English Springer Spaniel vs Gordon Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
English Springer Spaniel
Sporting Group
Gordon Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
English Springer Spaniel Overview
English Springer Spaniels showcase a balanced, athletic build with a distinctive feathered coat in liver and white or black and white combinations. Their medium-sized frame carries graceful lines and strong muscles, complemented by long, pendant ears and a gentle, intelligent expression. These dogs exhibit remarkable agility and stamina, with a characteristic springy gait that reflects their hunting heritage.
Gordon Setter Overview
Gordon Setters are elegant sporting dogs with distinctive black and tan coats. Their strong, muscular build combines with graceful movement and noble bearing. Standing 24-27 inches at the shoulder, these dogs feature a silky coat, deep chest, and intelligent expression. Their temperament balances confidence with affection, making them both capable hunting companions and devoted family dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: English Springer Spaniels are less energetic than Gordon Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: English Springer Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to Gordon Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, English Springer Spaniels tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Gordon Setters.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Springer Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Gordon Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the English Springer Spaniel and Gordon Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-20 inches 48-51 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 40-50 lbs 18-23 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Playful, Obedient | Affectionate, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | English Springer Spaniel | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
English Springer Spaniel Temperament
The English Springer Spaniel is known for being friendly, playful, obedient, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is characterized by being affectionate, confident, bold, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the English Springer Spaniel and Gordon Setter, 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 Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
English Springer Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
English Springer Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Springer Spaniels require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Springer Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Gordon Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Gordon Setters 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, Gordon Setters require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
English Springer Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Ear Infections
- Phosphofructokinase
- Retinal Dysplasia
Gordon Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
English Springer Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and versatile
- Good with children
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- Needs consistent grooming
- Can be prone to ear infections
- May be too energetic for some
Gordon Setter
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not apartment-friendly
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the English Springer Spaniel and Gordon Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.