Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Setter Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
- Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
- Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- The Popularity of Irish Setter versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Health Problems of Irish Setter versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Do Irish Setters shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
- Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Setter Versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog? 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Setter to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Factor | Irish Setter | Polish Lowland Sheepdog |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 35 to 55 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1680 | No Data |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2200 | No Data |
| Temperament Score | 90.9 percent | 54.5 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 169 |
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a better pet than the Irish Setter. So, you should get the Polish Lowland Sheepdog!
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
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, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs weigh 35 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Polish Lowland Sheepdogs is 11.0 years.
Irish Setters live longer than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
The Irish Setter has a better temperament than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 percent while the temperament score for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 54.5 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 90.9 percent, the Irish Setter has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 54.5 percent, the Polish Lowland Sheepdog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 154 Irish Setters and 11 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
The Popularity of Irish Setter versus Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog is 169 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Setter
Popularity of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
| Year | Irish Setter Popularity Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 72 | 157 |
| 2014 | 73 | 170 |
| 2015 | 72 | 164 |
| 2016 | 76 | 169 |
| 2017 | 72 | 176 |
| 2018 | 77 | 170 |
| 2019 | 79 | 173 |
| 2020 | 75 | 175 |
Health Problems of Irish Setter versus Health Problems of Polish Lowland Sheepdog
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 Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Irish Setter than for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
3 health tests are recommended for Irish Setter while 2 tests are recommended for the Polish Lowland Sheepdog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Setters and in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs.
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Health Problems
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Polish Lowland Sheepdogs here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Irish Setters and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs
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:
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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog Breed is Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
This is because the Polish Lowland Sheepdog ranks 1 out of 8 dog breeds for Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 341 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, 60 of them had Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, and how common these diseases are in Polish Lowland Sheepdogs relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Irish Setter and in Polish Lowland Sheepdog and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Setter and the Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
| Disease | Irish Setter Rank | Polish Lowland Sheepdog Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 13 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 35 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 67 out of 182 dog breeds | 106 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 92 out of 144 dog breeds | 116 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 99 out of 198 dog breeds | 60 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Rcd4 Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | Not Common | 1 out of 8 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: Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Irish Setters shed more than Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
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.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Polish Lowland Sheepdogs?
Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Irish Setters are very easy to train.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are very easy to train.
Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Polish Lowland Sheepdog?
Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Polish Lowland Sheepdog 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Setter and how the Polish Lowland Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Setter and of the Polish Lowland Sheepdog to other breeds:
Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setter versus Field Spaniel Irish Setter versus Puggle Irish Setter versus Dogue de Bordeaux Irish Setter versus Italian Greyhound Irish Setter versus Samoyed Irish Setter versus German Pinscher Irish Setter versus Afghan Hound Irish Setter versus Maltese Irish Setter versus Affenpinscher Irish Setter versus Sloughi Irish Setter versus Borzoi Irish Setter versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Irish Setter versus Komondor Irish Setter versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Irish Setter versus Havanese Irish Setter versus Pomeranian Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier Irish Setter versus Boxerdoodle Irish Setter versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Irish Setter versus Cavapoo Irish Setter versus Morkie Irish Setter versus Bull Terrier Irish Setter versus English Cocker Spaniel Irish Setter versus Standard Schnauzer Irish Setter versus Weimaraner
Polish Lowland Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds
Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Miniature Pinscher Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Labrador Retriever Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Australian Shepherd Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Cockapoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Miniature Schnauzer Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Finnish Lapphund Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Belgian Tervuren Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Tibetan Spaniel Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus German Shorthaired Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Miniature Poodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Labradoodle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Affenhuahua Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Collie Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Irish Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Mal Shi Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Dalmatian Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Norfolk Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus American Pit Bull Terrier Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Pomapoo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Carolina Dog Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Goldador Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Chi-Poo Polish Lowland Sheepdog versus Italian Greyhound
Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog. 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 Polish Lowland Sheepdog better suits you and your family.