English Setter vs Siberian Husky
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
Siberian Husky
Working 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.
Siberian Husky Overview
Siberian Huskies are striking sled dogs with distinctive masks, erect triangular ears, and thick double coats in various colors. Their medium-sized, athletic build reflects their endurance heritage, while their almond-shaped eyes often showcase a unique blue or bi-colored appearance. Athletic and graceful in movement, they maintain a friendly yet independent spirit, combining their working dog legacy with an affectionate family companion nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Setters are less energetic than Siberian Huskys, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Setters require more grooming attention compared to Siberian Huskys.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than Siberian Huskys.
- Trainability: Siberian Huskys may be slightly easier to train due to their Siberian Husky's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Siberian Huskys 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 Siberian Husky, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Setter | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Setter | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 20-24 inches 51-60 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 35-60 lbs 16-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Setter | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Mellow, Merry | Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Setter | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Siberian Husky Temperament
The Siberian Husky is characterized by being loyal, mischievous, outgoing, 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 English Setter and Siberian Husky, 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
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Siberian Husky
Rating: 3/5
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.
Siberian Husky Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Siberian Huskys 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, Siberian Huskys require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
Siberian Husky Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Von Willebrand's
- Zinc Deficiency
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
Siberian Husky
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with children
- Low aggression levels
- Minimal grooming needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- High prey drive
- Challenging to train
- Heavy shedding
- Escape artists
- Not ideal guard dogs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Setter and Siberian Husky, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.