Which is Better between the Great Dane and the Irish Setter? A Very Detailed Review.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Great Dane Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Great Dane 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 Great Dane or the Irish Setter.

Great Dane versus Irish Setter

Great Dane versus Irish Setter: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Great Dane 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.

Great Dane versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Great Dane 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.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Great Dane and the Irish Setter

Factor Great Dane Irish Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Weight 100 to 200 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Height 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Life Span 7 to 10 years 11 to 15 years
Average Lifespan 8.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1560 $1680
Price Range $1000 – $2000 $1200 – $2200
Temperament Score 81.5 percent 90.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 15 74
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 48 35

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Great Dane 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 the Great Dane is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Setter is not better or worse than the Great Dane. So, you can get the Irish Setter or the Great Dane!

    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 Great Dane and the Irish Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Great Dane versus Irish Setter

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Great Dane and the Irish Setter

    Below is a list of where the Great Dane and the Irish Setter are most different:

  • Great Danes are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Great Dane and the Irish Setter

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

  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter 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 Great Dane and the Irish Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Great Dane and the Irish Setter are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Great Dane versus Irish Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Great Dane and the Irish Setter.

    Great Danes weigh 100 to 200 pounds when fully grown. Great Danes are 26 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder 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.

    Lifespan of Great Dane versus Irish Setter

    The lifespan of Great Danes is between 7 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Great Danes is 8.5 years.

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

    Irish Setters live longer than Great Danes.

    Great Dane versus Irish Setter

    Temperament of the Great Dane Versus the Irish Setter

    The Irish Setter has a better temperament than the Great Dane.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the Great Dane is 81.5 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 81.5 percent, the Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Irish Setter by measuring the temperaments of 314 Great Danes and 154 Irish Setters.

    Price of Great Dane versus Price of Irish Setter

    The average price of the Great Dane puppy is $1560. The price of the Great Dane typically ranges from $1000 – $2000. However, the price of a Great Dane can be as low as $100 and as high as $5500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1324 Great Dane 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 the 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 Great Dane.

    Great Dane Irish Setter
    Average Price $1560 $1680
    Price Range $1000 to $2000 $1200 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Great Danes. 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 Great Dane 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 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.

    Great Dane versus Irish Setter

    Adopting the Great Dane versus Adopting the Irish Setter

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Great Danes and many Irish Setters 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 Great Dane named Ramsey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Great Danes like Ramsey on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Great Danes, Irish Setters are also available for adoption. For example, Conan is a Male Irish Setter that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Irish Setters like Conan that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Great Dane and the Irish Setter can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Rex is the name of another Great Dane (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Gordon – 831 is an adorable Male Irish Setter on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Great Danes and Irish Setters are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Great Danes and Irish Setters that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Great Dane versus the Intelligence of the Irish Setter

    Great Dane Irish Setter
    Intelligence Rank 48 out of 130 dog breeds 35 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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 Great Dane has an obedience intelligence rank of 48 out of 130 dog breeds. The Great Dane belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Great Danes tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Irish Setter has an obedience intelligence rank of 35 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Setter belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Irish Setters tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.

    The Irish Setter is more intelligent than the Great Dane.

    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 Great Dane versus Popularity of Irish Setter

    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 Great Dane and the Irish Setter over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Great Dane is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Setter. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Great Dane is 15 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Irish Setter is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Great Dane

    Popularity of Great Dane

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Year Great Dane Popularity Rank Irish Setter Popularity Rank
    2013 16 72
    2014 15 73
    2015 15 72
    2016 14 76
    2017 14 72
    2018 16 77
    2019 17 79
    2020 15 75

    Health Problems of Great Dane versus Health Problems of Irish Setter

    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 Great Dane and the Irish Setter 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 Great Dane is prone to more genetic health problems than the Irish Setter.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Great Dane than for the Irish Setter.

    4 health tests are recommended for Great Dane while 3 tests are recommended for the Irish Setter.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Great Danes and in Irish Setters.

    Great Dane Health Problems

    Great Danes are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Great Dane 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 Great Dane puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Great Dane 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 Great Danes for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Great Danes here.

    Irish Setter Health Problems

    Irish Setters are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Irish 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 Irish Setter puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Irish 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 Irish Setters for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Setters here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Great Danes and Irish Setters

    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 Great Dane Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Great Dane ranks 4 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 183 Great Danes, 10 of them had Shoulder problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Great Danes, and how common these diseases are in Great Danes relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 4 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 33 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Dentition Database problems: Rank 35 out of 49 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 40 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 42 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 59 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 75 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 92 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 130 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Irish Setter Breed is Thyroid problems.

    This is because the Irish Setter ranks 13 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1455 Irish Setters, 139 of them had Thyroid problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Irish Setters, and how common these diseases are in Irish Setters relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Thyroid problems: Rank 13 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 35 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 67 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 92 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 99 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Great Dane and in Irish Setter and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Great Dane and the Irish Setter:

    Disease Great Dane Rank Irish Setter Rank
    Shoulder problems 4 out of 22 dog breeds Not Common
    Advanced Cardiac problems 33 out of 71 dog breeds Not Common
    Dentition Database problems 35 out of 49 dog breeds Not Common
    Congenital Cardiac problems 40 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Thyroid problems 42 out of 115 dog breeds 13 out of 115 dog breeds
    Eyes problems 59 out of 182 dog breeds 67 out of 182 dog breeds
    Elbow problems 75 out of 144 dog breeds 92 out of 144 dog breeds
    Hips problems 92 out of 198 dog breeds 99 out of 198 dog breeds
    Patella problems 130 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems Not Common 35 out of 70 dog breeds

    *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: Great Dane versus Irish Setter

    Great Danes do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Great Danes shed more than Irish Setters?

    Great Danes shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Great Dane or the Irish Setter

    Great Danes have a very high tendency to drool.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Great Dane or the Irish Setter?

    Great Danes are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Great Dane Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?

    Great Danes have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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.

    Do Great Danes Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?

    Great Danes are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Great Danes cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Great Dane vs. Irish Setter

    Great Danes 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.

    Can Great Danes Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Great Danes 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.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Great Dane or the Irish Setter?

    Great Danes get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Great Danes good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?

    Great Danes are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Great Danes and Irish Setters?

    Great Danes get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Great Dane Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?

    Great Danes are very easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Great Dane Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Setter?

    Great Danes do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Great Dane or the Irish Setter?

    Great Danes are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Great Dane

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Great Dane 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 Great Dane:

  • Flat-Coated Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Labrador Retriever (72 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (70 percent match with Great Dane). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 Great Dane vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Great Dane vs English Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Great Dane Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Great Dane versus English Cocker Spaniel     Great Dane versus Bracco Italiano     Great Dane versus Havanese     Great Dane versus Karelian Bear Dog     Great Dane versus Vizsla     Great Dane versus Standard Schnauzer     Great Dane versus Pekingese     Great Dane versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Great Dane versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Great Dane versus Boston Terrier     Great Dane versus Papipoo     Great Dane versus English Springer Spaniel     Great Dane versus Miniature Poodle     Great Dane versus Bichon Frise     Great Dane versus German Longhaired Pointer     Great Dane versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Great Dane versus Norwegian Buhund     Great Dane versus Cockalier     Great Dane versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Great Dane versus Shetland Sheepdog     Great Dane versus Havanese     Great Dane versus Norfolk Terrier     Great Dane versus Bouvier des Flandres     Great Dane versus Akbash     Great Dane versus Bearded Collie     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Irish Setter versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Setter versus Dogo Argentino     Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Setter versus Standard Schnauzer     Irish Setter versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Whoodle     Irish Setter versus Shetland Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Bloodhound     Irish Setter versus Peek A Poo     Irish Setter versus Bloodhound     Irish Setter versus Schnoodle     Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken     Irish Setter versus Manchester Terrier     Irish Setter versus Aussiedoodle     Irish Setter versus Havanese     Irish Setter versus Great Dane     Irish Setter versus Sealyham Terrier     Irish Setter versus Field Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Miniature Poodle     Irish Setter versus Norwegian Buhund     Irish Setter versus Dalmatian     Irish Setter versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Irish Setter versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

    Conclusion: Great Dane 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 Great Dane and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.