Which is Better Between the Akbash and the Gordon Setter?

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Akbash Versus Gordon Setter: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the Gordon Setter? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the Gordon Setter better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the Gordon Setter is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the Gordon Setter. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the Gordon Setter.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the Gordon Setter.

Akbash versus Gordon Setter: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the Gordon Setter is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the Gordon Setter is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Akbash belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Gordon Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Akbash versus Gordon Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the Gordon Setter based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the Gordon Setter

Factor Akbash Gordon Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $610 $1230
Price Range $500 – $800 $950 – $1500
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 83.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
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    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Gordon Setter. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the Gordon Setter. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the Gordon Setter

    Below is a list of where the Akbash and the Gordon Setter are most different:

    • Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Gordon Setters have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Gordon Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Akbashs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Gordon Setters have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Akbashs have low exercise needs. However, Gordon Setters require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Gordon Setter

    The Akbash and the Gordon Setter are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the Gordon Setter are most similar:

    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Gordon Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Gordon Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the Gordon Setter.

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akbash versus Gordon Setter

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.

    Temperament of the Gordon Setter Versus the Akbash

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Gordon Setter.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 83.6 percent, the Gordon Setter has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the Gordon Setter by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 67 Gordon Setters.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of Gordon Setter

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Gordon Setter puppy is $1230. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $950 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4 Gordon Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Gordon Setter is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and Gordon Setter. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many Gordon Setter puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters

    A breakdown of the prices of Gordon Setters

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the Gordon Setter puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Gordon Setter

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akbashs shed more than Gordon Setters?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Gordon Setter

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the Gordon Setter?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Gordon Setter?

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Gordon Setters have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Gordon Setters?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Gordon Setter

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Gordon Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Gordon Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the Gordon Setter?

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Gordon Setters?

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Gordon Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and Gordon Setters?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Gordon Setter?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the Gordon Setter?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the Gordon Setter?

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash versus Gordon Setter. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the Gordon Setter better suits you and your family.