Gordon Setter vs American Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Gordon Setter
Sporting Group
American Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Foxhound Overview
American Foxhounds showcase a lean, muscular build with long, straight legs and a broad chest. Their distinctive features include a domed skull, long ears, and gentle brown eyes that convey their sweet-tempered nature. Standing tall with an athletic frame, these hounds possess remarkable endurance and agility, complemented by a short, dense coat that comes in classic hound colors.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Gordon Setters are more energetic than American Foxhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Gordon Setters require more grooming attention compared to American Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Gordon Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Foxhounds.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Foxhounds 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 Gordon Setter and American Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Gordon Setter | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 11-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Gordon Setter | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 21-25 inches 53-64 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Gordon Setter | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Confident, Bold | Independent, Easy-Going, Sweet-Tempered |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Gordon Setter | American Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is known for being affectionate, confident, bold, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
American Foxhound Temperament
The American Foxhound is characterized by being independent, easy-going, sweet-tempered, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Gordon Setter and American Foxhound, 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
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
American Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Gordon Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Gordon 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, Gordon Setters require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Foxhounds 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, American Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Gordon Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
American Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thrombocytopathy
- Ear Infections
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
Pros & Cons
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
American Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly nature
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Gordon Setter and American Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.