Afghan HoundVSGordon Setter

The Afghan Hound is known for being dignified, aloof, independent, while the Gordon Setter is typically described as loyal, confident, devoted. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Gordon Setter tends to be more playful, scoring 4/5 versus the Afghan Hound's 3/5. Expect the Gordon Setter to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Gordon Setter is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Afghan Hound is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Afghan Hound may be the better choice.

The Afghan Hound is a large breed standing 63–74 cm (25–29 in) tall and weighing 23–27 kg (51–60 lbs). In comparison, the Gordon Setter is a large breed at 58–69 cm (23–27 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs).

The Gordon Setter is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Afghan Hound has a long coat available in black, cream, red, blue, brindle, white, while the Gordon Setter sports a long coat in black and tan. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Afghan Hound has high energy (4/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Gordon Setter has high energy (4/5) and very high exercise needs (5/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Gordon Setter, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Afghan Hound is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the Afghan Hound is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Gordon Setter's 1/5. The Gordon Setter generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Gordon Setter sheds more than the Afghan Hound — 3/5 versus 2/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Gordon Setter.

The Afghan Hound demands more grooming attention with a score of 5/5, while the Gordon Setter is lower-maintenance at 4/5. The Afghan Hound's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $500 for the Afghan Hound and $200 for the Gordon Setter. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Afghan Hound has a lifespan of 12–18 years, while the Gordon Setter lives 12–13 years. The Afghan Hound tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Afghan Hound include hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, laryngeal paralysis. The Gordon Setter is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Afghan Hound and $500 for the Gordon Setter. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Gordon Setter, which scores 4/5 for trainability. The Afghan Hound's score of 1/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Gordon Setter ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The Gordon Setter is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Afghan Hound's 3/5. This means the Gordon Setter generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Afghan Hound leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Gordon Setter, on the other hand, shows strong obedience intelligence — responding eagerly to training cues and handler direction.

The Gordon Setter's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 1/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Gordon Setter edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 4/5 with children versus the Afghan Hound's 3/5. The Gordon Setter's loyal temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Gordon Setter tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Afghan Hound (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Gordon Setter is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Gordon Setter is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Afghan Hound tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Gordon Setter's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Afghan Hound ranges from $2,000–$3,500, while a Gordon Setter typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Afghan Hound has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,660 for the Afghan Hound and $1,420 for the Gordon Setter. The Afghan Hound is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the Afghan Hound and $60 for the Gordon Setter. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.