Gordon Setter vs Boykin Spaniel
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
Boykin Spaniel
Sporting 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.
Boykin Spaniel Overview
Boykin Spaniels showcase a medium-sized, sturdy build with distinctive liver-brown coats that complement their eager, friendly expressions. Their athletic frame combines strength with agility, featuring moderate bone structure and well-developed muscles. These versatile sporting dogs display a balanced appearance with feathered ears, intelligent eyes, and a tail typically docked to medium length.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Gordon Setters are more energetic than Boykin Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Gordon Setters require less grooming attention compared to Boykin Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Gordon Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than Boykin Spaniels.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Boykin 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 Gordon Setter and Boykin Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Boykin Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 10-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Boykin Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 14-18 inches 36-46 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 | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Boykin Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Confident, Bold | Friendly, Eager, Lovable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Boykin Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Boykin Spaniel Temperament
The Boykin Spaniel is characterized by being friendly, eager, lovable, 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 Gordon Setter and Boykin Spaniel, 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
Boykin Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Boykin Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
Boykin Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Boykin Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Boykin Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
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.
Boykin Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Boykin Spaniels 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, Boykin Spaniels 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
Gordon Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Boykin Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Exercise Induced Collapse
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
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
Boykin Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Friendly family dog
- Highly trainable
- Good with children
- Versatile athlete
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- Moderate grooming needs
- Can be sensitive
- Needs consistent training
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Gordon Setter and Boykin Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.