Which is Better between the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro? A Very Detailed Review.

English Setter versus Fila Brasileiro

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English Setter Versus Fila Brasileiro: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro? 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 English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro 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 English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro 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 English Setter and for the Fila Brasileiro. 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 English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the English Setter or the Fila Brasileiro

English Setter versus Fila Brasileiro: Overview

A very important difference between the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The English Setter is a medium-sized dog while the Fila Brasileiro is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the English 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.

On the other hand, the Fila Brasileiro belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

English Setter versus Fila Brasileiro: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Setter to the Fila Brasileiro 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 English Setter Fila Brasileiro
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 24 to 30 inches
Life Span 11 to 15 years 9 to 12 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 90 to 180 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1020 $1270
Price Range $800 – $1200 $1000 – $1400
Temperament Score 81.3 percent 78.6 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data

    *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 English Setter 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 English Setter is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Fila Brasileiro is 62 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the English Setter is a better pet than the Fila Brasileiro. So, you should get the English 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 English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro

    Below is a list of where the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro are most different:

  • English Setters get along well with other dogs. However, Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.
  • English Setters are very friendly towards strangers. However, Fila Brasileiros are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • English Setters are very playful. However, Fila Brasileiros not very playful.
  • The Similarities Between the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro

    The English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro are most similar:

  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro 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 English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of English Setter versus Fila Brasileiro

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro.

    English Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. English Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Temperament of the English Setter Versus the Fila Brasileiro

    The English Setter has a better temperament than the Fila Brasileiro.

    This is because the temperament score for the English Setter is 81.3 percent while the temperament score for the Fila Brasileiro 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 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 81.3 percent, the English Setter has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro by measuring the temperaments of 32 English Setters and 14 Fila Brasileiros.

    Price of English Setter versus Price of Fila Brasileiro

    The average price of the English Setter puppy is $1020. The price of the English Setter typically ranges from $800 – $1200. However, the price of a English Setter can be as low as $450 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 English Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Fila Brasileiro puppy is $1270. The price of the Fila Brasileiro typically ranges from $1000 – $1400. However, the price of a Fila Brasileiro can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Fila Brasileiro is more expensive than the English Setter.

    English Setter Fila Brasileiro
    Average Price $1020 $1270
    Price Range $800 to $1200 $1000 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of English Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of English Setters. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the English Setter puppy or the Fila Brasileiro 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.

    Adopting the English Setter versus Adopting the Fila Brasileiro

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many English Setters and many Fila Brasileiros 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 English Setter named Sawyer that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable English Setters like Sawyer on pefinder.com.

    Also, like English Setters, Fila Brasileiros are also available for adoption. For example, Maverick is a Male Fila Brasileiro that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Fila Brasileiros like Maverick that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Rio is the name of another English Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    You can find more English Setters and Fila Brasileiros that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Is the English Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Fila Brasileiro?

    English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus Fila Brasileiro

    English Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Fila Brasileiros can be left alone only for a short time.

    Which one drools more, the English Setter or the Fila Brasileiro

    English Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the English Setter or the Fila Brasileiro?

    English Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Fila Brasileiros are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Fila Brasileiros can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Do English Setters shed more than Fila Brasileiros?

    English Setters shed moderately.

    Fila Brasileiros do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Setter or the Fila Brasileiro?

    English Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the Fila Brasileiro?

    English Setters are fairly easy to train.

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Fila Brasileiros Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Fila Brasileiros cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

    Are English Setters good family dogs? What about Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are English Setters and Fila Brasileiros?

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

    Fila Brasileiros get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the English Setter or the Fila Brasileiro?

    English Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Does the English Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Fila Brasileiro?

    English 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.

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

    Wanderlust Potential: English Setter vs. Fila Brasileiro

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

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the English Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the English 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 English Setter:

  • Irish Setter (83 percent match with English Setter). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs Irish Setter.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Fila Brasileiro

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro:

  • Afador (75 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Boerboel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the English Setter and how the Fila Brasileiro compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the English Setter and of the Fila Brasileiro to other breeds:

    English Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     English Setter versus Bearded Collie     English Setter versus Aussiedoodle     English Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     English Setter versus Black Russian Terrier     English Setter versus Bolognese     English Setter versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     English Setter versus Biewer Terrier     English Setter versus Borzoi     English Setter versus Australian Cattle Dog     

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Keeshond     Fila Brasileiro versus German Shepherd Dog     Fila Brasileiro versus Bernedoodle     Fila Brasileiro versus Affenpinscher     Fila Brasileiro versus Jack Russell Terrier     Fila Brasileiro versus Maltipoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Pomapoo     Fila Brasileiro versus Spanish Mastiff     Fila Brasileiro versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Fila Brasileiro versus Boerboel     

    Conclusion: English Setter versus Fila Brasileiro. 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 English Setter and the Fila Brasileiro better suits you and your family.