English Setter vs Newfoundland
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
Newfoundland
Also known as: Newf, Newfie, Gentle Giant
The Newfoundland is a giant, gentle breed renowned for its impressive strength, thick water-resistant coat, and remarkable swimming ability. Bred to haul fishing nets and pull carts in the freezing North Atlantic, they're often called 'gentle giants' and are famous as 'nanny dogs' for their patient nature with children. But be prepared: a 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall in minutes, and the slobber reaches ceilings.
Extra Large
Medium
9-10 yrs
66-71 cm
55-80 kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Medium | Low |
| Shedding Level | High | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Beginner (temperament) but Advanced (logistics/finances) |
| 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. | Someone with a house and yard, works from home or flexible schedule, tolerant of slobber/hair/mess, financially prepared for giant breed costs, has or can get large vehicle for transport, and ideally has mentor or professional trainer for first-time giant breed ownership. |
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
Newfoundland Dealbreakers
- Tight budget - if $3,000 vet bill is a disaster
- Clean freak - cannot have pristine home with a Newfie
- Tiny living space - they take up physical floor space
- Hot climate without AC
- Unable to physically manage a 150lb dog
Surrender Risk
| Factor | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Escaping - 'He won't stay in the yard', Too much energy for owner's lifestyle, Separation anxiety and barking when left alone | 'He got too big' - owners underestimate reality of 150lb dog in a hallway, Medical costs - giant breed vet bills are shocking to unprepared owners, Grooming/mess - drool and hair become unmanageable for some |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | Low |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
English Setter Social Traits
Low
Low - generally excellent with other dogs and enjoy pack life. Same-sex aggression is rare.
Newfoundland Social Traits
None
Generally low - tolerant of other dogs. Same-sex aggression rare but can occur in intact males.
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
Newfoundland
- Start training early while they're still manageable size
- Use social connection and food as motivators
- Harsh methods cause them to shut down completely
- Be consistent - a giant dog that ignores commands is dangerous
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.
Newfoundland Considerations
Newfoundlands were bred to work closely with fishermen and do not tolerate isolation well. A 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall, doors, and furniture in minutes. They need someone home most of the time.
This is non-negotiable. Loose jowls trap saliva - when they shake their heads, 'slobber strings' reach ceilings, walls, and guests. If you're house-proud or easily grossed out, this breed is incompatible with your lifestyle.
Between 6-18 months, they're large, clumsy, and energetic with no body awareness. They accidentally injure children or elderly owners simply by bumping into them. A puppy growing 10lbs/month is logistically immense.
Everything costs 2-3x more: $100-150/month food, $100-250/month insurance, medications priced by weight. If a $3,000 vet bill is a disaster, do not get this breed.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Risky - while some can live with cats if raised together, the instinct to chase is hardwired. Generally not safe. | High safety - one of the safest giant breeds for multi-pet homes. Drive is 'chase to play' not 'chase to kill.' |
| Small Mammals | Caution required - rabbits and hamsters trigger the chase instinct. Supervision mandatory. | Generally safe, but supervise due to size difference |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - birds are their ancestral prey. Will fixate on bird cages causing stress to both animals. | Generally safe with livestock but may accidentally squash chickens trying to play |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Arrested |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | N/A |
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.
Newfoundland: Predatory sequence arrested at Eye -> Stalk -> Chase. The 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' are largely inhibited - they may chase a cat but usually just want to sniff or lick it. They are 'protection by presence' dogs - more likely to hold an intruder down or block them than bite. They assess before acting ('Newfie time') rather than responding robotically.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 7-12 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Medium | Easy |
| 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.
Newfoundland: Temperamentally sweet but logistically immense. Puppy grows 10lbs/month. 'Land shark' biting on a giant breed HURTS. Joint protection is demanding - no stairs, no jumping until 2 years. Must solidify leash manners before they reach 50lbs.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 24 months |
| Adolescence | 12-24 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-7 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~7 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 61-69 cm | 66-71 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 9–10 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 6-10 |
English Setter Coat
Newfoundland Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Locating and setting (pointing) game birds on English moors for net and gun hunters | Hauling fishing nets in freezing North Atlantic waters and pulling carts of catch - the 'St. Bernard of the Water' |
| Origin | England, 15th-17th century | Newfoundland, Canada - bred for immense strength, water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and gentle disposition |
Breeding Details
| Detail | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Low |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | High |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | High |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
English Setter Health Issues
Newfoundland Health Issues
English Setter Suggested Tests
- BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test for deafness
- Hip Evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
Newfoundland Suggested Tests
- Cardiac (Cardiologist Echo) - CHIC required
- Hips (OFA or PennHIP) - CHIC required
- Elbows X-rays - CHIC required
- Cystinuria DNA test - CHIC required
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Very High |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | High |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Very High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Grain sensitivities possible |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Occasional |
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.
Newfoundland Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Hind-end weakness (mobility issues)
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
Decline can be rapid. Be prepared to assist a 150lb dog who cannot stand up - harnesses and ramps become daily tools. Quality of life decisions are complex due to physical impossibility of managing an immobile giant dog.
Grooming & Care
English Setter
high maintenanceNewfoundland
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
English Setter Daily Life
Newfoundland Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | Over 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Very High |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Medium |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | High |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-1,500 | $2,000-5,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,300–$2,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $180–$275 | $250–$500 |
| Yearly Range | $2,160–$3,300 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Food / Month | $75-125 | $100-150 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $100-250 |
| Grooming / Session | $65-100 | $100-150 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $600-960 | $800-1,500 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
English Setter Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Newfoundland Lifetime Cost
$30,000-60,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | English Setter | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | Heavy |
| Smell When Wet | Strong | Strong |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Rare |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | Low |
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.
Newfoundland Quirks
The Newfie Lean
Will lean their entire weight (up to 150lbs) against your legs to show affection - can knock you off balance
Ceiling Slobber
Slobber strings can reach ceilings, walls, and unsuspecting guests when they shake their heads. Non-negotiable.
Water Magnet
They will try to enter ANY body of water - mud puddles, decorative ponds, kiddie pools. Also submerge their muzzle when drinking, dripping water across kitchen floors.
Lap Dog Delusion
A 150lb dog who believes they should sit in your lap. They will try.
Frequently Asked Questions
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