Boston Terrier vs Irish Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Boston Terrier
Non-Sporting Group
Irish Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Boston Terrier Overview
Boston Terriers feature a distinctive tuxedo-like coat pattern with a compact, muscular build and endearing round eyes. Their square head, short muzzle, and erect ears create an alert, intelligent expression. Standing 15-17 inches tall, these charming companions combine gentle affection with playful energy, making them delightful family pets known for their adaptable nature and amusing personality.
Irish Setter Overview
Majestic and graceful, the Irish Setter showcases a stunning mahogany red coat that flows elegantly with their athletic movement. Their refined head features a long, lean muzzle, dark eyes expressing intelligence and warmth, and long feathered ears. Standing tall with a balanced, athletic build, these dogs combine aristocratic bearing with sporting ability, displaying both power and finesse in their fluid gait.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Boston Terriers are less energetic than Irish Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Boston Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Irish Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Boston Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Setters.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Boston Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Boston Terrier and Irish Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-17 inches 38-43 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 12-25 lbs 5-11 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Amusing | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Boston Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Boston Terrier Temperament
The Boston Terrier is known for being friendly, bright, amusing, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Irish Setter Temperament
The Irish Setter is characterized by being active, outgoing, sweet-natured, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Boston Terrier and Irish Setter, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Boston Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 4/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Boston Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Boston Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Boston Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boston Terriers require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Boston Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Irish Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Setters need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Irish Setters require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Boston Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
- Cherry Eye
- Deafness
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
Pros & Cons
Boston Terrier
Pros
- Great with families
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Adaptable
- Friendly personality
Cons
- Breathing difficulties
- Heat sensitive
- Potential snoring
- Some stubbornness
Irish Setter
Pros
- Affectionate and friendly
- Athletic and energetic
- Good with families
- Beautiful appearance
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not ideal for apartments
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Boston Terrier and Irish Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.