Lancashire Heeler vs Gordon Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
Gordon Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Gordon Setter Overview
Gordon Setters are elegant sporting dogs with distinctive black and tan coats. Their strong, muscular build combines with graceful movement and noble bearing. Standing 24-27 inches at the shoulder, these dogs feature a silky coat, deep chest, and intelligent expression. Their temperament balances confidence with affection, making them both capable hunting companions and devoted family dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Lancashire Heelers are less energetic than Gordon Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lancashire Heelers require less grooming attention compared to Gordon Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lancashire Heelers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Gordon Setters.
- Trainability: Gordon Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Gordon Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers adapt better to apartment living, while Gordon Setters typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lancashire Heeler and Gordon Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Miscellaneous Class | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent | Affectionate, Confident, Bold |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lancashire Heeler | Gordon Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is known for being affectionate, versatile, intelligent, 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.
Gordon Setter Temperament
The Gordon Setter is characterized by being affectionate, confident, bold, 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 Lancashire Heeler and Gordon 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
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 2/5
Gordon Setter
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers 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, Lancashire Heelers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Gordon Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Gordon 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, Gordon Setters require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart Issues
Gordon Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Gordon Setter
Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Excellent hunting companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be stubborn
- Not apartment-friendly
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Lancashire Heeler and Gordon Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.