Irish Setter vs Bloodhound
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
Bloodhound
Hound 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.
Bloodhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bloodhounds possess an unparalleled sense of smell with over 300 million scent receptors. Their distinctive features include long, pendulous ears, loose skin folds, and deep-set eyes that contribute to their noble yet gentle expression. Standing tall with a muscular build, they showcase a short, dense coat in colors ranging from black and tan to liver and red.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Setters are more energetic than Bloodhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Setters require more grooming attention compared to Bloodhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Setters tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Bloodhounds.
- Trainability: Bloodhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Bloodhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bloodhounds 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 Bloodhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Setter | Bloodhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Setter | Bloodhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg | 80-110 lbs 36-50 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Setter | Bloodhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Setter | Bloodhound |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Bloodhound Temperament
The Bloodhound is characterized by being friendly, independent, inquisitive, 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 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 Bloodhound, 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
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
Bloodhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Bloodhound
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.
Bloodhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bloodhounds 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, Bloodhounds 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
Bloodhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Ear Infections
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
Bloodhound
Pros
- Exceptional tracking abilities
- Gentle and patient with family
- Good with children
- Loyal and affectionate
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Strong tracking instincts can lead to wandering
- Stubborn during training
- High maintenance grooming needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Setter and Bloodhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.