Portuguese Sheepdog 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.
Portuguese Sheepdog
Foundation Stock Service
Irish Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Portuguese Sheepdog Overview
Portuguese Sheepdogs showcase a distinctive medium-sized frame with a long, wavy coat that can range from yellow to brown. Their expressive eyes and alert ears complement an athletic build designed for herding work. Known for their intelligent expression and agile movements, these dogs carry themselves with confidence and grace while maintaining their rustic appearance.
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: Portuguese Sheepdogs are less energetic than Irish Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Portuguese Sheepdogs require less grooming attention compared to Irish Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Portuguese Sheepdogs 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: Irish Setters adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Sheepdogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Portuguese Sheepdog and Irish Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-22 inches 42-55 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 37-59 lbs 17-27 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 | Portuguese Sheepdog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Devoted, Lively | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Portuguese Sheepdog | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Portuguese Sheepdog Temperament
The Portuguese Sheepdog is known for being intelligent, devoted, lively, 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 Portuguese Sheepdog 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
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 4/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 1/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Portuguese Sheepdog
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Portuguese Sheepdog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Sheepdogs 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, Portuguese Sheepdogs 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
Portuguese Sheepdog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
Pros & Cons
Portuguese Sheepdog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding abilities
- Good with families
- Adaptable to different environments
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be strong-willed
- May show herding behaviors
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 Portuguese Sheepdog and Irish Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.