Saluki 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.
Saluki
Hound Group
Irish Setter
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Saluki Overview
Graceful and swift, Salukis embody elegance with their long, slender build and silky coat. Their refined features include a narrow head, long legs, and deep chest, perfectly designed for high-speed pursuit. These aristocratic sighthounds combine dignified bearing with remarkable athleticism, showcasing both strength and delicacy in their fluid movements.
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: Salukis are less energetic than Irish Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Salukis require less grooming attention compared to Irish Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Salukis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Irish Setters.
- Trainability: Salukis may be slightly easier to train due to their Saluki's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Irish Setters adapt better to apartment living, while Salukis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Saluki and Irish Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saluki | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-17 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saluki | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 25-27 inches 64-69 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 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 | Saluki | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Independent-Minded | Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saluki | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Saluki Temperament
The Saluki is known for being gentle, dignified, independent-minded, 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 Saluki 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
Saluki
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saluki
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saluki
Rating: 4/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saluki
Rating: 3/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saluki
Rating: 2/5
Irish Setter
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Saluki Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Salukis 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, Salukis 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
Saluki Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Cardiac Issues
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Irish Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Bloat
- Epilepsy
- OCD
Pros & Cons
Saluki
Pros
- Elegant and graceful
- Athletic and swift
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Loyal to family
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Needs secure fencing
- Challenging to train
- Requires extensive exercise
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 Saluki and Irish Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.