Which is Better between the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier? A Very Detailed Review.

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Irish Setter Versus Patterdale Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Irish Setter and for the Patterdale Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier.

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

Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier

Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

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

Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter to the Patterdale Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

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

Factor Irish Setter Patterdale Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho 12 to 15 inches
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 11 to 13 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1680 $680
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $550 – $950
Temperament Score 90.9 percent 80.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data

    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 Patterdale Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Irish Setter is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Patterdale 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, Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Irish Setters live longer than Patterdale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Patterdale Terrier

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

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 90.9 percent, the Irish Setter has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 154 Irish Setters and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

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

    The Irish Setter is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    Irish Setter Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1680 $680
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $550 to $950

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Setter puppy or the Patterdale Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

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

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale 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.

    Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

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

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Patterdale Terriers?

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

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

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

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

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

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Patterdale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Patterdale Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Patterdale Terrier:

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Setter versus Beaglier     Irish Setter versus Sealyham Terrier     Irish Setter versus Cavapoo     Irish Setter versus Kai Ken     Irish Setter versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Irish Setter versus Afghan Hound     Irish Setter versus Papillon     Irish Setter versus Shiranian     Irish Setter versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Irish Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Bernedoodle     Irish Setter versus Cesky Terrier     Irish Setter versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Akbash     Irish Setter versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Setter versus Cockapoo     Irish Setter versus German Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Jack Russell Terrier     Irish Setter versus Japanese Spitz     Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Setter versus Vizsla     Irish Setter versus King Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Border Terrier     

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Mal Shi     Patterdale Terrier versus Whoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Chorkie     Patterdale Terrier versus Pyredoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Stabyhoun     Patterdale Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Rottweiler     Patterdale Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Cattle Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Patterdale Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Patterdale Terrier versus Skye Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Coton de Tulear     Patterdale Terrier versus Italian Greyhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Basset Hound     Patterdale Terrier versus Greyhound     Patterdale Terrier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Patterdale Terrier versus Puli     Patterdale Terrier versus Cavapoo     Patterdale Terrier versus Boykin Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Pomsky     Patterdale Terrier versus Puggle     

    Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Irish Setter and the Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.