Irish Setter vs Affenpinscher
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Irish Setter
Sporting Group
Affenpinscher
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Affenpinscher Overview
Affenpinschers captivate with their distinctive monkey-like facial expressions and bold personality packed into a compact frame. Standing 9-11.5 inches tall, these sturdy toys sport a rough coat in black, with a distinctive beard and eyebrows framing their expressive dark eyes. Their confident, spirited nature combines with natural comedic talent, earning them the nickname 'Diamond in the Rough'.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Setters are more energetic than Affenpinschers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Setters require less grooming attention compared to Affenpinschers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than Affenpinschers.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Affenpinschers 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 Irish Setter and Affenpinscher, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Setter | Affenpinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Setter | Affenpinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm | 9-12 inches 23-29 cm |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg | 7-10 lbs 3-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Setter | Affenpinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured | Confident, Famously Funny, Fearless |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Setter | Affenpinscher |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Irish Setter Temperament
The Irish Setter is known for being active, outgoing, sweet-natured, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Affenpinscher Temperament
The Affenpinscher is characterized by being confident, famously funny, fearless, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 Irish Setter and Affenpinscher, 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
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Affenpinscher
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Affenpinscher
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Affenpinscher
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
Affenpinscher
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Affenpinscher
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Irish Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish 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, Irish Setters require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Affenpinscher Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Affenpinschers 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, Affenpinschers 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
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
Affenpinscher Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Issues
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
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
Affenpinscher
Pros
- Excellent apartment dog
- Low shedding
- Confident personality
- Good watchdog
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires regular grooming
- May be territorial
- Not ideal for young children
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Setter and Affenpinscher, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.