English Setter vs Whippet
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
Whippet
Hound 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.
Whippet Overview
Graceful and athletic, Whippets possess a distinctive silhouette with their deep chest, curved back, and long, slender legs. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors and patterns. Known for combining remarkable speed with gentle companionship, these sight hounds display an elegant blend of muscular strength and refined features, embodying both power and grace in their streamlined build.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Setters are more energetic than Whippets, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Setters require more grooming attention compared to Whippets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Setters tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Whippets.
- Trainability: Whippets may be slightly easier to train due to their Whippet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Whippets 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 Whippet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Setter | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Setter | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Setter | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Mellow, Merry | Affectionate, Playful, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Setter | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is characterized by being affectionate, playful, calm, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Whippet, 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
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
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.
Whippet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Whippets 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, Whippets 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
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
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
Whippet
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Good with children
- Athletic and graceful
Cons
- High prey drive
- Cannot be off-leash in unsecured areas
- Sensitive to cold
- Needs regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Setter and Whippet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.