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Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Gordon Castle Setters or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd" Compare Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. Which is better: Gordon Setter or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Gordon Setter German Shepherd
OriginsScotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank1042
Reviews121
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?
Gordon Castle Setters Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Gordon Setter and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Gordon Setter and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Gordon Setter or German Shepherd? Is a Gordon Setter taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Gordon Setter and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Gordon Setter or German Shepherd?
Frequent: The Gordon Setter is easier than average to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Gordon Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.
Gordon Setter dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.
Gordon Setter dogs are good watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.
Gordon Setter dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Gordon Setter and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Loyal
Fearless
Eager
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd?
High: Gordon Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Gordon Setter dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd?
The wanderlust potential of the Gordon Setter is strong enough to escape from home.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Gordon Setter dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Gordon Setter barks occasionally.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.
The Gordon Setter is a highly playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Gordon Setter breed.
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.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.
Gordon Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Gordon Setter or German Shepherd?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Gordon Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Gordon Setter dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Gordon Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Gordon Setter: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Gordon Setter and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?
The Gordon Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd?
Average
The Gordon Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
No data available 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

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.
Gordon Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Gordon Setter or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Gordon Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Gordon Setter or German Shepherd?
Gordon Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Gordon Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Gordon Setter and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Red
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Gordon Setter requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.
The Gordon Setter is an average drooler.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Gordon Setter has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Gordon Setter and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.
Soft
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.
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.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Gordon Setter or German Shepherd? Do Gordon Setter dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Gordon Setter dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.
Gordon Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Gordon Setter dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Gordon Setter or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Gordon Setter dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Gordon Setter or German Shepherd?
Gordon Setter dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Gordon Setter or German Shepherd? Can a Gordon Setter and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Gordon Setter dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Gordon Setter dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Gordon Setter 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Gordon Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Gordon Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

Gordon Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Gordon Setter or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military history between Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Gordon Setter and German Shepherd breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Gordon Setter vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Gordon Setter and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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

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