Which is Better between the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd? A Very Detailed Review.

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Gordon Setter Versus King Shepherd: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd. 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 King Shepherd.

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 King Shepherd.

Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd

Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Gordon Setter is a medium-sized dog while the King Shepherd is a giant-sized dog.

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 King Shepherd belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter to the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd

Factor Gordon Setter King Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 25 to 31 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 11 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 75 to 150 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $1360 $1560
Price Range $1250 – $1500 $700 – $2500
Temperament Score 83.6 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • No Data

    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 King Shepherd. 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 King Shepherd is 84 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the King Shepherd is a better pet than the Gordon Setter. So, you should get the King 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 Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd are most different:

  • Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs. However, King Shepherds get along well with other dogs.
  • Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, King Shepherds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd

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

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd 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 Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd.

    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, King Shepherds weigh 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. King Shepherds are 25 to 31 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd

    The lifespan of Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of King Shepherds is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of King Shepherds is 10.5 years.

    Gordon Setters live longer than King Shepherds.

    Temperament of the King Shepherd Versus the Gordon Setter

    The King Shepherd has a better temperament than the Gordon Setter.

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 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 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 83.6 percent, the Gordon Setter has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the King Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Gordon Setter and the King Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 67 Gordon Setters and 1 King Shepherds.

    Price of Gordon Setter versus Price of King Shepherd

    The average price of the Gordon Setter puppy is $1360. The price of the Gordon Setter typically ranges from $1250 – $1500. However, the price of a Gordon Setter can be as low as $600 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Gordon Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the King Shepherd puppy is $1560. The price of the King Shepherd typically ranges from $700 – $2500. However, the price of the King Shepherd can be as low as $150 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 34 King Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The King Shepherd is more expensive than the Gordon Setter.

    Gordon Setter King Shepherd
    Average Price $1360 $1560
    Price Range $1250 to $1500 $700 to $2500

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds?

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Gordon Setter puppy or the King Shepherd 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 to buy 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 a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than King Shepherds?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the King Shepherd

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the King Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the King Shepherd?

    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.

    King Shepherds have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Gordon Setters Bark and Howl? What about King Shepherds?

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

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

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can King Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. King Shepherd

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

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

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    King Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the King Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about King Shepherds?

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

    King Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and King Shepherds?

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the King Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the King Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the King Shepherd?

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    King Shepherds are not the best dogs 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:

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the King Shepherd vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the King Shepherd vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the King Shepherd vs Mudi.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the King Shepherd

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

  • Chinook (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Chinook.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus West Highland White Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Norfolk Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Frenchton     Gordon Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Gordon Setter versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Bloodhound     Gordon Setter versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Gordon Setter versus Dogo Argentino     Gordon Setter versus Dachshund     Gordon Setter versus Irish Water Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Afador     Gordon Setter versus Puli     Gordon Setter versus Mastiff     Gordon Setter versus Basset Hound     Gordon Setter versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Maltipoo     Gordon Setter versus Giant Schnauzer     Gordon Setter versus Cavapoo     Gordon Setter versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Gordon Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Schipperke     Gordon Setter versus Standard Schnauzer     Gordon Setter versus Australian Terrier     

    King Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    King Shepherd versus Labrador Retriever     King Shepherd versus Papillon     King Shepherd versus Pharaoh Hound     King Shepherd versus Stabyhoun     King Shepherd versus Biewer Terrier     King Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier     King Shepherd versus Vizsla     King Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     King Shepherd versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     King Shepherd versus Bedlington Terrier     King Shepherd versus Hovawart     King Shepherd versus Cavapoo     King Shepherd versus Dachshund     King Shepherd versus Giant Schnauzer     King Shepherd versus Chinook     King Shepherd versus Welsh Terrier     King Shepherd versus Tibetan Terrier     King Shepherd versus Shihpoo     King Shepherd versus Bearded Collie     King Shepherd versus Alaskan Malamute     King Shepherd versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     King Shepherd versus Pekingese     King Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     King Shepherd versus Irish Water Spaniel     King Shepherd versus Cockapoo     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus King Shepherd. 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 King Shepherd better suits you and your family.