Is the Gordon Setter or the Irish Red and White Setter better for families with children?

Both the Gordon Setter and the Irish Red and White Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Gordon Setter or the Irish Red and White Setter?

The Gordon Setter and Irish Red and White Setter shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Gordon Setter or the Irish Red and White Setter?

The Irish Red and White Setter is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Gordon Setter or Irish Red and White Setter bigger?

Gordon Setter and Irish Red and White Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Gordon Setter or Irish Red and White Setter?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Gordon Setter or Irish Red and White Setter?

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

Gordon Setter vs Irish Red and White Setter: Which Is Calmer?

Gordon Setter vs Irish Red and White Setter: full comparison

Trait	Gordon Setter	Irish Red and White Setter
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	Medium	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Gordon Setter is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Irish Red and White 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 Gordon Setter needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Irish Red and White Setter requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. 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 Gordon Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Irish Red and White Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Gordon Setter trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. The Irish Red and White Setter learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Gordon Setter will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Irish Red and White Setter is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

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 and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Irish Red and White Setter has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Gordon Setter and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Gordon Setter and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Gordon Setter if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Gordon Setter or the Irish Red and White Setter better for families with children?: Both the Gordon Setter and the Irish Red and White Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Gordon Setter or the Irish Red and White Setter?: The Gordon Setter and Irish Red and White Setter shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Gordon Setter or the Irish Red and White Setter?: The Irish Red and White Setter is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Gordon Setter or Irish Red and White Setter bigger?: Gordon Setter and Irish Red and White Setter are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Gordon Setter or Irish Red and White Setter?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Gordon Setter or Irish Red and White Setter?: For apartment or apartment living, Gordon Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Gordon Setter vs Irish Red and White Setter