Gordon Setter vs Irish 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.

Gordon Setter vs Irish Setter — at a glance

The Gordon Setter (20–36 kg, 10–12 years) and the Irish Setter (25–32 kg, 12–15 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 — Irish 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.

	Gordon Setter	Irish Setter
Group	Sporting	Sporting
Origin	Scotland	Ireland
Weight	20–36 kg	25–32 kg
Height	58–69 cm	63–69 cm
Lifespan	10–12 years	12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

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 →

Irish Setter

Temperament

Joyful, affectionate, sociable, sometimes scatterbrained. Excellent with children and other pets. Bonded with everyone.

Exercise

90+ minutes of daily exercise. They love to run.

Grooming

Long silky red coat. Brush 3× weekly. Light trimming around feet/ears.

Health

Bloat / GDV. Hip dysplasia. PRA. Hypothyroidism. Epilepsy in some lines.

Full Irish Setter profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the Gordon Setter if

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

Pick the Irish Setter if

Active families, multi-pet homes, owners who enjoy running.

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Gordon Setter vs Irish Setter