German Wirehaired Pointer vs Irish Setter: Breeds Comparison
German Wirehaired Pointer vs Irish Setter: Breeds Comparison
Trying to decide between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Irish Setter? Both of these dogs can be similar in some ways but are quite different in many others. Read on and find out which of these popular breeds is the perfect pup for your lifestyle!
Before getting a puppy, you should be sure that the breed you're doing to buy or rescue is a good fit for your lifestyle and home.
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Both German Wirehaired Pointer and Irish Setter are members of the Sporting Group.
Although these breeds are members of the same breed group, they have some differences and not only similarities so keep reading to learn more.
German Wirehaired Pointer vs Irish Setter Size Comparison
Irish Setters are larger, with a typical height of 25 to 27 inches and weight of 60 to 70 pounds, while the typical height of German Wirehaired Pointer is 22 to 24 inches and they usually weigh 60 to 70 pounds.
We know that these numbers might be too abstract, so we made a tool to help you visualize these numbers.
The following chart compares the average breeds height with the average height of an American man and woman.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the average height of a man is 69 inches, and the height of a woman is 63.5 inches.
Dog size comparison to a human. From left, average heights of German Wirehaired Pointer, Irish Setter, American female, and American male.
German Wirehaired Pointer vs Irish Setter lifespan
No doubt, the quality of care provided to the dog is one of the main factors when it comes to canines life longevity, however, there are also other factors, especially the dog's breed.
The life expectancy of German Wirehaired Pointer and Irish Setter is the same. Their usual lifespan is 12 to 14 years
Read on to the following sections to better understand in detail how German Wirehaired Pointer and Irish Setter compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.
German Wirehaired Pointer vs Irish Setter adaptability
When we say "dog adaptability", most people think about apartment living adaptability, so let's start with that.
All dogs are great — but not all dogs are great for or geared toward apartment living. A dog may be considered the worst dog breed for apartments for a few reasons including size, energy level, noise, smell, shedding...
Unfortunately, German Wirehaired Pointers and Irish Setters don't have a good reputation as good apartment living dogs.
While most dogs can be left home alone for 6 to 8 hours, some will do better. Check the table below to see how German Wirehaired Pointers and Irish Setters tolerate being left alone.
Depending on where you live, you should choose a dog that tolerates hot or cold weather well.
Speaking of German Wirehaired Pointer and Irish Setter, these breeds tolerate hot weather well, but you still need to be cautious when it's hot.
During warm weather, be sure to provide shade and water and head out in the morning or late evening when it's cooler. Also, avoid pavements - if the ground is too hot to touch for your hand for a few seconds, it's too hot for paws.
Cold temperatures are not a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32° F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.
Once temperatures drop under 20° F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.
Luckily, both breeds tolarate cold weather well, so while you stick to the rules mentioned above, they should be fine and probably enjoy the cold weather.
German Wirehaired Pointer vs Irish Setter temperament
It's always hard to make a general statement about the whole breed's temperament. Each dog has a different temperament, and there are a lot of factors that affect its behavior.
Looking for a perfect family dog?
If you're looking for a companion dog, you won't go wrong with German Wirehaired Pointer and Irish Setter. Their outgoing and friendly personality makes them a great choice for families. Both are highly affectionate with family, they will immediately become a family member.
When it comes to behavior around children, Irish Setter simply tends to do better.
German Wirehaired Pointer will be fine with family, but proper training and socialization are required. On the other hand, Irish Setter has a reputation of a great family and companion dog.
Dog guarding behavior is welcome for some owners, while others prefer a dog that's friendly towards strangers.
Speaking of friendliness toward strangers, German Wirehaired Pointers and Irish Setters are the complete opposite.
While Irish Setters are super friendly toward strangers, German Wirehaired Pointers are naturally suspicious toward strangers, so you can expect they will act protective.
All-Around Friendliness
German Wirehaired Pointer
Irish Setter
Affectionate With Family
Kid-Friendly
Dog Friendly
Friendly Toward Strangers
Health And Grooming Needs
The best way to optimize your pup’s health is to research reputable breeders, and then when you meet them ask to see the parents and their health certificates as described above and to see the conditions in which all the dogs are living.
Check the table below to see the general health rating for these two canines, and read full breed profile articles to read in-depth information on their health.
Also, some breeds are prone to obesity, which could cause other health conditions. Be sure to check that information as well, if the breed is prone to obesity, keep a close eye on labels and feed your dog according to the food labels.
For example, hip dysplasia is hereditary and is especially common in larger dogs. Factors such as excessive growth rate, types of exercise, and improper weight and nutrition can magnify this genetic predisposition.
What about shedding?
One of the bad parts of having a dog is definitely shedding. So be sure to take this into your consideration when choosing the right breed for you. Click here to learn how to minimize the shedding.
Irish Setter shed less than German Wirehaired Pointer do, but don't forget - preventing shedding is impossible, but regular brushing is necessary.
Well, we have good news. These breeds have low drooling potential.
Health And Grooming Needs
German Wirehaired Pointer
Irish Setter
Amount Of Shedding
Drooling Potential
Easy To Groom
General Health
Potential For Weight Gain
Size
German Wirehaired Pointer vs Irish Setter trainability
Each dog needs some kind of obedience training, but some of them are easier to train, while others are more stubborn.
These breeds are relatively easy to train and they aren't very stubborn, but you have to be patient. persistence, and consistency play a huge role in successfully training your dog.
Trainability
German Wirehaired Pointer
Irish Setter
Easy To Train
Intelligence
Potential For Mouthiness
Prey Drive
Tendency To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Potential
Do German Wirehaired Pointer and Irish Setter need a lot of physical activity?
To keep your dog healthy, calm, and happy, you have to provide it with enough physical activities. Not only your dog will be healthier and happier when it's active, but you'll also reduce or completely eliminate destructive behavior.
Some people don't think about this when selecting a breed, so we have dedicated a whole chapter to physical needs.
Both German Wirehaired Pointer and Irish Setter have a high exercise needs. It means they will need at least 30 to 60 minutes of hard aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily. And no, a leashed walk isn't a hard aerobic exercise - think of aerobic exercise as anything that makes your dog pant.
Physical Needs
German Wirehaired Pointer
Irish Setter
Energy Level
Intensity
Exercise Needs
Potential For Playfulness
German Wirehaired Pointer or Irish Setter: The bottom line
In this article, we tried to give you an idea of what you can expect from German Wirehaired Pointers and Irish Setters.
To further explore their personality, overall health, temperament, and much more, read their full breed profile.
Or, use the tool below to read the next comparison.
Note: Barking Royalty isn’t a veterinary provider. Always relay any questions you have regarding your pet’s medical condition to your veterinarian, local animal hospital or other qualified veterinary provider.