German Shorthaired Pointer vs Irish Setter

Side-by-side comparison

Choosing between German Shorthaired Pointer and Irish Setter depends on your specific needs and priorities.

When it comes to weight, German Shorthaired Pointer offers 45-70 lbs compared to Irish Setter's 60-70 lbs. When it comes to height, German Shorthaired Pointer offers 21-25 inches compared to Irish Setter's 25-27 inches. When it comes to lifespan, German Shorthaired Pointer offers 12-14 years compared to Irish Setter's 12-15 years.

Below is a detailed side-by-side breakdown to help you make an informed decision between these two breeds.

Size
German Shorthaired Pointer
Large
Irish Setter
Large
Weight
German Shorthaired Pointer
45-70 lbs
Irish Setter
60-70 lbs
Height
German Shorthaired Pointer
21-25 inches
Irish Setter
25-27 inches
Lifespan
German Shorthaired Pointer
12-14 years
Irish Setter
12-15 years
Temperament
German Shorthaired Pointer
FriendlySmartWilling to Please
Irish Setter
ActiveOutgoingSweet-Natured
Group
German Shorthaired Pointer
Sporting
Irish Setter
Sporting
Origin
German Shorthaired Pointer
Germany
Irish Setter
Ireland

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer is a large Sporting breed from Germany. Known for being friendly, smart, willing to please. Has an average lifespan of 12-14 years and a weight range of 45-70 lbs.

Irish Setter

Irish Setter is a large Sporting breed from Ireland. Known for being active, outgoing, sweet-natured. Has an average lifespan of 12-15 years and a weight range of 60-70 lbs.

Key Differences

AttributeGerman Shorthaired PointerIrish SetterVerdict
SizeLargeLargeBoth are large-sized dogs
Weight45-70 lbs60-70 lbsIrish Setter is heavier (approx. 12% difference)
Height21-25"25-27"Different heights (21-25" vs 25-27")
Life Span12-14 yrs12-15 yrsIrish Setter tends to live longer (12-15 vs 12-14 years)
Breed GroupSportingSportingBoth are Sporting breeds
OriginGermanyIrelandDifferent origins: Germany vs Ireland
TemperamentFriendly, Smart, Willing to PleaseActive, Outgoing, Sweet-NaturedDifferent temperaments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a German Shorthaired Pointer bigger than a Irish Setter?

Both are large-sized dogs. German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45-70 lbs while Irish Setter weighs 60-70 lbs.

Which lives longer, German Shorthaired Pointer or Irish Setter?

Irish Setter tends to live longer (12-15 vs 12-14 years)

Are German Shorthaired Pointers and Irish Setters good family dogs?

Both breeds can make great family pets. The German Shorthaired Pointer is known for being friendly, smart, willing to please, while the Irish Setter is active, outgoing, sweet-natured.

What is the difference between a German Shorthaired Pointer and a Irish Setter?

The main differences are in size (Large vs Large), origin (Germany vs Ireland), and breed group (Sporting vs Sporting).

Which breed is easier to train, German Shorthaired Pointer or Irish Setter?

Trainability varies by individual dog. The German Shorthaired Pointer (Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please) and Irish Setter (Active, Outgoing, Sweet-Natured) each have distinct characteristics that affect training.