English Setter vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

English Setter vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonAmerican Pit Bull Terrier is originated from United States but English Setter is originated from United Kingdom. American Pit Bull Terrier may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than English Setter. American Pit Bull Terrier may weigh 50 kg / 110 pounds lesser than English Setter. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and English Setter has same life span. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and English Setter has almost same litter size. American Pit Bull Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But English Setter requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Gun dog
undefined
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
58 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
45 - 70 kg
99 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 15 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Staffordshire Fighting Dog, Pit Terrier, Pitbull, Pit, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog - the Irish name, Yankee Terrier - the Northern name, Rebel Terrier - the Southern name
Laverack Setter • Lawerack • Laverack
Colors Available:
Red, Black, Fawn or Bucksjin
orange, lemon, or brown of various markings. Freckles/flecking, blue
Coat:
Smooth, Shiny, Short, Single layer
flat and silky
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Quiet, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american pit bull terrierThe history of the American Pit Bull Terrier might be a confusing one to some dog lovers and certainly to the general public that tends to lump all the “bully” breeds into a category called “pit bull”. This is because of the negative reputation this group of breeds has acquired over the past 30-50 years due to misuse and mis-breeding by the dog fighting industry. This categorization includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There is major confusion and disagreement on the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed, but its founder and the UKC, ADBA do so. In the 1930’s the American Pit Bull Terrier was a recognized breed and in response to the negativity of pit-fighting, they renamed it as the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed to be a little larger in size than the Staffordshire in both height and weight. This breed comes from crossing various Bull and Terrier breed to get a working dog. The Amstaff for the most part is bred to be a show dog and is not usually a “street dog” used in dog fighting rings. The direct ancestors of the APBT are the Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers. These dogs are great family dogs, gentle beyond comparison unless raised to fight. They make great therapy dogs as well as police dogs. They are not by nature cruel, aggressive or attack dogs.

Both professional confirmation breeders and street fight breeds have developed new strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier. A few are worth mentioning here.

Old Family Red Nose

One of the oldest strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier they are red in color and that red is a very unique tone. They have a copper colored coat and nose with red nails, red lips and amber or red eyes. These dogs were originally from Ireland and when they came to America they had the red nose. Originally bred for gameness, it is the red color that is sought after now.

Colby Pit Bulls

These are another old breed, but they have black noses and were initially bred by John P. Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs were known to be indominable fighting dogs and were bred into almost every line of American Pit Bull Terriers that exist today. The line is still maintained by the Colby family.

History

english setterThe English Setter seems to have been a hunting dog in England as far back as the 15th century. These dogs were known to be ‘setter types’ – hunting dogs that ‘set dogges’ – to set or point at game birds. It is believed that the English Setter is a cross of the Water Spaniel, Spanish Pointer and English Springer Spaniel. In the late 1500’s Sr. Johannes Caius, a sportsman, announced to his friends that there was a new dog our of France for hunting. He then describes an English Setter.

Then in the early 1800’s Rev. Harrison of Carlise sold a couple of setters to Mr. Laverack. This pair is the foundation for the breed of English Setters. Without really knowing, Laverack claimed that this line he was breeding from had been pure for 35 previous years. He inbred his male and female for many years and did well in confirmation and field trials.

Then in 1874 the first English Setters were imported to the US from this Laverack line. Mr. Llewellin then crossed the best dogs in the Laverack line with his dogs and eventually produced winning champions Armstrong Dash II and Dashing Bondhu. This led to the “Dashing Bondhu” or the Llewellin line of English Setters. This is why the English Setter is sometimes referred to as the Llewelllin or Laverack Setter.

The setter group to which the English setter belongs includes the Irish Setter, the Gordon Setters and the Irish Red and White Setter. The English Setter, as well as the others, were bred to hunt birds such as pheasant and quail. It was the job of the setter to find the prey and point it out to the hunter after it had been shot. They were also used to flush the birds from the brush so that the hunter could then release hawks to take down the prey. The English Setter is methodical and systemic in their approach.

By the 1600’s this working dog had become the breed of the landed gentry and shooting game was their pastime. These nobles did not use hawks to capture the prey but rather shot them after the English Setter flushed them out. The English Setter is very popular today both as a hunting dog and as a family pet. The English Setter is bred for athleticism and endurance. The have both AKC and UKC certification.

Description

american pit bull terrier puppy - descriptionTrue to their reputation as fighters, the American Pit Bull Terrier looks like one – powerful, strong and well built. This belies their gentle disposition but too often they are judged by their looks. With a broad, brick shaped head, thick neck and deep chest, they are stocky, muscular and agile. They usually have cropped ears, but the tails are not docked. Their legs are strong and hindquarters especially muscular. These dogs are much stronger than they look. Round soulful eyes are one of the traits that people who keep these dogs as companion animals love about them. They have a scissor bite and one of the strongest jaws of all domesticated canines.

english setter puppy - descriptionThe English Setter is very much a setter in his looks. He is medium in size and was bred to hunt by following airborne prey over a large expanse of ground. He has to have both speed and stamina. He also has to run with his head up watching the prey in the air.

He has a slight dome shaped head and a long muzzle with dark, gentle eyes. The ears have their tips lined up with the eyes, the neck is long and muscular. He shows powerful hindquarters and a fairly long tail.

The coat length is medium and silk. The ears, chest, neck and legs are feathered, as is the tail. The hunting version has a shorter, finer coat than the show dog. The show dogs’ coats are flowing and long. Both types have a white coat with Belton or ticking. The Belton can be black, orange, lemon, liver and the tricolor. This is the liver or blue Belton but there are tan markings on the legs, chest, and face. It was Laverack who named the ticking Belton after a village in England.

Characteristics

american pit bull terrier dog - characteristicsFor those who live with the American Pit Bull Terrier there is no better dog. The APBT loves people and loves children. They think they are lap dogs, and they certainly are watch dogs. They love their people but their barks at strangers at home are not because they are protecting their people but rather they are greeting the strangers into their home. Unfortunately, they will not greet another dog in the same way. However, when their people are seriously threatened they will give their lives to defend them.

These are strong, confident dogs who want to please their people. They love children and make great family dogs but require a strong owner and a strong pack leader. The need to be under control around other dogs and because of their strength, need a strong owner. It is their aggression towards other animals that must be controlled.

english setter dog - characteristicsThe AKC standard for the English Setter breed describes him as a “Gentleman by Nature” and that might be all you need to know about this delightful dog. They are people-oriented and settle right down with their families if they get enough exercise. With proper stimulation they become couch potatoes when you bring them in at night.

They are very friendly with everyone but are especially happy when playing with children. You can trust them with your other pets, children of all ages and anyone coming to your front door. They are not guard dogs. However, they can have a stubborn streak, they can be strong-willed. This is especially true the more working than show stock they are. In addition, they are intelligent, calm and quiet in the house.

Health Problems

american pit bull terrier puppies - health problemsThough the American Pit Bull Terrier is healthier than most large dogs, they do have an issue with hip dysplasia. Breeders have been working to breed this out of the APBT and their work in this area has helped with the other issues with the patella, heart and thyroid. The APBT can have skin allergies and Demodex Mange. This condition can be either deadly or just a localized skin issue. Immunizations and testing is essential for this breed. When not immunized, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have a greater incidence of parvovirus than other breeds. They also might have cataracts and congenital heart disease.

english setter puppies - health problemsEnglish Setters, like many other breeds that have a base white coat, can be affected by congenital deafness. A test done by LSU in 2010 showed the 12.4% of the dogs they tested were affected by this. They are also prone to:

  1. Allergies
  2. Both Airborne and food allergies can plaque the English Setter
  3. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism

Most of this is caused by autoimmune thyroiditis or a condition where the immune system attacks its own thyroid gland.

Cancer

The primary cause of death after ten years old

Caring The Pet

Feeding

american pit bull terrier dogs - caringHow you feed your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is important to her health as an adult and long life. The adult dog should be fed one and a half to two and a half cups of high quality food twice a day. Puppies should be fed more often as they grow. DO not feed your APBT soft or canned dog food. Their food should be dry. Be careful not to feed too much as you do not want an obese American Pit Bull Terrier.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy breed with problems with:

Cataracts

These are usually inherited, and the pup may show signs early, or they could be developed later in life. They can be removed.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia as in many larger, stronger breeds this can be a major problem. Breeds should test for it and APBT breeders are attempting to breed it out of the APBT.

Congenital Heart Failure

This is a congenital issue that breeders are also breeding against and if they have it your American Bit Bull Terrier was likely born with it.

Allergies

Many APBT are allergic to grasses or out outside allergens. Shots or medication can deal with these.

Exercise and games

This is an athletic, joyful breed that loves to play, love sports and loves any activity that bonds it with its family. Some of the many sports the American Pit Bull Terrier likes to participate in include: agility, obedience competition, weight pulling, lure coursing and fly ball. He also needs backyard exercise and daily walks.

When walking your American Pit Bull Terrier, make sure she is on a leash as the breed has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs coming into their space. The APBT loves to work. They are good therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.

Feeding

english setter dogs - caringThe English Setter is a hard working dog and should be fed accordingly. Puppies should be fed three times a day and adults twice to avoid bloat. Watch your English Spaniel though as they love to counter surf.

Health issues

In addition to the conditions listed above the English Setter is prone to:

Bloat

Caused by excessive exercise before or after having eaten a large meal. It is suggested that you feed your English Setter twice a day, smaller meals and not right before or after strenuous exercise.

Ear

Keep her ears clean and check regularly for infections.

Exercise and games

The English Spaniel needs exercise on a routine basis – every day walks are best along with some time to just run either in a fenced yard or dog park. Take her jogging, running alongside your bike, hiking or just long walks. They do well with lure coursing, agility, confirmation, obedience and rally.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Pit Bull Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. American Pit Bull Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. American Pit Bull Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. American Pit Bull Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. American Pit Bull Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. American Pit Bull Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. English Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English Setter vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English Setter vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English Setter vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English Setter vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English Setter vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English Setter vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English Setter vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English Setter vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English Setter vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English Setter vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English Setter vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English Setter vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English Setter vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English Setter vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English Setter vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English Setter vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English Setter vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Setter vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English Setter vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English Setter vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English Setter vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison