Irish Setter vs Toy Fox Terrier
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
Toy Fox Terrier
Toy 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Overview
Toy Fox Terriers embody elegance and agility in a compact frame, featuring a distinctive V-shaped head, erect ears, and a sleek, muscular body. Their short, smooth coat comes primarily in tricolor or white with black and tan markings. Alert and spirited, these diminutive terriers combine the refined grace of a toy breed with the bold, fearless nature of their terrier heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Setters are more energetic than Toy Fox Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Setters require more grooming attention compared to Toy Fox Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Setters tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Toy Fox Terriers.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Toy Fox Terriers 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 Toy Fox Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Setter | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Setter | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm |
| Weight | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg | 3-7 lbs 2-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Setter | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured | Friendly, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Setter | Toy Fox Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Toy Fox Terrier Temperament
The Toy Fox Terrier is characterized by being friendly, 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 Toy Fox Terrier, 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
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
Toy Fox Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Toy Fox Terrier
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.
Toy Fox Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Toy Fox Terriers 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 medium coat coat, Toy Fox Terriers 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
Toy Fox Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Von Willebrand's
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Heart Murmurs
- Lens Luxation
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
Toy Fox Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Low maintenance grooming
- Good for apartment living
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Not ideal with very young children
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Setter and Toy Fox Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.