Is the Briard or the Gordon Setter better for families with children?

The Gordon Setter tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Briard or the Gordon Setter?

The Briard and Gordon Setter shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Briard or the Gordon Setter?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Briard or Gordon Setter bigger?

Briard and Gordon Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Briard or Gordon Setter?

Briard tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Gordon Setter is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Briard or Gordon Setter?

For apartment or apartment living, Gordon Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Briard vs Gordon Setter: Which Is Quieter?

Briard vs Gordon Setter: full comparison

Trait	Briard	Gordon Setter
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	High
Good with children	Medium	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	11 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Briard is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Gordon Setter is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Briard needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Gordon Setter needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Briard is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Gordon Setter is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Briard is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Gordon Setter is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Briard is naturally alert and defends its people, whereas Gordon Setter announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Gordon Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Gordon Setter has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Gordon Setter has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Briard has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Briard and Gordon Setter are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Briard if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Gordon Setter if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Briard or the Gordon Setter better for families with children?: The Gordon Setter tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Briard or the Gordon Setter?: The Briard and Gordon Setter shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Briard or the Gordon Setter?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Briard or Gordon Setter bigger?: Briard and Gordon Setter are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Briard or Gordon Setter?: Briard tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Gordon Setter is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Briard or Gordon Setter?: For apartment or apartment living, Gordon Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Briard vs Gordon Setter