English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: Farm Collie or Alsatian wolf dog or Laverack? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter" Compare English Shepherd and German Shepherd. Which is better: English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	English Shepherd	German Shepherd	English Setter
Origins	England	Germany	England
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	298	2	95
Reviews	1	21	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter breeds.	Farm Collie	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Laverack Llewellin Setter Lawerack
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 45-60 pounds (21-28 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)	Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 52.5 pounds (24.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height Which is taller, English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter? English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter height comparison:	18-23 inches (46-58 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)	Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	20.5 inches (52 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1000	$800-$2000	$400-$600
Availability Which is easier to get, English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter?	Average: The English Shepherd is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The English Setter is quite easy to get.

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed ranks highest?	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The English Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is easiest to train?	English Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	English Setter dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed is most alert?	English Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	English Setter dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed is most protective?	English Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	English Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter? Compare temperaments.	Playful Independent Energetic Alert Courageous Intelligent Friendly Responsive Adaptable	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Energetic Intelligent Gentle Strong Willed Mischievous
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: English Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter?	High: English Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: English Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter social needs comparison:	English Shepherd dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	English Setter dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	English Shepherd dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	English Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	English Shepherd dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	English Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The English Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The English Setter is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed is most playful?	Average: English Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The English Setter is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the English Shepherd breed in the home.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Setter breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed is most flexible?	English Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: English Setter dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter?	English Shepherd dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	English Setter dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The English Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The English Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which uses mouth most during play?	English Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	English Setter dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ English Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ English Setter bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of English Shepherd: 13 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of English Setter: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The English Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The English Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has fewer health issues?	English Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.	The English Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Frequent The English Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The English Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Drug Sensitivity Collie Eye Anomaly	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo	No data available

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which breed is most active?	English Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	English Setter dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	English Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	English Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter?	English Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.	English Setter dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the English Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The English Setter breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which needs most food?	3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. What colors are available?	Black Tan White Brown Sable Yellow Brindle Tricolor	Black Tan Red Silver	Tan Blue Orange Tricolor Liver Lemon Belton
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which requires most maintenance?	Easy to groom: The English Shepherd doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The English Setter requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which drools least?	The English Shepherd drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The English Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The English Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The English Setter has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Silky	Fuzzy	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter? English Shepherd or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:	English Shepherd dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	English Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is best with kids?	English Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	English Shepherd dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.	English Setter dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter? Which dog is more friendly?	English Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter?	English Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.	English Setter dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly English Shepherd or German Shepherd or English Setter?	English Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter?	Yes English Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes English Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No English Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No English Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	English Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	English Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really English Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Yes English Setter breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has most puppies?	5-8 puppies, average 6	6-10 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

English Shepherd vs German Shepherd vs English Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of English Shepherd, German Shepherd, and English Setter. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club United Kennel Club Animal Research Foundation	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America	Unknown

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