Comparison: English Setter and Irish Setter

English Setter and Irish Setter are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

English Setter
Photo: Villa16, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Irish Setter
Photo: Ehog.hu, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
English SetterIrish Setter
FCI group7. Pointing dogs7. Pointing dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomIreland
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers61–68 cm58–67 cm
Weight25–30 kg27–32 kg
Life span11–13 years12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Long silky coat, white with flecks (belton)
  • Long ears and feathered tail
  • Elegant and lean build
  • Rich mahogany-red silky coat
  • Long drop ears and refined head
  • Long feathering on ears, chest and tail
CoatLong, silky coat with feathering; belton.Long, fine, straight coat; mahogany-red.
PurposeAn English gundog that crouches (´sets´) to mark game birds.An Irish gundog bred to find and point game birds in open country.

Breed page: English Setter · Breed page: Irish Setter

Learn to recognise this breed and many more

In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.

Try the demo quizComing soon to Google Play

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.