Irish Setter vs Australian Cattle Dog
Compare Irish Setter and Australian Cattle Dog side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Irish Setter
Australian Cattle Dog
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
55 – 67 cm
43 – 51 cm
Weight
24 – 32 kg
15 – 22 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
Child friendly
5/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
5/5
Intelligence
4/5
5/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Health
5/5
3/5
Grooming needs
1/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
2/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
1/5
2/5
Characteristics
Irish Setter
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Australian Cattle Dog
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Medium
Summary
About Irish Setter
Graceful Irish gundog with a mahogany red, feathered coat needing regular grooming. Medium‑large, athletic and high‑energy, it thrives on daily vigorous exercise and mental work. Affectionate, people‑oriented and playful, it’s good with families but needs consistent, positive training.
About Australian Cattle Dog
Medium, muscular Australian working dog bred to drive cattle over long distances. Known for blue or red speckled double coat, pricked ears and alert expression. Highly intelligent, energetic, loyal and wary of strangers; needs extensive daily exercise, mental work and consistent positive training.
Similar breeds
More breeds