Is the Fila Brasileiro Better than the Irish Setter as a Pet? Answer…

Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Setter

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Fila Brasileiro Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro or the Irish Setter

Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Setter: Overview

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

Furthermore, 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.

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.

Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro Irish Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Height 24 to 30 inches 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
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
Life Span 9 to 12 years 11 to 15 years
Weight 90 to 180 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1270 $1680
Price Range $1000 – $1400 $1200 – $2200
Temperament Score 78.6 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 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro is 62 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 Fila Brasileiro. 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 Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

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

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

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

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

  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Setter

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

    Fila Brasileiros weigh 90 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Fila Brasileiros are 24 to 30 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 Fila Brasileiro

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 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 78.6 percent, the Fila Brasileiro has a below-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 Fila Brasileiro and the Irish Setter by measuring the temperaments of 14 Fila Brasileiros and 154 Irish Setters.

    Price of Fila Brasileiro versus Price of Irish Setter

    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 reviewing the prices of 3 Fila Brasileiro 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 Fila Brasileiro.

    Fila Brasileiro Irish Setter
    Average Price $1270 $1680
    Price Range $1000 to $1400 $1200 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Fila Brasileiros. 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 Fila Brasileiro 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.

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

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

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Fila Brasileiros do not get along well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Fila Brasileiros shed more than Irish Setters?

    Fila Brasileiros 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.

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

    Fila Brasileiros are not easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Fila Brasileiro versus Irish Setter

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

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Fila Brasileiros and Irish Setters?

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

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

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

    Fila Brasileiros drool moderately.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Fila Brasileiros bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Fila Brasileiro vs. Irish Setter

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

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

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

    Fila Brasileiros are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

    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 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 Irish Setter vs Afador.
  • Cane Corso (76 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Cane Corso.
  • Dogo Argentino (80 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Dogo Argentino.
  • Boerboel (78 percent match with Fila Brasileiro). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Boerboel.
  • 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 Fila Brasileiro vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Fila Brasileiro vs English Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Fila Brasileiro Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Fila Brasileiro versus Rottweiler     Fila Brasileiro versus Portuguese Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus Belgian Malinois     Fila Brasileiro versus Portuguese Pointer     Fila Brasileiro versus American Bulldog     Fila Brasileiro versus Cockalier     Fila Brasileiro versus Havanese     Fila Brasileiro versus Valley Bulldog     Fila Brasileiro versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Fila Brasileiro versus Shiranian     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus American Water Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Saint Bernard     Irish Setter versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Irish Setter versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Irish Setter versus Ibizan Hound     Irish Setter versus West Highland White Terrier     Irish Setter versus Norfolk Terrier     Irish Setter versus American Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Brussels Griffon     Irish Setter versus Affenpinscher     

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