Smithfield vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Smithfield vs Irish Setter - Breed ComparisonSmithfield is originated from United Kingdom but Irish Setter is originated from Ireland. Smithfield may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Irish Setter. Smithfield may weigh 9 kg / 19 pounds lesser than Irish Setter. Both Smithfield and Irish Setter has almost same life span. Smithfield may have less litter size than Irish Setter. Both Smithfield and Irish Setter requires Moderate maintenance.

History

smithfield - historyThe Smithfield is also known as the Smithfield, Smithy or Tasmanian Smithfield and is a herding dog found in Australia but originating in the UK. There is also the possibility that there was an Australian dog bred at a place known as Smithfield, near Texas which is just inside the Queensland border.

It is thought by some that the Smithfield is extinct. The dog was first introduced to the Land Down Under in colonial times.

The Smithfield isn’t recognised by the Canine Councils, but in 1862 the first Dog Show was held in Australia.

irish setter - historyThe Irish Setter is a gun dog, originating in Ireland and recognized by his beautiful red or mahogany coat.

Descending from the Setter group, the Irish Setter, also known as the Red Setter, has a solid pedigree. It was in the 1800s that they were brought to the United States.

The Irish Setter wasn't always what it looks like today and in fact the solid red color was created because of selective breeding practices. The Irish Setter has long medium length floppy ears, brown eyes and he is deep chested.

Description

smithfield puppy - descriptionThe Smithfield is a medium to large sized dog, strong and square-bodied with a wedge shaped head. Many people liken his looks to a Bearded Collie.

He has a rough, medium length coat. The coat has different colors such as white, black, grey or reddish brown. The coat is shaggy and in fact they are often clipped to give them a groomed look and to prevent grass and burrs clinging to the coat.

The tail of the dog can either be a natural bobtail or it could have a longer tail. When the tail is long it is carried low with an upward turn at the tip. The ears are mostly floppy and held close to the head.

He stands at between 46 to 53cm in height and weighs between 16 and 25kg. A bright, alert expression is a distinctive feature of the Smithfield.

Temperament:

The Smithfield is an active, robust dog and they have well balanced, stable personalities. They are often described as being laid-back.

You won’t find any signs of shyness or aggression with these dogs and they are known to be gentle and calm. They are self confident and well adjusted and also hard working.

They are devoted and loving to their human family and are also intelligent. When they’ve been trained and socialized they make splendid family pets, wonderful with children, just loving to run and play. These are dogs you can rely on to be consistent in nature.

irish setter puppy - descriptionThe Irish Setter is a large dog, beautiful and elegant looking, standing at 61 to 71cm in height and weighing anything from 25 to 34kg, males and females.

The coat is a rich red color and is short to medium length but feathers in places such as the tail, the chest and abdomen, the legs and the tail. The head is long and lean, the ears are long and silky and the tail long and feathery.

Temperament:

The Irish Setter is a playful, friendly, sweet, mischievous, high energy dog who makes a superb family pet, getting on well with children in the home.

It was noticed that in about 1845, Setters in Ireland were mostly red, red and white or even a mustardy-lemon type of color, but there was preference for the solid red coloring. The breed standard for the modern Irish Setter was drawn up in Dublin by the Irish Red Setter Club and approved in 1886.

The dog was essentially bred for hunting game birds, using their excellent sense of smell to locate the bird. He is an alert, intelligent dog and will learn easily. Training and socialization will make him obedient and relaxed.

He isn't an assertive kind of breed and therefore isn't going to make the best of watchdogs. They've got such amicable, kind temperaments that they make popular therapy dogs.

Characteristics

smithfield dog - characteristicsThose who have owned a Smithfield love them and say that once you’ve owned one, you’ll want another.

These easy going dogs have all the characteristics necessary to ensure a good pet, playmate and companion. They are devoted to their human family, and given the chance will become a very special 4-legged member of any family who appreciates the friendship a such a dog offers.

irish setter dog - characteristicsIrish Setters are going to make you a wonderful pet. He has a friendly, confident disposition that makes them ideal pets for families with children who have been taught how to respect- and be kind to animals.

He is a big dog, but with training and socialization he becomes well behaved and obedient. Social and outgoing, this is a dog which just loves the companionship of their human family and will require a good deal of exercise too.

Keep him well exercised, feed him good food that promotes health, give him a nice warm, dry place to sleep and he’ll fit perfectly well into your family and make a splendid pet.

Health Problems

smithfield puppies - health problemsThese dogs enjoy exceptional good health and can reach between 10 and 14 years of age.

You have to be careful with your pet however, because there are quite a few common dog illnesses that can plague your pet, and we look at a few -

Canine Distemper:

This is caused by a contagious virus. Infected dogs develop symptoms such as runny eyes, fever, coughing, vomiting and even seizures. Unfortunately this disease is often fatal. There is luckily a vaccine against it and it is highly recommended for your pet.

Canine parvovirus:

Also a very contagious disease which attacks the gastrointestinal system, causing fever, vomiting and diarrhea. It is often spread by contaminated stools and feeding utensils of dogs. Many dogs die from parvo but there is also a vaccine against it.

Heatstroke:

This is terrible for your pet and is a huge risk for dogs during Summer. Never leave your pet in a car unattended, especially on a hot day. Remember that stub-nosed dogs such as Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers are more prone to respiratory problems and heat can be deadly for them.

irish setter puppies - health problemsIrish Setters are quite a healthy breed but they are also prone to getting some of the common dog illnesses such as hip dysplasia, cancer, bloat and canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency.

Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency:

Known as CLAD, this is a disease of the immune system found in Irish Setters. True, it is a rare disease and affected animals show signs of skin lesions, bone disorders, anorexia and generalized lymphadenopathy.

Bloat:

Irish Setters can develop bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach distends with gas and can twist. This is known as gastric torsion and you’ll see your dog’s restlessness. He may even ‘hide away’ somewhere, lying down and drooling, while trying to vomit. This is an illness which requires immediate veterinary intervention.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

smithfield dogs - caringThe Smithfield has plenty of energy and loves nothing more than lots of games with the children. He will also look forward to a walk every day as well as other activities.

Grooming:

When it comes to grooming, you can save money by grooming your dog at home. Whether you have your pet’s hair cut or you leave it as is, get into the habit of brushing the fur at least twice a week. You can speak to your vet or groomer and get advice on what comb of brush to use on your Smithfield.

It you want to cut your pet’s hair, it is important to use the right equipment so you don't accidentally injure him. Certainly if you feel unsure about shaving your dog at home, leave this grooming aspect to the experts.

Have your pet’s nails trimmed.

Check your pet’s eyes. They must be clear and bright. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Check inside his ears to make sure they aren’t red with infection.

Diet:

Your Smithfield is relying on you to provide him with good food. For convenience, it is always a good idea to have a packet of the best dry kibble there is. Check out the label and make sure to buy one that has a good balance of vitamins and minerals.

Give him some tasty homemade food too. Remember to keep it plain and simple. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are nutritious and tasty. This food can all be chopped up and small portions added to the dry kibble twice a week as a treat.

You’ll never have to worry about digestion problems with your dog. A little bit of raw meat can also go a long way to ensuring his skin stays healthy and free of skin infections. Ensure that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

irish setter dogs - caringIrish Setters are lean and muscular and an active breed. They love nothing more than to run off in wide open spaces, and if you live in the city and have a large garden, he will need to be taken on long walks. If he is a country dog, he may well run off and be gone for an hour or two before he returns home.

They are dogs which are used to having a job to do such as hunting, so he won't do well if he is put into a small back yard and left to his own device. He is a social dog and wants to be with his human family, relying on them to include him in all their activities.

Diet:

Your Irish Setters is a lean, muscular, active dog, and to keep him that way he will require a nutritious diet. If you feed him commercially manufactured kibble, make sure it is the very best quality one. It is a good idea to mix in protein such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Some raw meat added in from time to time can be very beneficial to him too.

With your beautiful Irish Setter, it is best to avoid feeding your dog processed foods altogether. A good diet is essential for good health. Never leave your dog without a constant supply of cool, fresh water.

Grooming:

The Red Setter’s coat is fairly long on the body but short and smooth on the head. The coat will need to be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting.

Trim his nails as needed, and find out how to keep his teeth healthy too with vet approved canine dog toothpaste- and brush.

Also check his long, floppy ears because it is so easy for ear infections to develop with these long-eared dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Ireland
Height Male:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
46 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
7 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Smithy, Tasmanian Smithfield
Red Setter
Colors Available:
grey or reddish brown., black, White
Red
Coat:
Medium length, rough shaggy
Medium Length, silky and feathery
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Irish Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Irish Setter vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  4. Irish Setter vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  5. Irish Setter vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  6. Irish Setter vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  7. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Perdiguero de Burgos vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  9. Pachon Navarro vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  10. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  11. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  12. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Pointer vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  14. Spinone Italiano vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  15. Talbot vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  16. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  17. Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  18. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  19. Samoyed vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  20. Labradoodle vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  21. Mixed vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  22. Old English Sheepdog vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  23. Presa Canario vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  24. Labrador Husky vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  25. Perro de Presa Canario vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  26. Smithfield vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  27. Smithfield vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  29. Smithfield vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Smithfield vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. Smithfield vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Smithfield vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Smithfield vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. Smithfield vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. Smithfield vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. Smithfield vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  37. Smithfield vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  38. Smithfield vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  39. Smithfield vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  40. Smithfield vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. Smithfield vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  42. Smithfield vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  43. Smithfield vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Smithfield vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  45. Smithfield vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  46. Smithfield vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Smithfield vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Smithfield vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  49. Smithfield vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  50. Smithfield vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds