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

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Irish Setter Versus Puggle: Introduction

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

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

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 Puggle.

Irish Setter versus Puggle

Irish Setter versus Puggle: Overview

A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Puggle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Puggle 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 Puggle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Irish Setter versus Puggle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Setter to the Puggle 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 Puggle

Factor Irish Setter Puggle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Life Span 11 to 15 years 10 to 15 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 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 18 to 30 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1680 $1330
Price Range $1200 – $2200 $995 – $1400
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 Puggle. 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 Puggle is 85 out of 125.

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

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

    Irish Setter versus Puggle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Puggle

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

  • Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Puggles adapt well to apartment living.
  • Irish Setters have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Puggles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Puggle

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

  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle 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 Puggle can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Irish Setter and the Puggle have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Puggle

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

    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, Puggles weigh 18 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Puggles are 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Puggle

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

    The lifespan of Puggles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Puggles is 12.5 years.

    Irish Setters live longer than Puggles.

    Irish Setter versus Puggle

    Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Puggle

    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 Puggle puppy is $1330. The price of the Puggle typically ranges from $995 – $1400. However, the price of the Puggle can be as low as $400 and as high as $5125. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 145 Puggle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Irish Setter is more expensive than the Puggle.

    Irish Setter Puggle
    Average Price $1680 $1330
    Price Range $1200 to $2200 $995 to $1400

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Puggles

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

    Adopting the Irish Setter versus Adopting the Puggle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Irish Setters and many Puggles 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 Oliver & Maggie Together Only that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Irish Setters like Oliver & Maggie Together Only on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Irish Setters, Puggles are also available for adoption. For example, Koki is a Male Puggle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Puggles like Koki that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

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

    Gordon – 831 is the name of another Irish Setter (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Tom is an adorable Male Puggle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

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

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Puggle

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Puggles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Irish Setters shed more than Puggles?

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

    Puggles shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Puggle

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Puggles do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Puggles are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Puggles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Puggles?

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

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

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

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Puggles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Puggle

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

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

    Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Puggles Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Puggles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Puggles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Puggles?

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

    Puggles are good family dogs. They are affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Puggles?

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

    Puggles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Puggle?

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Puggles are not easy to train.

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

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Puggles adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

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

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

  • Beaglier (75 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Beaglier.
  • Bergamasco Sheepdog (71 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Saint Berdoodle (72 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Saint Berdoodle.
  • Skye Terrier (70 percent match with Puggle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Skye Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Bracco Italiano     Irish Setter versus West Highland White Terrier     Irish Setter versus Lhasapoo     Irish Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Irish Setter versus English Toy Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Yorkipoo     Irish Setter versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Weimaraner     Irish Setter versus Skye Terrier     Irish Setter versus American Water Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Maremma Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Kai Ken     Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken     Irish Setter versus Bernedoodle     Irish Setter versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Setter versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Setter versus Welsh Terrier     Irish Setter versus Whoodle     Irish Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Puggle     Irish Setter versus Chinook     Irish Setter versus American Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     Irish Setter versus Yorkipoo     Irish Setter versus Labradoodle     

    Puggle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Puggle versus Greyhound     Puggle versus Barbet     Puggle versus Havanese     Puggle versus Bracco Italiano     Puggle versus Vizsla     Puggle versus Airedale Terrier     Puggle versus Mudi     Puggle versus German Longhaired Pointer     Puggle versus Maremma Sheepdog     Puggle versus Bedlington Terrier     Puggle versus Saint Bernard     Puggle versus Border Collie     Puggle versus Chow Chow     Puggle versus Lhasapoo     Puggle versus Beaglier     Puggle versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Puggle versus Borzoi     Puggle versus Giant Schnauzer     Puggle versus Scottish Deerhound     Puggle versus Irish Setter     Puggle versus Papipoo     Puggle versus Cavapoo     Puggle versus Toy Poodle     Puggle versus Maltese     Puggle versus Estrela Mountain Dog     

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