Parson Russell Terrier vs Irish Setter
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Parson Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Irish Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Parson Russell Terrier Overview
Parson Russell Terriers embody athletic grace with their balanced, square-built frames and intelligent expressions. Distinguished by a predominantly white coat with tan or black markings, they possess strong, muscular bodies built for agility and endurance. Their alert carriage and keen eyes reflect their sharp intelligence and fearless nature, while their compact size belies their tremendous stamina and working ability.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Parson Russell Terriers are less energetic than Irish Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Parson Russell Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Irish Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Parson Russell Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Setters.
- Trainability: Irish Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their Irish Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Parson Russell 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 Parson Russell Terrier and Irish Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-15 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-14 inches 33-36 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 13-17 lbs 6-8 kg | 60-70 lbs 27-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Clever, Athletic | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Parson Russell Terrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Parson Russell Terrier Temperament
The Parson Russell Terrier is known for being friendly, clever, athletic, 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.
Irish Setter Temperament
The Irish Setter is characterized by being active, outgoing, sweet-natured, 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 Parson Russell Terrier and Irish 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
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Parson Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Parson Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Parson Russell Terriers 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, Parson Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Irish Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Irish 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, Irish 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
Parson Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Lens luxation
- Ataxia
- Deafness
- Glaucoma
- Patellar luxation
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
Pros & Cons
Parson Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Excellent exercise companion
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Parson Russell Terrier and Irish Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.