DogMatchUp

English Setter vs Komondor

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

English Setter
Medium

English Setter

Sporting Group

Komondor
Medium

Komondor

Working Group

Quick Comparison

Size

English Setter Medium
Komondor Medium

Lifespan

English Setter 12-12 years
Komondor 10-12 years

Exercise Needs

English Setter 4/5
Komondor 3/5

Grooming Needs

English Setter 4/5
Komondor 6/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-12 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Friendly, Mellow, Merry

Komondor Overview

Majestic and powerful, the Komondor stands out with its distinctive white corded coat resembling dreadlocks or mop strings. This large, muscular guardian breed features a unique coat that naturally forms long cords, providing protection in harsh weather. Their dignified bearing and imposing presence reflect their heritage as fearless livestock guardians, while their calm and steady temperament makes them excellent protectors.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Loyal, Dignified, Brave

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: English Setters are more energetic than Komondors, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: English Setters require less grooming attention compared to Komondors.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Setters tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Komondors.
  • Trainability: Komondors may be slightly easier to train due to their Komondor's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Komondors 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 Komondor, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature English Setter Komondor
Size Medium Medium
Life Expectancy 12-12 years 10-12 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Sporting Group Working Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature English Setter Komondor
Height
23-27 inches
58-69 cm
25-27 inches
65-70 cm
Weight
45-80 lbs
20-36 kg
80-100 lbs
36-45 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Regularly Seasonal

Temperament & Behavior

Feature English Setter Komondor
Temperament Friendly, Mellow, Merry Loyal, Dignified, Brave
Energy Level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature English Setter Komondor
Good with Children
4/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
4/5
2/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

English Setter Temperament

Friendly Mellow Merry

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.

Komondor Temperament

Loyal Dignified Brave

The Komondor is characterized by being loyal, dignified, brave, 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 Komondor, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

English Setter
4/5
Komondor
3/5

Good with Children

English Setter
4/5
Komondor
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

English Setter

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 4/5

Komondor

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

English Setter

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 4/5

Komondor

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

ENERGY LEVEL

English Setter

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Komondor

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

English Setter

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Komondor

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

English Setter

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Komondor

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Care & Maintenance

English Setter Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

4/5

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

4/5

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.

Komondor Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Komondors 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

6/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Komondors 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

Average Lifespan: 12-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems

Komondor Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye Problems
  • Entropion
  • Skin Issues

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

Komondor

Pros

  • Exceptional guardian instincts
  • Loyal and protective
  • Weather-resistant coat
  • Independent nature

Cons

  • Extensive grooming needs
  • Not suitable for novice owners
  • Strong-willed personality
  • Requires significant space

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the English Setter and Komondor, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.