Belgian TervurenVSEnglish Setter

The Belgian Tervuren is known for being intelligent, courageous, alert, while the English Setter is typically described as gentle, mellow, friendly. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

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

The Belgian Tervuren is a large breed standing 56–66 cm (22–26 in) tall and weighing 20–30 kg (44–66 lbs). In comparison, the English Setter is a large breed at 58–68 cm (23–27 in) and 20–36 kg (44–79 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Belgian Tervuren has a long coat available in fawn to mahogany with black overlay, while the English Setter sports a long coat in blue belton, orange belton, liver belton, tricolor. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Belgian Tervuren has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The English Setter has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

The Belgian Tervuren requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The English Setter is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

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

When it comes to shedding, the Belgian Tervuren drops more fur with a shedding level of 4/5, while the English Setter is lighter at 3/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the English Setter will be easier to live with.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 4/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $150 for the Belgian Tervuren and $200 for the English Setter. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Belgian Tervuren has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the English Setter lives 12–15 years. The English Setter generally has a longer lifespan.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Belgian Tervuren scores 4/5 compared to the English Setter's 3/5. The Belgian Tervuren is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Belgian Tervuren include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy. The English Setter is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Belgian Tervuren and $500 for the English Setter. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Belgian Tervuren is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The English Setter scores 4/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Belgian Tervuren ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), 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.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Belgian Tervuren outranks the English Setter with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The Belgian Tervuren tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Belgian Tervuren leans toward working intelligence — excelling at tasks, following complex commands, and performing jobs they were bred for. The English Setter, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The Belgian Tervuren's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 4/5), 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 English Setter edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Belgian Tervuren's 4/5. The English Setter's gentle temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

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

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

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

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,310 for the Belgian Tervuren and $1,360 for the English Setter. The English Setter costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the Belgian Tervuren and $55 for the English 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.