English Setter vs Bolognese
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
Bolognese
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Bolognese Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Bolognese captivates with its cloud-like white coat and endearing expression. Distinguished by a compact, square-built frame and flowing pure white fur that forms loose, open ringlets, these charming companions possess a naturally dignified bearing. Their gentle, alert expression and dark round eyes reflect an intelligent and affectionate nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Setters are more energetic than Bologneses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Setters require less grooming attention compared to Bologneses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Setters tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bologneses.
- Trainability: Bologneses may be slightly easier to train due to their Bolognese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bologneses 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 Bolognese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Setter | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Setter | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 5-9 lbs 2-4 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Setter | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Mellow, Merry | Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Setter | Bolognese |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Bolognese Temperament
The Bolognese is characterized by being playful, easy-going, devoted, 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 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 Bolognese, 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
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bolognese
Rating: 4/5
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.
Bolognese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bologneses 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, Bologneses 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
Bolognese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
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
Bolognese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Highly adaptable
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
- Relatively rare breed
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Setter and Bolognese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.