Gordon Setter vs Irish Setter

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Gordon Setter
Category
Irish Setter

📏 Physical Stats

45 - 80
Weight (lbs)
35 - 70
23 - 27
Height (inches)
24 - 27
10 - 12 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 11 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
Scotland
Origin
Ireland
Find and point gamebirds
Bred For
Bird setting, retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
4/5
Better
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
2/5
Better
Grooming Needs
3/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,844
Gordon Setter
vs
Annual Cost
$2,739
Irish Setter
Gordon Setter
Expense
Irish Setter
$2,844
Annual Cost
$2,739
Lower ✓
$3,564
First Year
$3,459
Lower ✓
$32,004
Lifetime Total
$29,480
Lower ✓
$780
Food (annual)
$780
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$630
Lower ✓
$440
Grooming (annual)
$440
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Irish Setter (~11 yrs) costs approximately $2,524 less than a Gordon Setter (~11 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Gordon Setter

Fearless, Alert, Loyal, Confident, Gay, Eager, Brave, Dignified, Friendly, Gentle, Independent

Irish Setter

Affectionate, Energetic, Lively, Independent, Playful, Companionable, Friendly, Gentle, Brave, Curious, Loyal