Breed Comparison: Carolina Dog Versus Irish Setter

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Carolina Dog Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog or the Irish Setter.

Carolina Dog versus Irish Setter

Carolina Dog versus Irish Setter: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Carolina Dog versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter

Factor Carolina Dog Irish Setter
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Height 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Weight 33 to 55 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $500 $1680
Price Range $500 – $500 $1200 – $2200
Temperament Score 66.7 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 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Setter is not better or worse than the Carolina Dog. So, you can get the Irish Setter or the Carolina Dog!

    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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter

    Below is a list of where the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter are most different:

  • Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Irish Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs. However, Irish Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Carolina Dogs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Irish Setters are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Carolina Dogs are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Carolina Dogs are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Irish Setters have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter

    The Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter are most similar:

  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Carolina Dog versus Irish Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter.

    Carolina Dogs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Carolina Dogs are 18 to 20 inches 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 Carolina Dog versus Irish Setter

    The lifespan of Carolina Dogs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Carolina Dogs is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

    Carolina Dogs live longer than Irish Setters.

    Temperament of the Carolina Dog Versus the Irish Setter

    The Irish Setter has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter by measuring the temperaments of 3 Carolina Dogs and 154 Irish Setters.

    Price of Carolina Dog versus Price of Irish Setter

    The average price of the Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of a Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 6 Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog.

    Carolina Dog Irish Setter
    Average Price $500 $1680
    Price Range $500 to $500 $1200 to $2200

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs. 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 Carolina Dog 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.

    Adopting the Carolina Dog versus Adopting the Irish Setter

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog named Vance that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Carolina Dogs like Vance on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Carolina Dogs, Irish Setters are also available for adoption. For example, Oliver & Maggie Together Only is a Male Irish Setter that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Irish Setters like Oliver & Maggie Together Only that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Niles is the name of another Carolina Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

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

    Carolina Dogs and Irish Setters are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Carolina Dogs and Irish Setters that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Carolina Dog versus Irish Setter

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Carolina Dogs shed more than Irish Setters?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog or the Irish Setter

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Setter?

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Carolina Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?

    Carolina Dogs 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.

    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 Carolina Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Carolina Dog vs. Irish Setter

    Carolina Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Setter?

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Carolina Dogs good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Carolina Dogs and Irish Setters?

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Carolina Dog Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Carolina Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Setter?

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Carolina Dog or the Irish Setter?

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog:

  • Treeing Tennessee Brindle (75 percent match with Carolina Dog). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Treeing Tennessee Brindle.
  • 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 Carolina Dog vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Carolina Dog vs English Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Carolina Dog and how the Irish Setter compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Carolina Dog and of the Irish Setter to other breeds:

    Carolina Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Carolina Dog versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Kooikerhondje     Carolina Dog versus Bedlington Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Stabyhoun     Carolina Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Carolina Dog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Keeshond     Carolina Dog versus Standard Schnauzer     Carolina Dog versus Yorkshire Terrier     Carolina Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Carolina Dog versus Shiloh Shepherd     Carolina Dog versus Cavapoo     Carolina Dog versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Carolina Dog versus Komondor     Carolina Dog versus German Longhaired Pointer     Carolina Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Carolina Dog versus Affenpinscher     Carolina Dog versus Bullmastiff     Carolina Dog versus Miniature Pinscher     Carolina Dog versus Chorkie     Carolina Dog versus Akbash     Carolina Dog versus Borzoi     Carolina Dog versus Australian Shepherd     Carolina Dog versus Pekingese     Carolina Dog versus Chinook     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Labradoodle     Irish Setter versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Setter versus Coton de Tulear     Irish Setter versus Schnoodle     Irish Setter versus American Hairless Terrier     Irish Setter versus Maltese     Irish Setter versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Setter versus Coton de Tulear     Irish Setter versus Standard Poodle     Irish Setter versus Pyredoodle     Irish Setter versus Whippet     Irish Setter versus Bouvier des Flandres     Irish Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Vizsla     Irish Setter versus German Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Carolina Dog     Irish Setter versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Pyredoodle     Irish Setter versus Irish Terrier     Irish Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Setter versus Cockalier     Irish Setter versus Chihuahua     

    Conclusion: Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.