Boston Terrier vs English Setter
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Boston Terrier
Also known as: American Gentleman, Boston Bull, Boston Bull Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact, tuxedo-marked companion known as the 'American Gentleman' for its polite demeanor. Originally bred in Boston from English Bulldogs and White English Terriers, this breed transitioned from pit fighter to beloved family companion. They're adaptable, affectionate, and perfect for apartment living - but come with significant health considerations.
Small
Medium
11-13 yrs
38-43 cm
English Setter
Also known as: Laverack Setter, Llewellin Setter
The English Setter is a graceful and elegant gun dog known for its distinctive feathered coat and gentle demeanor. Often called the 'gentleman of the dog world,' they combine athletic prowess with a sweet, affectionate temperament that makes them exceptional family companions for active households.
Large
High
11-13 yrs
61-69 cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Energy Level | Medium | High |
| Grooming | Low | High |
| Trainability | Easy | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Apartment | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Intermediate |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Apartment dweller, work-from-home professional, retiree, or anyone wanting an affectionate companion who can handle a gassy, snoring shadow | Hikers, runners, hunters, or active families with a large fenced yard. Someone who works from home or can provide companionship. Understanding they are getting a hunting dog, not a couch ornament. |
Boston Terrier Dealbreakers
- Want a running partner (heat intolerance)
- Away from home 8+ hours daily (separation anxiety)
- Cannot afford pet insurance or $2,000 emergency fund
- Repulsed by snoring or flatulence
English Setter Dealbreakers
- No fenced yard - dealing with a Setter without secure fencing is a part-time job
- Work long hours away from home - separation anxiety is significant
- Cannot commit to 60-90 min daily exercise
- Fastidious housekeepers - mud, hair, and water drips are part of the package
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Health/Financial - cannot afford surgery for knees or management of severe allergies, Housing - landlord restrictions or moving to unsuitable climate, Underestimating flatulence and snoring | Escaping - 'He won't stay in the yard', Too much energy for owner's lifestyle, Separation anxiety and barking when left alone |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Low | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Boston Terrier Social Traits
None
Generally good with other dogs, some male posturing with intact males
English Setter Social Traits
Low
Low - generally excellent with other dogs and enjoy pack life. Same-sex aggression is rare.
Training
Boston Terrier
- They are sensitive - harsh corrections cause them to shut down
- Use their high food motivation to your advantage
- Be consistent - don't tolerate jumping/nipping just because they're small
English Setter
- They are 'soft' dogs - harsh corrections or yelling will cause them to shut down or become fearful
- Recall training must be proofed with high distractions - a long line is recommended until reliability is 100%
- Use high-value treats to compete with bird distractions
Boston Terrier Considerations
Boston Terriers are extreme 'Velcro dogs' that bond intensely. Left alone for more than 4-6 hours, they develop destructive chewing, house soiling, and persistent vocalization. Not suitable if all adults work full-time away from home.
It is impossible to overstate this issue. Their brachycephalic anatomy causes them to swallow air while eating, resulting in frequent, potent gas. If flatulence repulses you rather than amuses you, this is NOT your breed.
Their shortened airways prevent efficient panting. They are at HIGH RISK of heatstroke at temperatures above 25°C (77°F). Air conditioning is a requirement, not a luxury. You cannot take them jogging or hiking in summer.
Expect loud snoring, snorting, and episodes of reverse sneezing that sound like the dog is choking. If you need silence to sleep, this breed is not for you.
English Setter Considerations
English Setters are intensely social 'velcro' dogs that bond deeply with their humans. Left alone for 8+ hours without conditioning or companionship, they frequently develop severe anxiety manifesting as destructive chewing, house soiling, and persistent howling.
Their predatory drive is all-consuming. On walks, they may become deaf to commands if they catch a scent or spot a bird. Off-leash reliability in unfenced areas is nearly impossible for the average owner.
Bored or under-exercised Setters are notorious for testing perimeter security. Their athleticism allows them to jump moderate fences, and digging instincts can compromise fence lines if they see prey on the other side.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats, especially if introduced young | Risky - while some can live with cats if raised together, the instinct to chase is hardwired. Generally not safe. |
| Small Mammals | Caution - may retain terrier ratting instincts with hamsters/guinea pigs | Caution required - rabbits and hamsters trigger the chase instinct. Supervision mandatory. |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution - should not be trusted alone with free-roaming birds | Unsafe - birds are their ancestral prey. Will fixate on bird cages causing stress to both animals. |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
Boston Terrier: Predatory sequence is Eye -> Stalk -> Chase. Grab-Bite and Kill-Bite are largely inhibited, though they may still dispatch small rodents (terrier heritage).
English Setter: Predatory sequence is Orient -> Eye -> Stalk -> Chase -> Point. The 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' are usually inhibited, meaning they are less dangerous to prey than terriers, but the chase drive is just as strong. They want to please but are easily distracted by birds.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-12 | 7-12 |
| House Training | Medium | Medium |
| Crate Training | High | High |
| Adolescent Regression |
Boston Terrier: Housetraining can be challenging due to small bladders and dislike of cold/wet weather. They're not destructive chewers by nature - main challenge is potty training.
English Setter: Setter puppies combine high energy with a distractible hunting brain. House training can be slower than average (sensitive to surface textures). Very mouthy and prone to chewing furniture if bored. Around 8-10 months, they often 'forget' recall - this is when they're most likely to run off after a bird.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 12-24 |
| Adult Years | 1-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 6-18 months | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 38-43 cm | 61-69 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Small | Large |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 11–13 years |
| Litter Size | 3-5 | 6-8 |
Boston Terrier Coat
English Setter Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Originally bred for pit fighting and ratting (weighed up to 44 lbs), rapidly refined to companion dog by late 1800s | Locating and setting (pointing) game birds on English moors for net and gun hunters |
| Origin | Boston, Massachusetts, USA, late 19th century (English Bulldog x White English Terrier) | England, 15th-17th century |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | 92% | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Extreme | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Medium | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.2m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | None | Medium |
Health & Common Conditions
Boston Terrier Health Issues
English Setter Health Issues
Boston Terrier Suggested Tests
- JHC (Juvenile Hereditary Cataracts) DNA Test - CRITICAL
- BOAS Assessment (functional breathing test)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
English Setter Suggested Tests
- BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test for deafness
- Hip Evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Medium | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Vet Burden Tier | High | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | High | Low |
| Food Allergies | Chicken, Grains | Grain sensitivities possible |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
Boston Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts / Nuclear Sclerosis (bluish haze)
- Arthritis (especially knees)
- Cognitive decline
Most seniors develop some form of eye cloudiness. Use ramps for furniture to protect spine and arthritic joints.
English Setter Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/joint stiffness
- Cancer (hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma)
- Hearing loss
- Mobility issues
Quality of life often remains good until late. Cancer and mobility issues are the common end-of-life factors. Some reach 14-15 years.
Grooming & Care
Boston Terrier
low maintenanceEnglish Setter
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Boston Terrier Daily Life
English Setter Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Low | High |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | High | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,000 | $1,000-1,500 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,300–$2,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $125–$200 | $180–$275 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$3,000 | $2,160–$3,300 |
| Food / Month | $25-45 | $75-125 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-100 | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | $30-50 | $65-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1,500 | $600-960 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Boston Terrier Lifetime Cost
$20,000-40,000
English Setter Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Boston Terrier | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Frequent | Rare |
| Slobber Level | None | Moderate |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily (puppies) | Daily |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | None | Medium |
Boston Terrier Quirks
The Gas Factory
Expect frequent, potent flatulence due to swallowing air while eating. Slow-feeders and probiotics help reduce but never eliminate.
Reverse Sneezing
A spasm of the soft palate that sounds like a terrifying asthma attack. Usually harmless - gently massage throat to stop it.
The Sunbather
They LOVE to bake in sun patches, but must be supervised to prevent heatstroke. Their heat regulation is poor.
The Burrower
They love to sleep under blankets and will burrow into bedding. Perfect for cold nights, concerning for hot ones.
English Setter Quirks
Setter Sprawl
Famous for sleeping in bizarre, contorted positions on furniture
Water Dripper
Loose 'flews' (lips) that drip water after drinking and leave slime on your pants after a nudge
Velcro Attachment
Will follow you to the bathroom - they need to be integrated into family life, not left as backyard dogs
The Off Switch
Indoors, a well-exercised Setter is a 'rug dog' - calm, quiet, and happy to sleep. Not hyperactive pacers like some herding breeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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