Irish Setter versus Plott. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Irish Setter Versus Plott: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter and the Plott 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 Plott. 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 Plott.

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 Plott.

Irish Setter versus Plott: Overview

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

Irish Setter versus Plott: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter to the Plott 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 Plott

Factor Irish Setter Plott
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 12 to 14 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 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
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 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 40 to 75 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1680 $600
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $480 – $700
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 74 161

    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 Plott. 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 Plott is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Plott so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Plott

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

  • Irish Setters have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Plotts are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Irish Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Plotts are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Plott

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott 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 Plott are very easy to train.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Plott require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Plott

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

    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, Plotts weigh 40 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Plotts are 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Plott

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

    The lifespan of Plotts is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Plotts is 13.0 years.

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Plott

    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 Plott puppy is $600. The price of the Plott typically ranges from $480 – $700. However, the price of the Plott can be as low as $300 and as high as $800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 17 Plott puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Irish Setter is more expensive than the Plott.

    Irish Setter Plott
    Average Price $1680 $600
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $480 to $700

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Plotts

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

    The Popularity of Irish Setter versus Popularity of Plott

    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 Plott over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Plott. 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 Plott is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Popularity of Irish Setter

    Popularity of Plott

    Popularity of Plott

    Year Irish Setter Popularity Rank Plott Popularity Rank
    2013 72 149
    2014 73 154
    2015 72 149
    2016 76 158
    2017 72 166
    2018 77 171
    2019 79 177
    2020 75 167

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Plott

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Plotts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Plotts?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Plott

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Plotts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Plott?

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Plotts are very easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Plott?

    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.

    Plotts 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 Plotts?

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

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

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Plotts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Plotts cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Plott

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

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

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Plotts Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Plotts can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Plotts get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Plotts?

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

    Plotts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Plotts?

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

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

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Plott?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Plotts are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Plott?

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Plotts do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Patterdale Terrier (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Valley Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Scottish Terrier     Irish Setter versus Beaglier     Irish Setter versus Shetland Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Cocker Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Afghan Hound     Irish Setter versus Cane Corso     Irish Setter versus Pointer     Irish Setter versus Papipoo     Irish Setter versus Pomeranian     Irish Setter versus Ibizan Hound     Irish Setter versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus American Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Toy Poodle     Irish Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund     Irish Setter versus Tibetan Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Dalmatian     Irish Setter versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Irish Setter versus Basenji     Irish Setter versus Saluki     Irish Setter versus Australian Cattle Dog     Irish Setter versus Xoloitzcuintli     Irish Setter versus Pomsky     Irish Setter versus Irish Terrier     Irish Setter versus Irish Water Spaniel     

    Plott Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Plott versus Basenji     Plott versus Cairn Terrier     Plott versus Miniature Pinscher     Plott versus English Setter     Plott versus Bullmastiff     Plott versus Papipoo     Plott versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Plott versus Great Pyrenees     Plott versus Tibetan Mastiff     Plott versus Chi-Poo     Plott versus Westiepoo     Plott versus Toy Fox Terrier     Plott versus Catahoula Bulldog     Plott versus Boxerdoodle     Plott versus Cane Corso     Plott versus Norwich Terrier     Plott versus German Longhaired Pointer     Plott versus Chorkie     Plott versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Plott versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Plott versus Papillon     Plott versus Bullmastiff     Plott versus Azawakh     Plott versus Shih Tzu     Plott versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

    Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Plott. 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 Plott better suits you and your family.