Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Irish Setter Versus Puli: Introduction
- Irish Setter versus Puli: Overview
- Irish Setter versus Puli: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Setter and the Puli
- The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Puli
- Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Puli
- Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Puli
- Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Puli
- Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Puli
- The Intelligence of the Irish Setter versus the Intelligence of the Puli
- The Popularity of Irish Setter versus Popularity of Puli
- Health Problems of Irish Setter versus Health Problems of Puli
- Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Setter versus Puli
- Do Irish Setters shed more than Pulis?
- Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Puli
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Puli?
- Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
- Do Irish Setters Bark and Howl? What about Pulis?
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Puli
- Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Setter or the Puli?
- Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Pulis?
- How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Pulis?
- Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Puli?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Puli
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Puli. Which One is a Better Pet?
Irish Setter Versus Puli: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Setter and the Puli? 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 Puli 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 Puli.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Setter and the Puli 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 Puli. 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 Puli.
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 Puli.
Irish Setter versus Puli: Overview
A very important difference between the Irish Setter and the Puli is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Irish Setter is a large-sized dog while the Puli 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 Puli 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 Puli: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Irish Setter to the Puli 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 Puli
| Factor | Irish Setter | Puli |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 11 to 15 years | 10 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 | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 25 to 35 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 12.5 years |
| Average Price | $1680 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1200 – $2200 | $1875 – $2750 |
| Temperament Score | 90.9 percent | 92.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 74 | 150 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 35 | 27 |
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 Puli. 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 Puli is 74 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Puli is a better pet than the Irish Setter. So, you should get the Puli!
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 Puli 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 Puli
Below is a list of where the Irish Setter and the Puli are most different:
The Similarities Between the Irish Setter and the Puli
The Irish Setter and the Puli are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Setter and the Puli are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Setter versus Puli
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Setter and the Puli.
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, Pulis weigh 25 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Pulis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Irish Setter versus Puli
The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Pulis is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pulis is 12.5 years.
Irish Setters live longer than Pulis.
Temperament of the Irish Setter Versus the Puli
The Puli has a better temperament than the Irish Setter.
This is because the temperament score for the Puli is 92.3 percent while the temperament score for the Irish Setter is 90.9 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 92.3 percent, the Puli has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Setter and the Puli by measuring the temperaments of 154 Irish Setters and 26 Pulis.
Price of Irish Setter versus Price of Puli
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 Puli puppy is $2250. The price of the Puli typically ranges from $1875 – $2750. However, the price of the Puli can be as low as $1250 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 3 Puli puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Puli is more expensive than the Irish Setter.
| Irish Setter | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1680 | $2250 |
| Price Range | $1200 to $2200 | $1875 to $2750 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Irish Setter and Puli. For different price points, the charts show how many Irish Setter puppies or how many Puli 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 Pulis
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Irish Setter puppy or the Puli 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 Intelligence of the Irish Setter versus the Intelligence of the Puli
| Irish Setter | Puli | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 35 out of 130 dog breeds | 27 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 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:
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 Puli has an obedience intelligence rank of 27 out of 130 dog breeds. The Puli belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Pulis tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Puli is more intelligent than the Irish Setter.
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 Puli
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 Puli over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Irish Setter is more popular with dog owners than the Puli. 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 Puli is 150 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Irish Setter
Popularity of Puli
| Year | Irish Setter Popularity Rank | Puli Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 72 | 136 |
| 2014 | 73 | 151 |
| 2015 | 72 | 154 |
| 2016 | 76 | 159 |
| 2017 | 72 | 142 |
| 2018 | 77 | 160 |
| 2019 | 79 | 160 |
| 2020 | 75 | 143 |
Health Problems of Irish Setter versus Health Problems of Puli
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 Puli 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 Puli is prone to more genetic health problems than the Irish Setter.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Puli than for the Irish Setter.
3 health tests are recommended for Irish Setter while 7 tests are recommended for the Puli.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Irish Setters and in Pulis.
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.
Puli Health Problems
Pulis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Puli 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 Puli puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Puli 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 Pulis for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pulis here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Irish Setters and Pulis
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 Puli Breed is Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
This is because the Puli ranks 37 out of 70 dog breeds for Degenerative Myelopathy problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 201 Pulis, 6 of them had Degenerative Myelopathy problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pulis, and how common these diseases are in Pulis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Irish Setter and in Puli and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Irish Setter and the Puli:
| Disease | Irish Setter Rank | Puli Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 13 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 35 out of 70 dog breeds | 37 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 67 out of 182 dog breeds | 144 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 92 out of 144 dog breeds | 70 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 99 out of 198 dog breeds | 115 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 39 out of 145 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 Puli
Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.
Pulis do not like to be left alone.
Do Irish Setters shed more than Pulis?
Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Pulis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Irish Setter or the Puli
Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.
Pulis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Setter or the Puli?
Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.
Pulis require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Irish Setter Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Puli?
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.
Pulis 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 Pulis?
Irish Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Pulis are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pulis Tolerate Cold Weather?
Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.
Pulis can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Irish Setter vs. Puli
Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Pulis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pulis Tolerate Hot Weather?
Irish Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Pulis 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 Puli?
Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.
Pulis get along very well with other dogs.
Are Irish Setters good family dogs? What about Pulis?
Irish Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Pulis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Irish Setters and Pulis?
Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Pulis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Irish Setter Easier to Train than the Puli?
Irish Setters are very easy to train.
Pulis are not easy to train.
Is the Irish Setter Better for Apartment Owners than the Puli?
Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
Pulis adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Setter or the Puli?
Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.
Pulis 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 Puli
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Puli 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 Puli:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Irish Setter and how the Puli compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Setter and of the Puli to other breeds:
Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setter versus Collie Irish Setter versus Swedish Vallhund Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier Irish Setter versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier Irish Setter versus Carolina Dog Irish Setter versus Beaglier Irish Setter versus American Bulldog Irish Setter versus Komondor Irish Setter versus Morkie Irish Setter versus Chinook Irish Setter versus Papillon Irish Setter versus Samoyed Irish Setter versus Bulldog Irish Setter versus Bernese Mountain Dog Irish Setter versus German Longhaired Pointer Irish Setter versus Brittany Irish Setter versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Irish Setter versus Swedish Vallhund Irish Setter versus Dutch Shepherd Irish Setter versus Shihpoo Irish Setter versus Curly-Coated Retriever Irish Setter versus Korean Jindo Dog Irish Setter versus Tibetan Terrier Irish Setter versus Irish Water Spaniel Irish Setter versus Cairn Terrier
Puli Versus Other Dog Breeds
Puli versus Mastiff Puli versus Golden Cocker Retriever Puli versus Manchester Terrier Puli versus Japanese Chin Puli versus Barbet Puli versus Black and Tan Coonhound Puli versus Irish Setter Puli versus Greyhound Puli versus Carolina Dog Puli versus Afador Puli versus Papipoo Puli versus Giant Schnauzer Puli versus Spanish Mastiff Puli versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puli versus Plott Puli versus Australian Terrier Puli versus Chow Chow Puli versus Dalmatian Puli versus Pharaoh Hound Puli versus Beagle Puli versus Afghan Hound Puli versus Boston Terrier Puli versus Kai Ken Puli versus Pointer Puli versus Mudi
Conclusion: Irish Setter versus Puli. 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 Puli better suits you and your family.