Gordon Setter vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Overview
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive short legs and a well-proportioned body. Their smooth, dense coat comes in various color combinations, typically with white as the predominant color. Alert ears, bright eyes, and a confident stance reflect their keen intelligence and spirited nature. These agile terriers move with purpose and grace, embodying both strength and athleticism.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Gordon Setters are more energetic than Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Gordon Setters require less grooming attention compared to Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Gordon Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers 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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 8-15 inches 20-38 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 8-25 lbs 4-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Confident, Bold | Playful, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Temperament
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is characterized by being playful, versatile, intelligent, 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 Gordon Setter and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers 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, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- von Willebrand's Disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Cardiac 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Great with families
- Excellent ratters
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High prey drive
- May bark frequently
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Gordon Setter and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.