Mastiff 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.
Mastiff
Working Group
English Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Mastiff Overview
Massive and powerful, the Mastiff embodies strength with a gentle soul. Their distinctive wrinkled forehead and broad skull create an imposing yet noble appearance. Standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder with a deep chest and muscular build, these giants possess a short fawn or apricot coat with a dark mask. Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs display remarkable gentleness and dignified composure.
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: Mastiffs are less energetic than English Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Mastiffs require less grooming attention compared to English Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Mastiffs tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Setters.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Setters adapt better to apartment living, while Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Mastiff and English Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Mastiff | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 6-10 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Mastiff | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Mastiff | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured | Friendly, Mellow, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Mastiff | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Mastiff Temperament
The Mastiff is known for being courageous, dignified, good-natured, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Mastiff 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
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Mastiffs require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Mastiffs 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
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Mastiff
Pros
- Gentle and patient nature
- Excellent guard dog
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Shorter lifespan
- Requires significant space
- High food costs
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 Mastiff and English Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.