Is the Clumber Spaniel or the Gordon Setter better for families with children?

Both the Clumber Spaniel and the Gordon Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Clumber Spaniel or the Gordon Setter?

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

Which is easier to train, the Clumber Spaniel or the Gordon Setter?

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

Is Clumber Spaniel or Gordon Setter bigger?

Clumber Spaniel and Gordon Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Clumber Spaniel or Gordon Setter?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Clumber Spaniel or Gordon Setter?

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

Clumber Spaniel vs Gordon Setter: Easier to Groom?

Clumber Spaniel vs Gordon Setter: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Gordon Setter has noticeably higher energy than the Clumber Spaniel.
The Gordon Setter has noticeably higher grooming than the Clumber Spaniel.

Size and living space

The Clumber Spaniel is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Gordon Setter is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. 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 Clumber Spaniel does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Gordon Setter demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Clumber Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Gordon Setter is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Clumber Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. The Gordon Setter is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Clumber Spaniel is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Gordon Setter will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Clumber Spaniel if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the Gordon Setter if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Clumber Spaniel or the Gordon Setter better for families with children?: Both the Clumber Spaniel and the Gordon Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Clumber Spaniel or the Gordon Setter?: The Clumber Spaniel and Gordon Setter shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Clumber Spaniel or the Gordon Setter?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Clumber Spaniel or Gordon Setter bigger?: Clumber Spaniel and Gordon Setter are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Clumber Spaniel or Gordon Setter?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Clumber Spaniel or Gordon Setter?: For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Clumber Spaniel vs Gordon Setter