Gordon Setter vs Tibetan 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
Tibetan Spaniel
Non-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.
Tibetan Spaniel Overview
Tibetan Spaniels feature a compact, well-balanced body with a distinctive silky double coat and expressive almond-shaped eyes. Their small, sturdy frame carries a dignified bearing, complemented by a slightly domed head and medium-length muzzle. These intelligent companions display remarkable alertness and self-confidence, combining playful energy with a calm, devoted nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Gordon Setters are more energetic than Tibetan Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Gordon Setters require less grooming attention compared to Tibetan Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Gordon Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than Tibetan Spaniels.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Tibetan 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 Tibetan Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Tibetan Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Tibetan Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 10-10 inches 25-25 cm |
| Weight | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Tibetan Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Confident, Bold | Playful, Bright, Self-Confident |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Gordon Setter | Tibetan 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.
Tibetan Spaniel Temperament
The Tibetan Spaniel is characterized by being playful, bright, self-confident, 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 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 Tibetan 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
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Tibetan Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Tibetan Spaniel
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.
Tibetan Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Tibetan 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, Tibetan Spaniels 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
Tibetan Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Heart Murmurs
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Cherry Eye
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
Tibetan Spaniel
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Low exercise requirements
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdog capabilities
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Moderate grooming needs
- May be reserved with strangers
- Prone to barking
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Gordon Setter and Tibetan Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.