Comparison: Gordon Setter and Irish Setter

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

Gordon Setter
Photo: Hans-Jörg Hellwig, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Irish Setter
Photo: Ehog.hu, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
Gordon SetterIrish Setter
FCI group7. Pointing dogs7. Pointing dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomIreland
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers62–66 cm58–67 cm
Weight25.5–29.5 kg27–32 kg
Life span–12–14 years
Recognition features
  • Deep coal-black coat with lustrous chestnut-red tan markings
  • Substantial build compared by the standard to a weight-carrying hunter, yet with galloping lines
  • Long, flat, silky feathering on ears, backs of legs and tail
  • Rich mahogany-red silky coat
  • Long drop ears and refined head
  • Long feathering on ears, chest and tail
CoatShort and fine on head, front of legs and ear tips, moderate length, flat and free of curl elsewhere; long, fine feathering. Deep shining coal black without rustiness, with chestnut-red tan markings (over the eyes, sides of muzzle, throat, two spots on chest, on legs). A very small white spot on the chest is permitted.Long, fine, straight coat; mahogany-red.
PurposeA setter for work before the gun: it searches for and points feathered game in the field and holds the point until the hunter comes up to shoot.An Irish gundog bred to find and point game birds in open country.

Breed page: Gordon Setter · Breed page: Irish Setter

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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.