English SetterVSGordon Setter

The English Setter is known for being gentle, mellow, friendly, while the Gordon Setter is typically described as loyal, confident, devoted. 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 Gordon Setter 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 English Setter is a large breed standing 58–68 cm (23–27 in) tall and weighing 20–36 kg (44–79 lbs). In comparison, the Gordon Setter is a large breed at 58–69 cm (23–27 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs).

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

The English Setter has a long coat available in blue belton, orange belton, liver belton, tricolor, 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 English Setter 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 English Setter is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

For apartment dwellers, the English Setter 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.

Both breeds shed at a similar rate (3/5), so you can expect comparable amounts of loose fur from either one.

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 $200 for the English Setter and $200 for the Gordon Setter. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The English Setter has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Gordon Setter lives 12–13 years. The English Setter 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 English Setter include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism. 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 English Setter and $500 for the Gordon Setter. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 4/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

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.

Both the English Setter and Gordon Setter score 4/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The English Setter 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.

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.

For families with children, the English Setter is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Gordon Setter's 4/5. The English Setter's gentle nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the English Setter tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Gordon Setter (4/5). 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 Gordon Setter tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the English Setter's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a English Setter ranges from $1,000–$2,500, while a Gordon Setter typically costs $1,000–$2,500. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,360 for the English Setter and $1,420 for the Gordon Setter. The Gordon Setter costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the English Setter 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.