Differences and Similarities between the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier.

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Irish Setter Versus Lakeland Terrier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter and the Lakeland 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 Irish Setter and for the Lakeland 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 Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Irish Setter or the Lakeland Terrier.

Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier

Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Lakeland Terrier is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other hand, the Lakeland 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.

Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter to the Lakeland 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 Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier

Factor Irish Setter Lakeland Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 5/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 15 to 17 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1680 $1810
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $1600 – $2325
Temperament Score 90.9 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 74 142
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) 35 62

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish 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 Lakeland 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 Irish Setter is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lakeland Terrier is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Lakeland Terrier is a better pet than the Irish Setter. So, you should get the Lakeland 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 Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier are most different:

  • Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Lakeland Terriers adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Setters have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Lakeland Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Lakeland Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland 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 Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier.

    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.

    On the other hand, Lakeland Terriers weigh 15 to 17 pounds when fully grown. Lakeland Terriers are 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Lakeland Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lakeland Terriers is 13.5 years.

    Lakeland Terriers live longer than Irish Setters.

    Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier

    Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Lakeland Terrier

    The Irish Setter has a better temperament than the Lakeland Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the Lakeland Terrier is 75.0 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 90.9 percent, the Irish Setter has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lakeland Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 154 Irish Setters and 8 Lakeland Terriers.

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Lakeland Terrier

    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 a Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lakeland Terrier puppy is $1810. The price of the Lakeland Terrier typically ranges from $1600 – $2325. However, the price of the Lakeland Terrier can be as low as $1000 and as high as $2550. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 11 Lakeland Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lakeland Terrier is more expensive than the Irish Setter.

    Irish Setter Lakeland Terrier
    Average Price $1680 $1810
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $1600 to $2325

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Lakeland Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Lakeland Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Setter puppy or the Lakeland 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.

    Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier

    Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Lakeland Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters and many Lakeland Terriers 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 Irish Setter named Gordon – 831 that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Gordon – 831 on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Irish Setters, Lakeland Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Cash is a Male Lakeland Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Lakeland Terriers like Cash that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Oliver & Maggie Together Only is the name of another Irish Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Boo And Bean is an adorable Male Lakeland Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Irish Setters and Lakeland Terriers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Irish Setters and Lakeland Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Intelligence of the Irish Setter versus the Intelligence of the Lakeland Terrier

    Irish Setter Lakeland Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 35 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 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 Lakeland Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 62 out of 130 dog breeds. The Lakeland Terrier belongs to the `Fair Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Lakeland Terriers tend to learn new commands after 40 to 80 repetitions!.

    The Irish Setter is more intelligent than the Lakeland Terrier.

    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 Irish Setter versus Popularity of Lakeland Terrier

    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 Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Lakeland Terrier. 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 Lakeland Terrier is 142 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Popularity of Lakeland Terrier

    Popularity of Lakeland Terrier

    Year Irish Setter Popularity Rank Lakeland Terrier Popularity Rank
    2013 72 134
    2014 73 149
    2015 72 141
    2016 76 145
    2017 72 138
    2018 77 147
    2019 79 148
    2020 75 136

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Lakeland Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Lakeland Terriers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Lakeland Terrier

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lakeland Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Lakeland Terrier?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Lakeland Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lakeland Terrier?

    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.

    Lakeland 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 Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Lakeland Terriers?

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

    Lakeland Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lakeland Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Lakeland Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Lakeland Terrier

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

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

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lakeland Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Lakeland Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Lakeland Terrier?

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Lakeland Terriers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Lakeland Terriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Lakeland Terriers?

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

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Lakeland Terrier?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Lakeland Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Lakeland Terrier?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Lakeland Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Lakeland Terrier?

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Lakeland Terriers are OK for new dog owners.

    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 Lakeland Terrier vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Lakeland Terrier vs English Setter.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lakeland Terrier

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

  • Irish Terrier (79 percent match with Lakeland Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier.
  • Barbet (80 percent match with Lakeland Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Barbet.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Norwich Terrier     Irish Setter versus Hovawart     Irish Setter versus Norwich Terrier     Irish Setter versus Dachshund     Irish Setter versus Yorkipoo     Irish Setter versus Pyredoodle     Irish Setter versus Carolina Dog     Irish Setter versus Doberman Pinscher     Irish Setter versus Sussex Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Australian Kelpie     Irish Setter versus Bolognese     Irish Setter versus Dachshund     Irish Setter versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Irish Setter versus Peek A Poo     Irish Setter versus French Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Shih Tzu     Irish Setter versus Kooikerhondje     Irish Setter versus Berger Picard     Irish Setter versus Pomapoo     Irish Setter versus American Eskimo Dog     Irish Setter versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Irish Setter versus Pharaoh Hound     Irish Setter versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Irish Setter versus English Toy Spaniel     

    Lakeland Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lakeland Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Lakeland Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Lakeland Terrier versus Hovawart     Lakeland Terrier versus Cairn Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Shihpoo     Lakeland Terrier versus English Toy Spaniel     Lakeland Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Lakeland Terrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Lakeland Terrier versus Shiloh Shepherd     Lakeland Terrier versus Harrier     Lakeland Terrier versus King Shepherd     Lakeland Terrier versus Afghan Hound     Lakeland Terrier versus Mountain Cur     Lakeland Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     Lakeland Terrier versus Bichon Frise     Lakeland Terrier versus Aussiedoodle     Lakeland Terrier versus Dogo Argentino     Lakeland Terrier versus Pointer     Lakeland Terrier versus Siberian Husky     Lakeland Terrier versus Norwich Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Lancashire Heeler     Lakeland Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     Lakeland Terrier versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Lakeland Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     Lakeland Terrier versus Chinook     

    Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Lakeland 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 Irish Setter and the Lakeland Terrier better suits you and your family.