Australian Kelpie versus Gordon Setter. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Australian Kelpie Versus Gordon Setter: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie or the Gordon Setter.

Australian Kelpie versus Gordon Setter: Overview

Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are similar in size. The Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Kelpie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Kelpie versus Gordon Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter

Factor Australian Kelpie Gordon Setter
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Height 15 to 20 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Weight 25 to 46 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Average Price $500 $1230
Price Range $500 – $500 $950 – $1500
Temperament Score 83.3 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 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125.

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

    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 Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter

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

    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are very playful.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Kelpie versus Gordon Setter

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

    Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 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 Australian Kelpie versus Gordon Setter

    The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies is 12.5 years.

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

    Australian Kelpies live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Temperament of the Gordon Setter Versus the Australian Kelpie

    The Gordon Setter has a better temperament than the Australian Kelpie.

    This is because the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie is 83.3 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 83.3 percent, the Australian Kelpie has a below-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 Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter by measuring the temperaments of 6 Australian Kelpies and 67 Gordon Setters.

    Price of Australian Kelpie versus Price of Gordon Setter

    The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $500. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie.

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. 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 Australian Kelpie 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: Australian Kelpie versus Gordon Setter

    Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Australian Kelpies shed more than Gordon Setters?

    Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Kelpie or the Gordon Setter

    Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Kelpie or the Gordon Setter?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Australian Kelpie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Gordon Setter?

    Australian Kelpies 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.

    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 Australian Kelpies Bark and Howl? What about Gordon Setters?

    Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Kelpie vs. Gordon Setter

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs? What about Gordon Setters?

    Australian Kelpies 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 Australian Kelpies and Gordon Setters?

    Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Kelpie Easier to Train than the Gordon Setter?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Kelpie Better for Apartment Owners than the Gordon Setter?

    Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpie and the Gordon Setter better suits you and your family.