A Detailed Comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter.

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Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd or the Irish Setter

Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter

Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd Irish Setter
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1680
Price Range $900 – $2000 $1200 – $2200
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 90.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•

    *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 Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

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

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

    Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Irish Setters are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dutch Shepherds are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter

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

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter are very easy to train.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 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 Irish Setter Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Irish Setter.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 154 Irish Setters.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Irish Setter

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd 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 Irish Setter is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Dutch Shepherd Irish Setter
    Average Price $1590 $1680
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $1200 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. 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 Dutch Shepherd 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.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter
    Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Irish Setter

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Irish Setter

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Setter?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Irish Setter?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?

    Dutch Shepherds 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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?

    Dutch Shepherds 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 Dutch Shepherds and Irish Setters?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

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

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Irish Setters?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Japanese Spitz.

    • 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 Dutch Shepherd vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs English Setter.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Cavachon     Dutch Shepherd versus Goldador     Dutch Shepherd versus Plott     Dutch Shepherd versus Afador     Dutch Shepherd versus Standard Schnauzer     Dutch Shepherd versus Papipoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomsky     Dutch Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear     Dutch Shepherd versus Doberman Pinscher     Dutch Shepherd versus Golden Retriever     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Toy Poodle     Irish Setter versus Yorkipoo     Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken     Irish Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken     Irish Setter versus Valley Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.