Irish Setter vs Hovawart
Breed Compatibility
85% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Setter: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Hovawart: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Setter: Agreeable0.6
Hovawart: May be Stubborn0.2
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Setter: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Hovawart: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Moderately Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Setter5/5
Hovawart4/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Setter5/5
Hovawart4/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Setter5/5
Hovawart4/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Irish Setter
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
PRA: Progressive eye disease
Bloat: Gastric torsion risk
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
OCD: Joint cartilage issue
Hypothyroidism: Hormone imbalance
Hovawart
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
Eye Problems: Various ocular conditions
Heart Disease: Cardiac health concerns
Bloat: Digestive emergency risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development issue
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
Hovawart
Pros
Loyal and protective
Intelligent
Good with family
Weather-resistant coat
Cons
Strong-willed
Needs extensive training
High exercise needs
Reserved with strangers
Irish Setter Fun Fact
Their flowing red coat earned them the nickname 'Rolling Thunder' among Irish hunters in the 1800s.
Hovawart Fun Fact
Hovawarts were mentioned in German law books from the 13th century as valuable property worth defending.
Heritage & Purpose
Irish Setter
Origin:
Developed in Ireland during the 1800s, these dogs excelled at hunting game birds across vast territories. Their distinctive red coat made them visible to hunters in field conditions.
Hovawart
Origin:
Developed in medieval Germany as estate guardians and working farm dogs. Black Forest farmers valued these dogs for their protective instincts and versatile working abilities.
Special Considerations
Irish Setter
Regular grooming needed for silky coat maintenance. High exercise requirements must be met daily. Watch for signs of hip problems and eye issues as they age.
Hovawart
Needs consistent training from an early age. Regular grooming during shedding seasons. Exercise requirements must be met daily to prevent behavioral issues.
Related Comparisons
Same Group
Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever →Same Group
Irish Setter vs Boykin Spaniel →Similar Size
Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever →Similar Size
Irish Setter vs Belgian Tervuren →