Great Dane vs Irish Setter Comparison. Which dog is better for you: Dane or Irish Red Setter?

Compare the Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a Dane or a Irish Red Setter? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

Gentle Giant, Deutsche Dogge, Apollo of Dogs, Dane, German Mastiff

Irish Red Setter, Red Setter

Weight

What is the average weight of Great Dane and Irish Setter?

145.0 pounds ( 66 kg )

65.5 pounds ( 30 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Great Dane and Irish Setter

32.0 inches ( 81.3 cm )

24.5 inches ( 62.2 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Great Dane has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Irish Setter has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Great Danes or Irish Setters hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Great Dane nor Irish Setter are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Great Dane and Irish Setter dogs?

Friendly
Devoted
Gentle
Reserved
Confident
Intelligent
Loving

Affectionate
Energetic
Lively
Intelligent
Companionable
Independent
Playful

Shedding Level

Do Great Danes shed more than Irish Setters, or which breed sheds more, Great Danes or Irish Setters?

Great Dane or Irish Setter dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Great Dane or Irish Setter. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Choose a Great Dane if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Irish Setters are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Origin

What is the origin of Great Dane and Irish Setter dog breeds?

Germany

Ireland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds?

Wolfhound, Old English Mastiff, Greyhound

setter, pointer, spaniel

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Great Dane and Irish Setter?

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
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds first developed?

3000 BC

1700s

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Great Dane and Irish Setter?

Working (AKC:1887)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

Sporting (AKC:1878)
Gundog (UKC)

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Great Dane and Irish Setter dogs?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Great Dane and Irish Setter?

Blue
Black

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds?

Brindle
Sable
Blue
Fawn
Black
Brown
Red

Red

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds?

Great Danes have short coats.

Irish Setters have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Great Dane and Irish Setter?

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Great Dane and Irish Setter?

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Great Dane and Irish Setter?

7-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Great Dane can have a litter of 7-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

An Irish Setter can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Great Danes have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Irish Setters are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Health Issues

Between Great Dane and Irish Setter, which breed is more prone to health problems?

Great Danes typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

While the Irish Setter breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds?

Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia

Gastric Torsion
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Epilepsy

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Great Dane and Irish Setter?

Myotonia

Cataracts
Megaesophagus
Von Willebrand's Disease
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis Dissecans

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Blood
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Eye
Hip
Blood Test
Dna Test For Vwd
Dna For Pra
Thyroid Tests
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Great Danes and Irish Setters compare?

Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Great Dane vs Irish Setter social needs comparison

Great Dane has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

Irish Setter has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

Exercise Needed

Great Dane vs Irish Setter exercise need comparison.

Great Danes need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Irish Setters need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Great Dane and Irish Setter are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Great Dane drools quite a bit, consider a different breed if drool is unappealing.

Irish Setter has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Tendency to Bark

Do Great Danes or Irish Setters bark more/less frequently?

Great Dane dogs are generally less vocal than other breeds and only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or communicate.

Irish Setters are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Territorial

Is the Great Dane or Irish Setter a better guard dog?

Great Dane dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Irish Setter dogs may not be the best choice as guard dogs because they do not have a strong instinct to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Great Dane vs Irish Setter?

Roaming urge

Great Dane vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Great Dane or Irish Setter - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Great Dane and Irish Setter entertained?

Walking, Petting, Eating Snacks, Walk, Nap, Sniffing around, Play keep away, Fetch, Chasing Cats, Running, Treats, Play, Smelling, Exploring, Walks, Sniffing, Playing, Kisses, Jumping, Run, Catch treats, Tug-of-war, Wrestling, Dog Parks, Hiking, Waking, Tug of war, Fetching

Playing Ball, Hiking, Car Travel, Taking Naps

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Great Danes or Irish Setters?

Medium

Great Danes are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

High

Irish Setters are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How many miles should Great Dane or Irish Setter walk each week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Dane, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

15 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Irish Setter, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Great Danes or Irish Setters require more exercise?

60 minutes

In general most Great Danes usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

90 minutes

In general most Irish Setters usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Great Danes or Irish Setters?

The Great Dane is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Irish Setters require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Great Dane and Irish Setter dogs?

Weekly

Great Dane should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Daily

Ideally, Irish Setter should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Great Danes and Irish Setters?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Comb
Deshedder
Clipper
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Great Dane or Irish Setter in cups?

3.5 cups

For an average 120-175 pound (54 - 79 kg) Great Dane feed 3.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

3 cups

For an average 60-71 pound (27 - 32 kg) Irish Setter feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Great Dane or Irish Setter?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of a Great Dane is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

$2.80 - $3.20 / day

The average cost of an Irish Setter is somewhere $2.80 - $3.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Great Dane or Irish Setter?

$116 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of a Great Dane is between $116 - $126. This makes an average of $1392 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

$84 - $95 / month

The average per month expenses of an Irish Setter is between $84 - $95. This makes an average of $1008 - $1140 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Great Danes vs Irish Setters

The Great Dane and Irish Setter breeds are considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How do Great Dane and Irish Setter compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Dane vs Irish Setter?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Great Danes make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

The Irish Setter is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Child Friendly

Do Great Danes or Irish Setters have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Great Danes are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Irish Setters make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Cat Friendly

Do Great Dane or Irish Setter breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Great Danes are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Irish Setters are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Great Danes are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Irish Setters are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Great Dane or Irish Setter dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Great Dane or Irish Setter?

Great Danes are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Irish Setters are highly friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Great Dane and Irish Setter?

Great Danes are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Irish Setters are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Great Danes and Irish Setters compare?

Great Danes are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

The Irish Setter is highly intelligent and eager to please, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced dog owners due to its easy trainability.