Briard vs Gordon Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Briard
Herding Group
Gordon Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Briard Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Briard showcases a distinctive shaggy double coat in various shades including black, gray, and tawny. Their muscular build and agile movement reflect their herding heritage, while their intelligent eyes and proud bearing command attention. Standing 23-27 inches at the shoulder with a well-proportioned frame, these dogs combine strength with elegance.
Gordon Setter Overview
Gordon Setters are elegant sporting dogs with distinctive black and tan coats. Their strong, muscular build combines with graceful movement and noble bearing. Standing 24-27 inches at the shoulder, these dogs feature a silky coat, deep chest, and intelligent expression. Their temperament balances confidence with affection, making them both capable hunting companions and devoted family dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Briards are less energetic than Gordon Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Briards require more grooming attention compared to Gordon Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Briards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Gordon Setters.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Briards adapt better to apartment living, while Gordon Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Briard and Gordon Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Briard | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Briard | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 55-100 lbs 25-45 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Briard | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Faithful | Affectionate, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Briard | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Briard Temperament
The Briard is known for being confident, smart, faithful, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is characterized by being affectionate, confident, bold, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Briard and Gordon 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
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Briard
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Briard
Rating: 2/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Briard
Rating: 5/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Briard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Briards 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, Briards require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Gordon Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Gordon 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, Gordon Setters require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Briard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- PRA
- Heart Issues
- Allergies
Gordon Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Briard
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with children
- Intelligent
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed nature
- Reserved with strangers
- Requires extensive exercise
Gordon Setter
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not apartment-friendly
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Briard and Gordon Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.