Is the Gordon Setter Better than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen as a Pet? Answer…

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Gordon Setter Versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen? 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

Gordon Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Overview

A very important difference between the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Gordon Setter is a medium-sized dog while the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Gordon Setter to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Factor Gordon Setter Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
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 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Weight 45 to 80 pounds 30 to 40 pounds
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 1/5
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 13.0 years
Average Price $1360 No Data
Price Range $1250 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 83.6 percent 88.9 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
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 106 151
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 34 62

    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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is a better pet than the Gordon Setter. So, you should get the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen!

    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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Below is a list of where the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are most different:

  • Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs. However, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens get along well with other dogs.
  • Gordon Setters are very easy to train. However, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    The Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are most similar:

  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Gordon Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

    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, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens weigh 30 to 40 pounds when fully grown. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Gordon Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

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

    The lifespan of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens is 13.0 years.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens live longer than Gordon Setters.

    Temperament of the Gordon Setter Versus the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has a better temperament than the Gordon Setter.

    This is because the temperament score for the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 88.9 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 88.9 percent, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Gordon Setter and the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen by measuring the temperaments of 67 Gordon Setters and 9 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens.

    The Intelligence of the Gordon Setter versus the Intelligence of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Gordon Setter Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
    Intelligence Rank 34 out of 130 dog breeds 62 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 40 To 80 Repetitions!

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:

  • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
  • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
  • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.
  • Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Gordon Setter has an obedience intelligence rank of 34 out of 130 dog breeds. The Gordon Setter belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Gordon Setters tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen has an obedience intelligence rank of 62 out of 130 dog breeds. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Gordon Setter is more intelligent than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    The Popularity of Gordon Setter versus Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Gordon Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen is 151 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Gordon Setter

    Popularity of Gordon Setter

    Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Popularity of Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Year Gordon Setter Popularity Rank Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Popularity Rank
    2013 105 138
    2014 100 150
    2015 105 143
    2016 104 148
    2017 104 160
    2018 115 156
    2019 113 152
    2020 107 164

    Tolerates Being Alone: Gordon Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Gordon Setters shed more than Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Gordon Setter or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Gordon Setter or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Gordon Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    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.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Gordon Setter vs. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Gordon Setter or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Gordon Setters good family dogs? What about Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Gordon Setters and Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens?

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

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Gordon Setter Easier to Train than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are not easy to train.

    Is the Gordon Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Gordon Setter or the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen?

    Gordon Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens 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:

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen:

  • Finnish Spitz (77 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Finnish Spitz.
  • Jack Russell Terrier (77 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Jack Russell Terrier.
  • Scottish Terrier (78 percent match with Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Scottish Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Gordon Setter and how the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Gordon Setter and of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen to other breeds:

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Maltese     Gordon Setter versus Pharaoh Hound     Gordon Setter versus Kuvasz     Gordon Setter versus Border Collie     Gordon Setter versus Keeshond     Gordon Setter versus Chi-Poo     Gordon Setter versus Airedale Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Bordoodle     Gordon Setter versus Xoloitzcuintli     Gordon Setter versus Azawakh     Gordon Setter versus Boxerdoodle     Gordon Setter versus Sloughi     Gordon Setter versus American Eskimo Dog     Gordon Setter versus Border Collie     Gordon Setter versus Tibetan Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Boston Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Saint Bernard     Gordon Setter versus Australian Terrier     Gordon Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Gordon Setter versus Cockalier     Gordon Setter versus Chinese Crested     Gordon Setter versus Goldendoodle     

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Canaan Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Bearded Collie     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Belgian Sheepdog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Azawakh     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Vizsla     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Irish Setter     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Pomchi     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Border Collie     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Skye Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Schipperke     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Field Spaniel     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Mudi     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Portuguese Water Dog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Beaglier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Patterdale Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Cocker Spaniel     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Doberman Pinscher     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Airedale Terrier     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Komondor     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Goldendoodle     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Morkie     Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     

    Conclusion: Gordon Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. 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 Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen better suits you and your family.