Breed Comparison: Gordon Setter Versus Patterdale Terrier

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Gordon Setter Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier.

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 Patterdale Terrier.

Gordon Setter versus Patterdale Terrier

Gordon Setter versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Gordon Setter is a medium-sized dog while the Patterdale Terrier is a small-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 Patterdale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Gordon Setter versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter to the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

Factor Gordon Setter Patterdale Terrier
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 12 to 15 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
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 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1360 $680
Price Range $1250 – $1500 $550 – $950
Temperament Score 83.6 percent 80.0 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 Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are most different:

  • Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Gordon Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.

    • The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier.

    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, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Patterdale Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Patterdale Terriers live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the Gordon Setter

    The Gordon Setter has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Gordon Setter is 83.6 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Gordon Setter and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 67 Gordon Setters and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of Gordon Setter versus Price of Patterdale Terrier

    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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Gordon Setter is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Gordon Setter Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1360 $680
    Price Range $1250 to $1500 $550 to $950

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Gordon Setter and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Gordon Setter puppies or how many Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terriers?

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Gordon Setter puppy or the Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Patterdale Terrier

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Patterdale Terrier?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale Terrier?

    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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Patterdale Terrier?

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terrier vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Mudi.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Portuguese Pointer.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus French Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Mountain Cur     Gordon Setter versus Standard Poodle     Gordon Setter versus Finnish Spitz     Gordon Setter versus Black Mouth Cur     Gordon Setter versus Portuguese Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Bordoodle     Gordon Setter versus American Water Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus German Shepherd Dog     Gordon Setter versus Brittany     Gordon Setter versus Miniature Pinscher     Gordon Setter versus Cavachon     Gordon Setter versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus Doberman Pinscher     Gordon Setter versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus Boerboel     Gordon Setter versus Standard Poodle     Gordon Setter versus Frenchton     Gordon Setter versus Puli     Gordon Setter versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Gordon Setter versus Brittany     Gordon Setter versus Japanese Spitz     Gordon Setter versus Sheepadoodle     Gordon Setter versus Basenji     Gordon Setter versus Scottish Terrier     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Greyhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Irish Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Bearded Collie     Patterdale Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomchi     Patterdale Terrier versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Patterdale Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Patterdale Terrier versus Collie     Patterdale Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Patterdale Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Weimaraner     Patterdale Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Patterdale Terrier versus Scottish Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Standard Schnauzer     Patterdale Terrier versus Basenji     Patterdale Terrier versus Weimaraner     Patterdale Terrier versus Saluki     Patterdale Terrier versus Papillon     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Newfoundland     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus Patterdale Terrier. 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.