Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Harrier Versus Irish Setter: Introduction
- Harrier versus Irish Setter: Overview
- Harrier versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Irish Setter
- The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Irish Setter
- Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Irish Setter
- Lifespan of Harrier versus Irish Setter
- Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Irish Setter
- The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Irish Setter
- Health Problems of Harrier versus Health Problems of Irish Setter
- Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Irish Setter
- Do Harriers shed more than Irish Setters?
- Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Irish Setter
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Irish Setter?
- Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?
- Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?
- Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Irish Setter
- Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Irish Setter?
- Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?
- How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Irish Setters?
- Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Harrier versus Irish Setter. Which One is a Better Pet?
Harrier Versus Irish Setter: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Setter.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Harrier or the Irish Setter.
Harrier versus Irish Setter: Overview
A very important difference between the Harrier and the Irish Setter is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Harrier is a medium-sized dog while the Irish Setter is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
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.
Harrier versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Setter
| Factor | Harrier | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 15 years |
| Height | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho |
| Easygoing | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds | 60 to 70 pounds |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 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 |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $2200 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1680 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 183 | 74 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Irish Setter. So, you should get the Harrier!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Harrier and the Irish Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Irish Setter
Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Irish Setter are most different:
The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Irish Setter
The Harrier and the Irish Setter are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Irish Setter are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Irish Setter
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Irish Setter.
Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 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 Harrier versus Irish Setter
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 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 Harriers.
Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Irish Setter
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers 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 Harrier named Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Bailey on pefinder.com.
Also, like Harriers, Irish Setters are also available for adoption. For example, Gordon – 831 is a Male Irish Setter that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Irish Setters like Gordon – 831 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Pilot is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Oliver & Maggie Together Only is an adorable Male Irish Setter on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Harriers and Irish Setters that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Setter over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Irish Setter is 74 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Harrier
Popularity of Irish Setter
| Year | Harrier Popularity Rank | Irish Setter Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 173 | 72 |
| 2014 | 181 | 73 |
| 2015 | 183 | 72 |
| 2016 | 186 | 76 |
| 2017 | 183 | 72 |
| 2018 | 189 | 77 |
| 2019 | 186 | 79 |
| 2020 | 190 | 75 |
Health Problems of Harrier 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 Harrier 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 Irish Setter is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Setter than for the Harrier.
2 health tests are recommended for Harrier while 3 tests are recommended for the Irish Setter.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Harriers and in Irish Setters.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Irish Setters here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Harriers 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 Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Harrier and in Irish Setter and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Harrier and the Irish Setter:
| Disease | Harrier Rank | Irish Setter Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Hips problems | 76 out of 198 dog breeds | 99 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 13 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 35 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 67 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | Not Common | 92 out of 144 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: Harrier versus Irish Setter
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.
Do Harriers shed more than Irish Setters?
Harriers shed moderately.
Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Irish Setter
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Irish Setter?
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.
Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?
Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
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 Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?
Harriers 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 Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Irish Setter
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Irish Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Irish Setter?
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.
Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?
Harriers 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 Harriers and Irish Setters?
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?
Harriers are not easy to train.
Irish Setters are very easy to train.
Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Setter?
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Irish Setter?
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:
Other 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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Irish Setter compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Irish Setter to other breeds:
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Sealyham Terrier Harrier versus Boston Terrier Harrier versus Pharaoh Hound Harrier versus Azawakh Harrier versus American Foxhound Harrier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Harrier versus Bichon Frise Harrier versus Affenhuahua Harrier versus Akita Chow Harrier versus French Spaniel Harrier versus Tibetan Spaniel Harrier versus Boxer Harrier versus Chi-Poo Harrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Harrier versus American Bulldog Harrier versus Keeshond Harrier versus Kuvasz Harrier versus Kerry Blue Terrier Harrier versus German Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Bolognese Harrier versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Harrier versus Miniature Poodle Harrier versus Cavapoo Harrier versus English Setter
Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setter versus Brittany Irish Setter versus French Spaniel Irish Setter versus Dachshund Irish Setter versus Australian Cattle Dog Irish Setter versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Irish Setter versus Braque du Bourbonnais Irish Setter versus Schipperke Irish Setter versus Vizsla Irish Setter versus American Eskimo Dog Irish Setter versus Dogue de Bordeaux Irish Setter versus Yorkshire Terrier Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz Irish Setter versus Morkie Irish Setter versus Clumber Spaniel Irish Setter versus Kerry Blue Terrier Irish Setter versus Labrador Retriever Irish Setter versus Affenpinscher Irish Setter versus Komondor Irish Setter versus American Eskimo Dog Irish Setter versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Irish Setter versus Papipoo Irish Setter versus Cavachon Irish Setter versus Goldador Irish Setter versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Irish Setter versus Neapolitan Mastiff
Conclusion: Harrier 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 Harrier and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.