A Detailed Comparison of the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter.

Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter

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Dogo Argentino Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Irish Setter

Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter

Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter: Overview

Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are similar in size. The Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter 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.

Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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.

Factor Dogo Argentino Irish Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 27 inches 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Life Span 9 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2510 $1680
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $1200 – $2200
Temperament Score 89.5 percent 90.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 93 74

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Setter is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. So, you should get the Irish Setter!

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

    Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter

    Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are most different:

  • Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Setters get along well with other dogs.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Irish Setters are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dogo Argentinos are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter

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

  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter.

    Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches 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.

    Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the Irish Setter

    The Irish Setter has a better temperament than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 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 they 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 154 Irish Setters.

    Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Irish Setter

    The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 a 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Irish Setter.

    Dogo Argentino Irish Setter
    Average Price $2510 $1680
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1200 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter
    Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter

    The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Irish Setter

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Dogo Argentino. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Setter is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Dogo Argentino

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Year Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank Irish Setter Popularity Rank
    2020 93.0 75
    2013 no data 72
    2014 no data 73
    2015 no data 72
    2016 no data 76
    2017 no data 72
    2018 no data 77
    2019 no data 79

    Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Irish Setter

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.

    Both the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Irish Setter is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Dogo Argentino.

    3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 3 tests are recommended for the Irish Setter.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Irish Setters.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

    Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dogo Argentinos for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.

    Irish Setter Health Problems

    Irish Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish Setter puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Irish Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish Setter breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Irish Setters for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Setters here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos and Irish Setters

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.

    This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 3 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 16 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 85 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Irish Setter Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Irish Setter ranks 13 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1455 Irish Setters, 139 of them had Thyroid problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Setters, and how common these diseases are in Irish Setters relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 13 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 35 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 67 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 92 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 99 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in Irish Setter and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter:

    Disease Dogo Argentino Rank Irish Setter Rank
    Baer Hearing Test problems 3 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 16 out of 198 dog breeds 99 out of 198 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 85 out of 144 dog breeds 92 out of 144 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 13 out of 115 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 35 out of 70 dog breeds
    Eyes problems Not Common 67 out of 182 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Setter?

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Irish Setters?

    Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Irish Setter

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Irish Setters?

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Irish Setter

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Irish Setter?

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Irish Setter

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:

  • American Bulldog (78 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs American Bulldog.
  • Fila Brasileiro (80 percent match with Dogo Argentino). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Fila Brasileiro.
  • 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 Dogo Argentino vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Dogo Argentino vs English Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dogo Argentino versus Australian Kelpie     Dogo Argentino versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Dogo Argentino versus Affenhuahua     Dogo Argentino versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Dogo Argentino versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Dogo Argentino versus Bearded Collie     Dogo Argentino versus Shih Tzu     Dogo Argentino versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Dogo Argentino versus Fila Brasileiro     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Puggle     Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier     Irish Setter versus Boxerdoodle     Irish Setter versus Tibetan Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Akita     Irish Setter versus Stabyhoun     Irish Setter versus Cockalier     Irish Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Harrier     Irish Setter versus English Cocker Spaniel     

    Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.