Is the English Setter Better than the Sloughi as a Pet? Answer…

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English Setter Versus Sloughi: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the English Setter and the Sloughi 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 Sloughi. 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 Sloughi.

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 Sloughi

English Setter versus Sloughi: Overview

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

English Setter versus Sloughi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the English Setter to the Sloughi 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 Sloughi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 16 years
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Easy To Train 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 40 to 63 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
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 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1020 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 95 189

    *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 Sloughi. 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 Sloughi is 79 out of 125.

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

    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 Sloughi 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 Sloughi

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

  • English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sloughis adapt well to apartment living.
  • English Setters gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Sloughis are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • The Similarities Between the English Setter and the Sloughi

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

  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi 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 Sloughi are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the English Setter and the Sloughi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of English Setter versus Sloughi

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

    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, Sloughis weigh 40 to 63 pounds when fully grown. Sloughis are 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    The Popularity of English Setter versus Popularity of Sloughi

    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 English Setter and the Sloughi over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the English Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Sloughi. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the English Setter is 95 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sloughi is 189 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of English Setter

    Popularity of English Setter

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Year English Setter Popularity Rank Sloughi Popularity Rank
    2013 91 no data
    2014 89 no data
    2015 96 no data
    2016 102 185.0
    2017 95 188.0
    2018 94 192.0
    2019 98 191.0
    2020 101 189.0

    Health Problems of English Setter versus Health Problems of Sloughi

    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 English Setter and the Sloughi 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 Sloughi is prone to more genetic health problems than the English Setter.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Sloughi than for the English Setter.

    4 health tests are recommended for English Setter while 6 tests are recommended for the Sloughi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in English Setters and in Sloughis.

    English Setter Health Problems

    English Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing English 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 English Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your English 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 English Setters for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for English Setters here.

    Sloughi Health Problems

    Sloughis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sloughi 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 Sloughi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sloughi 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 Sloughis for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sloughis here.

    Is the English Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Sloughi?

    English Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sloughis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: English Setter versus Sloughi

    English Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Sloughis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Which one drools more, the English Setter or the Sloughi

    English Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Sloughis do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    English Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Sloughis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sloughis Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Sloughis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Do English Setters shed more than Sloughis?

    English Setters shed moderately.

    Sloughis shed moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the English Setter or the Sloughi?

    English Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Sloughis are very easy to groom.

    Is the English Setter Easier to Train than the Sloughi?

    English Setters are fairly easy to train.

    Sloughis are fairly easy to train.

    Can English Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sloughis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    English Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Sloughis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Do English Setters Bark and Howl? What about Sloughis?

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

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

    Are English Setters good family dogs? What about Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are English Setters and Sloughis?

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

    Sloughis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    English Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Sloughis get along very well with other dogs.

    Does the English Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sloughi?

    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.

    Sloughis 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. Sloughi

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

    Sloughis 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 Sloughi vs Irish Setter.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sloughi

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

  • Bracco Italiano (78 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Ibizan Hound (79 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the English Setter vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    English Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    English Setter versus Carolina Dog     English Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     English Setter versus Belgian Tervuren     English Setter versus Pug     English Setter versus Bolognese     English Setter versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     English Setter versus Puli     English Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier     English Setter versus Great Pyrenees     English Setter versus English Springer Spaniel     

    Sloughi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sloughi versus Tibetan Terrier     Sloughi versus Westiepoo     Sloughi versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Sloughi versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Sloughi versus Lakeland Terrier     Sloughi versus Maltese     Sloughi versus Greyhound     Sloughi versus German Longhaired Pointer     Sloughi versus Bolognese     Sloughi versus Canaan Dog     

    Conclusion: English Setter versus Sloughi. 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 Sloughi better suits you and your family.