Irish Setter vs American Eskimo Dog
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
American Eskimo Dog
Non-Sporting 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.
American Eskimo Dog Overview
American Eskimo Dogs showcase a striking pure white double coat and distinctive wedge-shaped head with alert, dark-rimmed eyes. Their compact, well-balanced frame carries a proud bearing, complemented by a plumed tail carried over the back. These intelligent companions display remarkable agility and grace in movement, with their distinctive spitz-like features reflecting their Nordic heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Setters are more energetic than American Eskimo Dogs, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Setters require more grooming attention compared to American Eskimo Dogs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Setters tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Eskimo Dogs.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Eskimo Dogs 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 American Eskimo Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Setter | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Setter | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm | 9-19 inches 23-48 cm |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg | 6-35 lbs 3-16 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Setter | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured | Playful, Perky, Smart |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Setter | American Eskimo Dog |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
American Eskimo Dog Temperament
The American Eskimo Dog is characterized by being playful, perky, smart, 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 Irish Setter and American Eskimo Dog, 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
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
American Eskimo Dog
Rating: 3/5
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.
American Eskimo Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Eskimo Dogs 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 Eskimo Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
American Eskimo Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Legg-Perthes
- Patellar Luxation
- Thyroid 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
American Eskimo Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent watchdog
- Good with families
- Low drooling
- Adaptable to different homes
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Frequent grooming needed
- Can be vocal
- High exercise needs
- May be reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Setter and American Eskimo Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.