Differences and Similarities between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish Setter.

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

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Irish Setter is a large-sized dog.

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 Irish 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 Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier to the Irish 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 Irish Setter

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Irish Setter
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 15 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1680
Price Range $400 – $1200 $1200 – $2200
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 90.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•

    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 Irish 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 Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a better pet than the Irish 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 Irish Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter

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

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

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Setters get along well with other dogs.

    • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter

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

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish 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 Irish Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish 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 Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish 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, Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish 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 Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Irish Setters.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Irish Setter

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 90.9 percent, the Irish Setter has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Irish Setter by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 154 Irish Setters.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Irish 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 Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of the Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

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

    American Pit Bull Terrier Irish Setter
    Average Price $1140 $1680
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $1200 to $2200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the American Pit Bull Terrier and Irish Setter. For different price points, the charts show how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies or how many Irish 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 Irish Setters

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or the Irish 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.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter

    Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier versus Adopting the Irish Setter

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many American Pit Bull Terriers and many Irish 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 Jerome that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable American Pit Bull Terriers like Jerome on pefinder.com.

    Also, like American Pit Bull Terriers, Irish Setters are also available for adoption. For example, Gordon – 831 is a Male Irish Setter that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Irish Setters like Gordon – 831 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    Also, Conan is an adorable Male Irish Setter on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter

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

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Irish Setters?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Irish Setter

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

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Irish 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 Irish Setters?

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

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

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

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

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Irish Setter

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setter?

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

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are American Pit Bull Terriers and Irish Setters?

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

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setter vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs German Shepherd Dog.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish 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 Irish Setter:

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs English Setter.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pomapoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Papipoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Harrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Flat-Coated Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Maltipoo     American Pit Bull Terrier versus American Foxhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bichon Frise          American Pit Bull Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Akbash     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Labradoodle     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Norwegian Lundehund     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Shiba Inu     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus West Highland White Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Siberian Husky     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Schnauzer     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Chinese Shar-Pei     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Scottish Deerhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz     Irish Setter versus Black Russian Terrier     Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier     Irish Setter versus Bernedoodle     Irish Setter versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Irish Setter versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Irish Setter versus Shetland Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Bolognese     Irish Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Japanese Chin     Irish Setter versus Toy Poodle     Irish Setter versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Irish Setter versus Afghan Hound     Irish Setter versus Field Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Setter versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Bloodhound     Irish Setter versus Barbet     Irish Setter versus Borzoi     Irish Setter versus Irish Terrier     Irish Setter versus Bordoodle     Irish Setter versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Irish Setter versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish 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 Irish Setter better suits you and your family.