English Setter vs Gordon Setter

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

English Setter vs Gordon Setter — at a glance

The English Setter (20–30 kg, 11–13 years) and the Gordon Setter (20–36 kg, 10–12 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — English Setter tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	English Setter	Gordon Setter
Group	Sporting	Sporting
Origin	England	Scotland
Weight	20–30 kg	20–36 kg
Height	58–69 cm	58–69 cm
Lifespan	11–13 years	10–12 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

English Setter

Temperament

Sweet, gentle, devoted. Famously patient with children. Friendly with other dogs and even cats when raised together. Sensitive to harsh training — positive methods only.

Exercise

90+ minutes daily of off-lead running ideally. Built for endurance. Without enough exercise they become destructive.

Grooming

Long, silky, feathered coat needs brushing 2–3× weekly. Trim feathers around feet + ears every 6 weeks. Heavy seasonal shedding. Check ears weekly (long, floppy → infection prone).

Health

Watch for: hip dysplasia, deafness (congenital, especially in heavily-spotted dogs), hypothyroidism, allergies, autoimmune issues.

Full English Setter profile →

Gordon Setter

Temperament

Loyal, dignified, sometimes stubborn. Less freely friendly than the English or Irish Setter — Gordons take time to warm to new people. Excellent watchdogs (rare for setters).

Exercise

60–90 minutes daily. Built for endurance over speed. Loves field work, hiking, swimming.

Grooming

Long silky coat with feathering — brush 2–3× weekly. Trim every 6–8 weeks. Heavy seasonal shedding. Ear cleaning weekly.

Health

Watch for: hip dysplasia, bloat (deep chest), progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, cerebellar abiotrophy (rare neurological condition, DNA test available).

Full Gordon Setter profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the English Setter if

Active families with garden access, owners committed to daily long exercise, sensitive training households.

Pick the Gordon Setter if

Active singles or couples wanting a deeply bonded dog, hunters, those happy with a slightly reserved personality.

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English Setter vs Gordon Setter