English Setter vs Great Pyrenees
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
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
Great Pyrenees
Also known as: Pyr, Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Chien de Montagne des Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic livestock guardian weighing 38-72 kg, bred to work independently in the Pyrenees Mountains. While gentle with family, their nocturnal barking, roaming instinct, and independent nature require experienced owners with secure fencing. Not recommended for apartments or first-time owners.
Extra Large
Medium
10-12 yrs
65-82 cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | challenging |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | High | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Acreage |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | 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. | Experienced owner with acreage or large securely fenced yard, tolerant of nocturnal barking, understanding of independent working breeds, possibly with livestock to guard. Patient with training and comfortable with a dog that thinks for itself. |
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
Great Pyrenees Dealbreakers
- Live in an apartment or rental
- Have close neighbors sensitive to barking
- Want a dog that obeys commands instantly
- Don't have a secure physical fence
- Want a pristine, fur-free home
- Need a running or high-intensity exercise partner
Surrender Risk
| Factor | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | High |
| Primary Reasons | Escaping - 'He won't stay in the yard', Too much energy for owner's lifestyle, Separation anxiety and barking when left alone | Nocturnal barking - owners get a fluffy puppy that starts barking all night at 1 year old, Roaming/escape - jumping fences to expand territory, Resource guarding - growling over food scares families who expected Golden Retriever temperament, Size underestimated - 120lb dog that refuses to move and may growl when asked to get off couch |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate to High |
English Setter Social Traits
Low
Low - generally excellent with other dogs and enjoy pack life. Same-sex aggression is rare.
Great Pyrenees Social Traits
High
Same-sex aggression common, especially females. Keep opposite-sex pairs for peace.
Training
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
Great Pyrenees
- Must convince them your request is worth their effort
- Harsh corrections cause shutdown or defensive behavior
- Focus on management over strict obedience
- Accept that recall will never be 100% reliable
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.
Great Pyrenees Considerations
The #1 complaint from suburban owners. Pyrs are genetically hardwired to patrol and bark at night - they were bred to ward off wolves and bears. This instinct cannot be trained out, only managed. Expect deep, booming barks at 2 AM when a leaf blows across the driveway.
Great Pyrenees do not believe in property lines. Without a secure 5-6 foot physical fence, they will expand their territory to include the entire neighborhood. They are notorious escape artists and will take the shock from invisible fences to pursue threats.
Adult Pyrs often exhibit severe aggression toward dogs of the same sex, particularly females. This usually manifests around social maturity (18-24 months). Opposite-sex pairs are generally recommended.
Pyrs are not dumb - they are independent. When called, they evaluate whether coming is more important than what they are currently doing (usually guarding). If they decide it isn't, they will ignore you completely.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Risky - while some can live with cats if raised together, the instinct to chase is hardwired. Generally not safe. | Excellent - bred to protect vulnerable animals, views cats as part of the flock to guard |
| Small Mammals | Caution required - rabbits and hamsters trigger the chase instinct. Supervision mandatory. | Good - low prey drive, protective instinct toward smaller animals in their family |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - birds are their ancestral prey. Will fixate on bird cages causing stress to both animals. | Good with supervision - generally safe due to arrested predatory sequence |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
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.
Great Pyrenees: Predatory sequence arrested early - may chase predators to drive away but lack dissect/consume drive. Brilliant problem solvers but low 'working intelligence' (willingness to follow commands). Bred to work without humans so don't look to humans for answers.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 7-12 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Medium | Medium |
| Crate Training | High | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
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.
Great Pyrenees: Pyr puppies are large, stubborn land sharks. A 6-month-old is the size of a German Shepherd but has the brain of a toddler. Critical socialization window 8-16 weeks - must expose to strangers, other dogs, and strange noises or natural guarding instinct can turn into fear-aggression.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 18 months |
| Adolescence | 12-24 | 10-24 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-2 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 61-69 cm | 65-82 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 6-10 |
English Setter Coat
Great Pyrenees Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Locating and setting (pointing) game birds on English moors for net and gun hunters | Autonomous livestock guardian - protecting sheep from wolves and bears in the Pyrenees Mountains without human guidance |
| Origin | England, 15th-17th century | Pyrenees Mountains (France/Spain), ancient breed |
Breeding Details
| Detail | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | High |
Health & Common Conditions
English Setter Health Issues
Great Pyrenees Health Issues
English Setter Suggested Tests
- BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test for deafness
- Hip Evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
Great Pyrenees Suggested Tests
- Gastropexy (stomach tacking) - recommended during spay/neuter
- Neuronal Degeneration (NDG) DNA test
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Elbow Evaluation
- Patella Evaluation
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | High (osteosarcoma) |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Medium (NDG) |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies | Grain sensitivities possible | Generally robust |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Medium (entropion risk) |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Rare |
Senior Care & Aging
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.
Great Pyrenees Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis/mobility decline
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Hip dysplasia progression
- Vision decline
Mobility slows around 8+ years. Arthritis management becomes primary focus. Ramps for cars and stairs become necessary.
Grooming & Care
English Setter
high maintenanceGreat Pyrenees
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
English Setter Daily Life
Great Pyrenees Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | None |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-1,500 | $1,800-4,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,300–$2,000 | $1,800–$4,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $180–$275 | $180–$300 |
| Yearly Range | $2,160–$3,300 | $2,160–$3,600 |
| Food / Month | $75-125 | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $50-80 |
| Grooming / Session | $65-100 | $100-200 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $600-960 | $600-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
English Setter Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Great Pyrenees Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | English Setter | Great Pyrenees |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | Moderate |
| Smell When Wet | Strong | Mild |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | High |
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.
Great Pyrenees Quirks
The Pyr Paw
Will forcefully paw at you to demand attention - can be painful given their size and claw strength
The Pyr Lean
Shows affection by leaning their entire 100lb+ weight against your legs
Mud Magnet
White coat is surprisingly self-cleaning (mud dries and falls off) - but the mud falls off onto your floor
Selective Deafness
Will evaluate your command, decide if it's worth their effort, and ignore you if it isn't
Snow Obsession
Will refuse to come inside during snowstorms - thrive in freezing temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
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