Irish Setter vs Australian Kelpie
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
Australian Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Australian Kelpie Overview
Australian Kelpies are medium-sized herding dogs with distinctive athletic builds and remarkable agility. Their double coat features a short, dense undercoat and weather-resistant outer coat, typically in black, red, or chocolate colors. Alert ears, keen eyes, and muscular bodies reflect their working heritage, while their intelligent expression and nimble movement showcase their herding instincts.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Setters are more energetic than Australian Kelpies, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Setters require more grooming attention compared to Australian Kelpies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Setters tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Australian Kelpies.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Setter | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Setter | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg | Unknown Unknown |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Setter | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Setter | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Australian Kelpie Temperament
The Australian Kelpie is characterized by being loyal, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Irish Setter and Australian Kelpie, 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
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Australian Kelpie
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.
Australian Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Kelpies 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, Australian Kelpies 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
Australian Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CEA
- Cryptorchidism
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
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
Australian Kelpie
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Low maintenance coat
- Exceptional agility
- Strong herding instincts
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be too intense for novice owners
- May herd children and pets
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be stubborn if not properly trained
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Setter and Australian Kelpie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.