Differences and Similarities between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter.

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Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Gordon Setter: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Gordon Setter.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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.

Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter

Factor Catahoula Leopard Dog Gordon Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 20 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $650 $1360
Price Range $400 – $800 $1250 – $1500
Temperament Score 78.6 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 Catahoula Leopard 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 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Gordon Setter is not better or worse than the Catahoula Leopard Dog. So, you can get the Gordon Setter or the Catahoula Leopard 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter

    Below is a list of where the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter are most different:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train. However, Gordon Setters are very easy to train.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs not very playful. However, Gordon Setters are very playful.
  • Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom. However, Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • The Similarities Between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter

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

  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter.

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are 20 to 26 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter

    The lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Catahoula Leopard Dogs is 12.0 years.

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Temperament of the Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus the Gordon Setter

    The Gordon Setter has a better temperament than the Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 percent while the temperament score for the Catahoula Leopard Dog is 78.6 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 78.6 percent, the Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter by measuring the temperaments of 14 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and 67 Gordon Setters.

    Price of Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Price of Gordon Setter

    The average price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog puppy is $650. The price of the Catahoula Leopard Dog typically ranges from $400 – $800. However, the price of a Catahoula Leopard Dog can be as low as $100 and as high as $1650. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 247 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog.

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Gordon Setter
    Average Price $650 $1360
    Price Range $400 to $800 $1250 to $1500

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Catahoula Leopard Dogs. 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Adopting the Gordon Setter

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

    Also, like Catahoula Leopard Dogs, 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Renegade is the name of another Catahoula Leopard Dog (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Gordon Setters that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Gordon Setter

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed more than Gordon Setters?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Gordon Setter

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Gordon Setter?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Catahoula Leopard Dog Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Gordon Setter?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs Bark and Howl? What about Gordon Setters?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Catahoula Leopard Dog vs. Gordon Setter

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

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

    Can Catahoula Leopard Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog or the Gordon Setter?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Catahoula Leopard Dogs good family dogs? What about Gordon Setters?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dogs and Gordon Setters?

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

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

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Easier to Train than the Gordon Setter?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs are not easy to train.

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Catahoula Leopard Dog Better for Apartment Owners than the Gordon Setter?

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dogs 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog

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

  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever (73 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Hovawart (78 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Hovawart.
  • Boerboel (72 percent match with Catahoula Leopard Dog). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Catahoula Leopard Dog vs Mudi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Catahoula Leopard Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Akita     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Bloodhound     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Chorkie     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Dalmatian     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Miniature Schnauzer     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Australian Kelpie     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Manchester Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Karelian Bear Dog     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Miniature Poodle     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pekingese     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Shiranian     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Samoyed     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Sloughi     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Pomchi     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Manchester Terrier     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Boykin Spaniel     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Catahoula Leopard Dog versus Portuguese Pointer     

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Bichon Frise     Gordon Setter versus Plott     Gordon Setter versus Beaglier     Gordon Setter versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus Brittany     Gordon Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd     Gordon Setter versus Irish Setter     Gordon Setter versus Sloughi     Gordon Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Goldendoodle     Gordon Setter versus Irish Wolfhound     Gordon Setter versus Borzoi     Gordon Setter versus Siberian Husky     Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz     Gordon Setter versus Bullmastiff     Gordon Setter versus Pomsky     Gordon Setter versus Dogo Argentino     Gordon Setter versus Goldendoodle     Gordon Setter versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Bulldog     Gordon Setter versus Cairn Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Boxerdoodle     Gordon Setter versus Finnish Spitz     Gordon Setter versus Kishu Ken     

    Conclusion: Catahoula Leopard Dog 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 Catahoula Leopard Dog and the Gordon Setter better suits you and your family.