Carolina Dog vs English Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Carolina Dog
Foundation Stock Service
English Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Carolina Dog Overview
Carolina Dogs possess a distinctive primitive appearance with erect ears, fox-like facial features, and a curved fishhook tail. Their medium-sized, muscular build reflects their natural development as a landrace breed. Alert and graceful in movement, these dogs showcase a balanced structure with a deep chest, strong legs, and a short-to-medium length double coat in shades of tan, ginger, or buff with white markings.
English Setter Overview
English Setters showcase an elegant and athletic build with distinctive speckled coat patterns known as 'belton.' Their graceful movement and medium-sized, well-proportioned frame exemplify sporting dog refinement. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and deep chest, these dogs combine beauty with functionality. Their silky, flat coat features unique feathering on legs, chest, and tail.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Carolina Dogs are less energetic than English Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Carolina Dogs require less grooming attention compared to English Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Carolina Dogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Setters.
- Trainability: English Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their English Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Carolina Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while English Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Carolina Dog and English Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Carolina Dog | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | Unknown | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Carolina Dog | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-20 inches 45-50 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 30-55 lbs 14-25 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Carolina Dog | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Independent, Reserved with Strangers | Friendly, Mellow, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Carolina Dog | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Carolina Dog Temperament
The Carolina Dog is known for being loyal, independent, reserved with strangers, 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.
English Setter Temperament
The English Setter is characterized by being friendly, mellow, merry, 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 Carolina Dog and English 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
Carolina Dog
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Carolina Dog
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Carolina Dog
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Carolina Dog
Rating: 1/5
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Carolina Dog
Rating: 2/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Carolina Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Carolina Dogs 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, Carolina Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
English Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English 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, English 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
Carolina Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Dental issues
- Allergies
- Ear infections
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Carolina Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Low grooming needs
- Natural health
- Loyal companion
Cons
- Independent nature
- Strong prey drive
- Reserved with strangers
- Need consistent training
English Setter
Pros
- Gentle and friendly temperament
- Excellent with children
- Athletic and versatile
- Good hunting companion
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Carolina Dog and English Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.