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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter" Compare German Shepherd and English Setter. Which is better: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon 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	German Shepherd	English Setter	Gordon Setter
Origins	Germany	England	Scotland
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Gun Dog	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	2	95	104
Reviews	19	3	1
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian	Laverack Llewellin Setter Lawerack	Gordon Castle Setters
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

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

Size Which is bigger, German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Which is heavier, German Shepherd or English Setter or English Setter? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter weight comparison:	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)	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: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter height comparison:	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)	Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)	Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)	Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)

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

Price Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? Which is more expensive?	$800-$2000	$400-$600	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The English Setter is quite easy to get.	Frequent: The Gordon Setter is easier than average to get.

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

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter intelligence:	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The English Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Smart: The Gordon Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter trainability comparison.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.	English Setter dogs are easy to train. See more.	Gordon Setter dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	English Setter dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Gordon Setter dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	English Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	Gordon Setter dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

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

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter behavior/temperament comparison:	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful	Energetic Intelligent Gentle Strong Willed Mischievous	Alert Intelligent Confident Loyal Fearless Eager
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	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.	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: German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter?	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.	High: Gordon Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter social needs comparison:	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	English Setter dogs are a social breed. See more.	Gordon Setter dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	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.	The wanderlust potential of the Gordon Setter is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	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.	Gordon Setter dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

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

Playfulness German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter playfulness comparison:	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The English Setter is a playful breed. See more.	The Gordon Setter is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter?	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.	Average to High: The English Setter is a vocal breed. See more.	Average: The Gordon Setter barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	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.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Gordon Setter breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

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

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.	Gordon Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	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.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ English Setter bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Gordon Setter bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The English Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Gordon Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter mouthiness comparison:	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.	Gordon Setter dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

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

Health Issues German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter?	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.	The Gordon Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter health problems comparison:	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	No data available
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	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.	Average The Gordon Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, English Setter and Gordon Setter breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of English Setter: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Gordon Setter: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter?	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.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Gordon Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

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

Energy Level Who has more energy a German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter energy level comparison:	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.	English Setter dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Gordon Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	English Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.	Gordon Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	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.	Gordon Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

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

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	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.	3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter weight gain potential comparison:	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.	Average: The Gordon Setter has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

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

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter coat comparison:	Fuzzy	Feathered	Soft Wavy Shiny Straight
Colors What are the original German Shepherd, English Setter and Gordon Setter color?	Black Tan Red Silver	Tan Blue Orange Tricolor Liver Lemon Belton	Black Tan Red
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter grooming comparison:	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The English Setter requires average grooming effort. See more.	Advanced: The Gordon Setter requires a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? German Shepherd or English Setter or {name3 shedding:	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	English Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.	Gordon Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter?	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The English Setter has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Gordon Setter has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	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.	The Gordon Setter is an average drooler. See more.

German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter Good With Comparison

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

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

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used 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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or English Setter or Gordon Setter? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter?	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.	Yes Gordon Setter breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can German Shepherd and English Setter and Gordon Setter have?	6-10 puppies	4-6 puppies	6-8 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

German Shepherd vs English Setter vs Gordon Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the 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.	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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	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

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