English Setter vs Bichon Frise
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Setter
Sporting Group
Bichon Frise
Non-Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Bichon Frise Overview
Graceful and compact, the Bichon Frise showcases a white powder-puff appearance with a soft, dense coat that forms a rounded silhouette. Their dark, inquisitive eyes and black nose create an endearing expression, while their plumed tail curves gracefully over their back. Naturally cheerful and gentle-natured, these dogs combine aristocratic bearing with a merry, playful disposition.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Setters are more energetic than Bichon Frises, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Setters require less grooming attention compared to Bichon Frises.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than Bichon Frises.
- Trainability: Bichon Frises may be slightly easier to train due to their Bichon Frise's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bichon Frises 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 English Setter and Bichon Frise, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Setter | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 14-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Setter | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 10-12 inches 24-29 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 12-18 lbs 5-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Setter | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Mellow, Merry | Playful, Curious, Peppy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Setter | Bichon Frise |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Setter Temperament
The English Setter is known for being friendly, mellow, merry, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Bichon Frise Temperament
The Bichon Frise is characterized by being playful, curious, peppy, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Setter and Bichon Frise, 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
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bichon Frise
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
Bichon Frise
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bichon Frise
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
English Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Setters require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Setters require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Bichon Frise Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bichon Frises need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bichon Frises 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
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
Bichon Frise Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Bladder stones
- Eye problems
- Dental disease
Pros & Cons
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
Bichon Frise
Pros
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Long lifespan
- Cheerful personality
Cons
- High grooming maintenance
- Can be expensive to maintain
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Regular professional grooming required
- May be difficult to housebreak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Setter and Bichon Frise, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.