French Bulldog vs Irish Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
French Bulldog
Non-Sporting Group
Irish Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Bulldog Overview
French Bulldogs captivate with their distinctive bat-like ears and compact, muscular build. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, complementing a charming, wrinkled face and endearing expression. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these sturdy companions combine alertness with a laid-back demeanor, showcasing their adaptable nature through playful antics and affectionate interactions.
Irish Setter Overview
Majestic and graceful, the Irish Setter showcases a stunning mahogany red coat that flows elegantly with their athletic movement. Their refined head features a long, lean muzzle, dark eyes expressing intelligence and warmth, and long feathered ears. Standing tall with a balanced, athletic build, these dogs combine aristocratic bearing with sporting ability, displaying both power and finesse in their fluid gait.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: French Bulldogs are less energetic than Irish Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Bulldogs require less grooming attention compared to Irish Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Bulldogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Setters.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: French Bulldogs adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the French Bulldog and Irish Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Bulldog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Bulldog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 28-28 lbs 13-13 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Bulldog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Playful, Smart | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Bulldog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Bulldog Temperament
The French Bulldog is known for being adaptable, playful, smart, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Irish Setter Temperament
The Irish Setter is characterized by being active, outgoing, sweet-natured, 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 French Bulldog and Irish 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
French Bulldog
Rating: 5/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
French Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Bulldogs 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, French Bulldogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Irish Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish 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, Irish Setters 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
French Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Problems
- Eye Issues
- Heat Sensitivity
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
Pros & Cons
French Bulldog
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Good with children
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Multiple health issues
- Expensive medical care
- Heat sensitive
- Snoring and breathing issues
Irish Setter
Pros
- Affectionate and friendly
- Athletic and energetic
- Good with families
- Beautiful appearance
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not ideal for apartments
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the French Bulldog and Irish Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.