both breeds require regular grooming to maintain their coats and prevent matting.

Personality and Temperament

English Setters and Irish Setters have distinct personalities and temperaments. Both breeds are known for their friendly nature, but they differ in energy levels and trainability.

Behavioral Traits

• English Setters are gentle and affectionate. They tend to be calm and patient, making them great family pets. These dogs are known for their sweet dispositions and get along well with children.
• Irish Setters, on the other hand, are lively and outgoing. They have a playful nature and can be quite mischievous. Irish Setters are known for their high energy levels and need plenty of exercise.
• Both breeds are intelligent, but Irish Setters can be more stubborn and independent at times. This may make training slightly more challenging compared to English Setters.

Socialization and Sociability

• English Setters and Irish Setters are both highly sociable breeds. They enjoy being around people and other dogs.
• English Setters are known for their gentle nature. They typically get along well with other pets and are patient with children. These dogs thrive on human companionship and do not like being left alone for long periods.
• Irish Setters are friendly and outgoing. They love meeting new people and animals. These dogs are great with children and make excellent family pets. However, their high energy levels may be overwhelming for very young kids.
• Both breeds benefit from early socialization. This helps them develop into well-rounded adult dogs.

Energy and Exercise Needs

English Setters have moderate energy levels. They need regular exercise but are not as demanding as Irish Setters.

• Daily walks
• Playtime in a fenced yard
• Mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys

Irish Setters are high-energy dogs. They require more exercise to stay happy and healthy.

• Long daily walks or jogs
• Off-leash play in secure areas
• Engaging in dog sports like agility or flyball

Both breeds enjoy outdoor activities. However, Irish Setters may need more vigorous exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Training and Intelligence

English Setters and Irish Setters are smart breeds with distinct training needs. Both excel in hunting and benefit from mental stimulation, but their approaches to learning differ.

Trainability and Obedience

• English Setters are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. They learn quickly but can be easily distracted. Short, consistent training sessions work best.
• Irish Setters are intelligent but can be more independent and stubborn. They need patient, firm training. Their playful nature may make them lose focus.
• Both breeds benefit from early socialization and obedience training. Use treats and praise to motivate them. Avoid harsh methods, as these can damage their sensitive spirits.

Hunting and Working Capabilities

English and Irish Setters are excellent hunting dogs. They have strong pointing and retrieving skills. English Setters are known for their methodical hunting style. They work closely with their handler and excel in upland game bird hunting.

Irish Setters are energetic and cover ground quickly. They’re great for open field hunting. Their keen nose helps them track game effectively.

Both breeds can also succeed in other roles:

• Therapy dogs
• Agility competitors
• Tracking

Mental Stimulation Needs

Setters are smart dogs that need regular mental challenges. Without enough stimulation, they may become bored and destructive. English Setters enjoy puzzle toys and scent games. They thrive on learning new tricks and commands. Daily walks with varied routes keep their minds engaged.

Irish Setters have high energy levels. They need more intense mental workouts. Consider:

• Advanced obedience training
• Agility courses
• Hide-and-seek games

Both breeds benefit from interactive play sessions. Rotating toys helps prevent boredom. Regular training keeps their minds sharp and strengthens your bond.

Health and Lifespan

English Setters and Irish Setters have different health profiles and life expectancies. Both breeds face some similar issues, but also have unique concerns to watch for.

Common Health Issues

English Setters can live 10-12 years on average. They may deal with hip dysplasia, a condition affecting hip joint development. Deafness and hypothyroidism can also occur in this breed. Irish Setters tend to have a slightly longer lifespan of 11-15 years. They are prone to hip dysplasia as well. Other health concerns include:

• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Bloat
• Epilepsy

Both breeds can develop certain types of cancer. Irish Setters may face a rare genetic disorder called canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

Preventative Care and Health Maintenance

Regular vet check-ups are crucial for both breeds. This helps catch potential issues early. Proper diet and exercise play a big role in keeping these dogs healthy. For English Setters, ear checks are important due to their floppy ears. Irish Setters benefit from eye exams to monitor for retinal problems.

Both breeds should have their hips checked regularly. This can help manage hip dysplasia if it develops. Bloat prevention is key for Irish Setters, involving:

• Multiple small meals instead of one large one
• Avoiding vigorous exercise after eating
• Using raised food bowls

Genetic testing can identify potential health risks in both breeds. This allows owners to take proactive steps in their dog’s care.

Maintenance and Living Conditions

English and Irish Setters have different needs when it comes to care and living spaces. Their grooming, diet, and adaptability vary in important ways.

Grooming and Shedding

• Both English and Irish Setters have long, silky coats that need regular care. English Setters require moderate maintenance, including brushing 2-3 times a week. They shed moderately year-round.
• Irish Setters need more frequent brushing, about 3-4 times weekly. Their coat is prone to matting, especially behind the ears and on the legs. Both breeds benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.
• Neither breed drools excessively. Regular nail trims, teeth cleaning, and ear checks are important for both Setters.

Diet and Nutrition

• English and Irish Setters thrive on a balanced diet tailored to their size and activity level. High-quality dog food, whether commercial or home-prepared with veterinary guidance, is essential.
• English Setters typically need 2-3 cups of food daily, split into two meals. Irish Setters may require slightly more due to their larger size and higher energy levels.
• Both breeds can be prone to bloat, so multiple smaller meals are recommended. Fresh water should always be available.

Adaptability to Living Environments

• English Setters are more adaptable to various living situations. They can do well in apartments if given enough exercise. Their moderate energy levels make them suitable as family pets.
• Irish Setters have higher energy levels and need more space. They’re not ideal for apartment living unless given ample daily exercise. A house with a fenced yard is best for this breed.
• Both Setters enjoy outdoor activities and need regular exercise. English Setters are generally calmer indoors, while Irish Setters may be more rambunctious.