American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Gordon Setter: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Gordon Setter.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter: Overview

Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are similar in size. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Gordon Setter
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1360
Price Range $400 – $1200 $1250 – $1500
Temperament Score 87.4 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)
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125.

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

    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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Gordon Setters do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 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 American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Gordon Setters.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter

    Temperament of the Gordon Setter Versus the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Gordon Setter.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 67 Gordon Setters.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Gordon Setter

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of the Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Gordon Setter is more expensive than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Gordon Setter
    Average Price $1140 $1360
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $1250 to $1500

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

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Gordon Setter

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Gordon Setters are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier named Jodeci that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Jodeci on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Gordon Setters are also available for adoption. For example, Bocce is a Male Gordon Setter that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Gordon Setters like Bocce that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Blue is the name of another American Pit Bull Terrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers and Gordon Setters that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Gordon Setter

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Gordon Setters?

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Gordon Setter

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Gordon Setter?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Gordon Setter?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Gordon Setters?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Gordon Setter

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Gordon Setter?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Gordon Setters?

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and Gordon Setters?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Gordon Setter?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Gordon Setter?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Gordon Setter?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon Setter that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Gordon Setter:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Mudi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Gordon Setter compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Gordon Setter to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Affenpinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Alaskan Malamute     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Portuguese Water Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Puli     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lowchen     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Sealyham Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Belgian Malinois     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kuvasz     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chow Chow     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Newfoundland     American Pit Bull Terrier versus French Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier     

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Dogo Argentino     Gordon Setter versus Puli     Gordon Setter versus English Springer Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Schnoodle     Gordon Setter versus Lhasa Apso     Gordon Setter versus Xoloitzcuintli     Gordon Setter versus English Toy Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Schnoodle     Gordon Setter versus Dogo Argentino     Gordon Setter versus Skye Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Papipoo     Gordon Setter versus Lancashire Heeler     Gordon Setter versus Boxerdoodle     Gordon Setter versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Poodle     Gordon Setter versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Gordon Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     Gordon Setter versus Akita     Gordon Setter versus Newfoundland     Gordon Setter versus Keeshond     Gordon Setter versus English Setter     Gordon Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Gordon Setter better suits you and your family.