English Setter vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison

English Setter vs Border Collie - Breed ComparisonBoth Border Collie and English Setter are originated from United Kingdom. Border Collie may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than English Setter. Border Collie may weigh 60 kg / 132 pounds lesser than English Setter. Both Border Collie and English Setter has almost same life span. Both Border Collie and English Setter has same litter size. Both Border Collie and English Setter requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
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United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
48 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
58 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
12 - 20 kg
26 - 45 pounds
45 - 70 kg
99 - 155 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 17 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Scotch Sheep Dog, Sheepdog
Laverack Setter • Lawerack • Laverack
Colors Available:
White and Black, Chocolate and White, Liver and White or Blue Merle
orange, lemon, or brown of various markings. Freckles/flecking, blue
Coat:
Moderately long and smooth
flat and silky
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Playful, Quiet, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

border collieThe Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.

Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.

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

border collie puppy - descriptionUtterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.

People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.

There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.

Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.

These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.

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

border collie dog - characteristicsThe Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.

He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.

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

border collie puppies - health problemsIf your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.

Epilepsy

Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.

Hip Dysplasia

Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.

Collie eye anomaly

This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.

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

Exercise

border collie dogs - caringThis is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.

Training

Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.

Grooming

Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.

Feeding

This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.

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

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