Irish Water Spaniel vs English Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting Group
English Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Irish Water Spaniel Overview
Irish Water Spaniels boast a distinctive curly liver-colored coat and rat-like tail, standing proudly as one of the oldest spaniel breeds. Their athletic build features a deep chest, powerful legs, and a characteristic topknot of long, loose curls. These intelligent dogs combine a playful spirit with remarkable work ethic, displaying both dignity and enthusiasm in their daily activities.
English Setter Overview
English Setters showcase an elegant and athletic build with distinctive speckled coat patterns known as 'belton.' Their graceful movement and medium-sized, well-proportioned frame exemplify sporting dog refinement. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and deep chest, these dogs combine beauty with functionality. Their silky, flat coat features unique feathering on legs, chest, and tail.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Irish Water Spaniels are more energetic than English Setters, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Irish Water Spaniels require less grooming attention compared to English Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Irish Water Spaniels tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Setters.
- Trainability: English Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their English Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Setters adapt better to apartment living, while Irish Water Spaniels typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Irish Water Spaniel and English Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 21-24 inches 53-61 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 45-68 lbs 20-31 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Hardworking, Brave | Friendly, Mellow, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Irish Water Spaniel | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Irish Water Spaniel Temperament
The Irish Water Spaniel is known for being playful, hardworking, brave, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
English Setter Temperament
The English Setter is characterized by being friendly, mellow, merry, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Irish Water Spaniel and English Setter, 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 Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 1/5
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Irish Water Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Irish Water Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Water Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
English Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Setters 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, English Setters require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Irish Water Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Irish Water Spaniel
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low-shedding coat
- Devoted family companion
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to ear infections
English Setter
Pros
- Gentle and friendly temperament
- Excellent with children
- Athletic and versatile
- Good hunting companion
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Irish Water Spaniel and English Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.