Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Gordon Setter Versus Harrier: Introduction
- Gordon Setter versus Harrier: Overview
- Gordon Setter versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Gordon Setter and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Harrier
- Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Harrier
- Adopting the Gordon Setter versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of Gordon Setter versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of Gordon Setter versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Harrier
- Do Gordon Setters shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Harrier?
- Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Harrier
- Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Harrier?
- Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and Harriers?
- Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
Gordon Setter Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Gordon Setter and the Harrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Gordon Setter and the Harrier 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 Gordon Setter and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter and the Harrier 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 Gordon Setter and for the Harrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Gordon Setter and the Harrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Gordon Setter or the Harrier.
Gordon Setter versus Harrier: Overview
Both the Gordon Setter and the Harrier are similar in size. The Gordon Setter and the Harrier are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Gordon 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 Harrier 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.
Gordon Setter versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Gordon Setter to the Harrier 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.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Gordon Setter and the Harrier
| Factor | Gordon Setter | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 80 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1360 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1250 – $1500 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 106 | 183 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Gordon 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 Harrier. 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 the Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Gordon Setter. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Gordon Setter and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Gordon Setter and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Harrier
The Gordon Setter and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Gordon Setter and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Harrier.
Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.
On the other hand, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Harrier
The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
Adopting the Gordon Setter versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Gordon Setters and many Harriers 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 Gordon Setter named Bocce that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Gordon Setters like Bocce on pefinder.com.
Also, like Gordon Setters, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Pilot is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Pilot that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Bailey is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Gordon Setters and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Gordon Setter versus Popularity of Harrier
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 Gordon Setter and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Gordon Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Gordon Setter is 106 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Gordon Setter
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | Gordon Setter Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 105 | 173 |
| 2014 | 100 | 181 |
| 2015 | 105 | 183 |
| 2016 | 104 | 186 |
| 2017 | 104 | 183 |
| 2018 | 115 | 189 |
| 2019 | 113 | 186 |
| 2020 | 107 | 190 |
Health Problems of Gordon Setter versus Health Problems of Harrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Gordon Setter and the Harrier 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 Gordon Setter is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Gordon Setter than for the Harrier.
6 health tests are recommended for Gordon Setter while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Gordon Setters and in Harriers.
Gordon Setter Health Problems
Gordon Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Gordon 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 Gordon Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Gordon 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 Gordon Setters for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Gordon Setters here.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier 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 Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier 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 Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Gordon Setters and Harriers
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 Gordon Setter Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Gordon Setter ranks 2 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 574 Gordon Setters, 9 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Gordon Setters, and how common these diseases are in Gordon Setters relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Gordon Setter and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Gordon Setter and the Harrier:
| Disease | Gordon Setter Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 2 out of 8 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 10 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 32 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 46 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 50 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 83 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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.
Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Harrier
Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Gordon Setters shed more than Harriers?
Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Harrier
Gordon Setters drool moderately.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Harrier?
Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
Gordon 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.
Harriers 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.
Do Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Harrier
Gordon Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
Gordon Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Harrier?
Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Harriers?
Gordon Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and Harriers?
Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Harrier?
Gordon Setters are very easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Harrier?
Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Gordon 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 Gordon Setter:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Gordon Setter and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Gordon Setter and of the Harrier to other breeds:
Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Gordon Setter versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Gordon Setter versus Kuvasz Gordon Setter versus German Shorthaired Pointer Gordon Setter versus American Staffordshire Terrier Gordon Setter versus Komondor Gordon Setter versus Basenji Gordon Setter versus Cocker Spaniel Gordon Setter versus Lancashire Heeler Gordon Setter versus Komondor Gordon Setter versus Bichon Frise Gordon Setter versus Keeshond Gordon Setter versus Weimaraner Gordon Setter versus Lagotto Romagnolo Gordon Setter versus Whippet Gordon Setter versus Skye Terrier Gordon Setter versus Field Spaniel Gordon Setter versus Akita Gordon Setter versus French Bulldog Gordon Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog Gordon Setter versus Clumber Spaniel Gordon Setter versus Giant Schnauzer Gordon Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer Gordon Setter versus Black and Tan Coonhound Gordon Setter versus Kooikerhondje Gordon Setter versus Yorkipoo
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Bedlington Terrier Harrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Harrier versus Lhasapoo Harrier versus Sloughi Harrier versus Akita Chow Harrier versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi Harrier versus King Shepherd Harrier versus Estrela Mountain Dog Harrier versus Shichon Harrier versus German Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Sussex Spaniel Harrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Swedish Vallhund Harrier versus Biewer Terrier Harrier versus King Shepherd Harrier versus Cavachon Harrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever Harrier versus Kuvasz Harrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Harrier versus Standard Schnauzer Harrier versus Border Collie Harrier versus Toy Fox Terrier Harrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo Harrier versus Komondor Harrier versus Boston Terrier
Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus Harrier. 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 Gordon Setter and the Harrier better suits you and your family.