Irish Setter vs Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Compatibility
97% Compatible
Energy Level
Irish Setter: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Shetland Sheepdog: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
Irish Setter: Agreeable0.6
Shetland Sheepdog: Eager to Please1.0
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
Irish Setter: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Shetland Sheepdog: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Irish Setter5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Setter5/5
Shetland Sheepdog5/5
Good with Strangers
Irish Setter5/5
Shetland Sheepdog2/5
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Collie Eye Anomaly: Vision problems
Thyroid Issues: Hormone imbalances
MDR1 Gene: Medicine sensitivity
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Vision loss
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
Shetland Sheepdog
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent family dog
Low maintenance cost
Good with children
Cons
Excessive barking tendency
Heavy shedding
Can be shy with strangers
Requires extensive grooming
Irish Setter Fun Fact
Their flowing red coat earned them the nickname 'Rolling Thunder' among Irish hunters in the 1800s.
Shetland Sheepdog Fun Fact
Shelties were once called 'Toonie Dogs' because they were used on small farms called 'toons' in Shetland.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog
Origin:
Developed in the Shetland Islands during the 1800s, these dogs were bred to herd sheep and small livestock across rugged terrain while being compact enough to maintain on limited resources.
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.
Shetland Sheepdog
Regular grooming sessions needed for double coat maintenance. Requires early socialization to prevent shyness. Tendency to bark needs early training attention.
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 →