English Setter vs Yorkshire Terrier
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
Yorkshire Terrier
Also known as: Yorkie, Yorkshire
The Yorkshire Terrier is often mischaracterized as a mere lapdog accessory. In reality, this is a **terrier** first and a companion second. While affectionate and portable, their genetic heritage as vermin exterminators in textile mills drives a personality that is tenacious, vocal, and surprisingly intense. Often called 'the Yorkie', this breed packs big-dog attitude into a tiny frame.
Extra Small
Medium
13.56 yrs
17-20 cm
Up to 3.2kg (often larger in pet lines: 4-5kg) kg
Quick Comparison
| Trait | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Small |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | High | High |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | High | Low |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Light |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| 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. | Diligent owner with patience for house training and consistent grooming routine. Works from home or can provide frequent bathroom breaks. Understands this is a high-maintenance dog in a small package. |
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
Yorkshire Terrier Dealbreakers
- Families with toddlers - fragility makes this unsafe
- Full-time workers away 8+ hours - bladder cannot hold it
- Anyone wanting a 'low maintenance' dog
- Noise-sensitive neighbors in apartments
Surrender Risk
| Factor | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | It won't stop peeing in the house (house training failure), It snapped at the baby (resource guarding/fear), The barking is driving neighbors crazy |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Medium |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Moderate |
English Setter Social Traits
Low
Low - generally excellent with other dogs and enjoy pack life. Same-sex aggression is rare.
Yorkshire Terrier Social Traits
High - naturally suspicious, early socialization required to prevent fear biting
Often reactive to larger dogs - usually fear-based, not dominance
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
Yorkshire Terrier
- Keep sessions SHORT (5 minutes max) - they bore easily
- High-value treats essential - they won't work just to please you
- Indoor pee pad system may be necessary permanent solution
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Considerations
This is the single most cited failure mode for the breed. Due to tiny bladders and terrier stubbornness, Yorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Many owners report accidents persisting well into adulthood, and some never become 100% reliable without indoor pads.
The 'watchdog' trait is hardwired. They will announce every delivery driver, neighbor, and squirrel with sharp, high-pitched barking. This can lead to neighbor complaints and eviction notices in apartments.
Yorkies often don't perceive their small size, leading to 'Napoleonic' aggression toward much larger dogs. This is usually fear-based reactivity, not actual courage, but can be dangerous.
A toddler falling on a Yorkie can kill the dog. They can be fatally injured by being dropped, stepped on, or sat upon. Not suitable for homes with young children.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Risky - while some can live with cats if raised together, the instinct to chase is hardwired. Generally not safe. | Generally safe if raised together - but may harass a cat that runs |
| Small Mammals | Caution required - rabbits and hamsters trigger the chase instinct. Supervision mandatory. | UNSAFE - the ratting instinct is alive. Dangerous to hamsters, gerbils, birds. |
| Birds / Reptiles | Unsafe - birds are their ancestral prey. Will fixate on bird cages causing stress to both animals. | Unsafe - predatory drift will trigger chase/kill |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Full |
| Biddability | High | Moderate |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| 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.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike a Cavalier where the sequence is eroded, the Yorkie retains the Kill-Bite part of the sequence for small vermin. High intelligence but asks 'Why?' before 'How high?' - less eager to please than a Poodle.
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 7-12 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Medium | Very Hard |
| 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.
Yorkshire Terrier: Unlike larger breeds, you cannot simply 'crate and wait' - their bladders are too small. Expect accidents for the first year. The combination of extreme fragility, house training difficulty, and hypoglycemia risks makes Yorkie puppies very demanding.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 10 months |
| Adolescence | 12-24 | 4-10 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 1.5-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~9 years | ~9 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-4 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 61-69 cm | 17-20 cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Small |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 14 years |
| Litter Size | 6-8 | 2-4 |
English Setter Coat
Yorkshire Terrier Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Locating and setting (pointing) game birds on English moors for net and gun hunters | Vermin extermination in textile mills and coal mines |
| Origin | England, 15th-17th century | Yorkshire, England, mid-19th century |
Breeding Details
| Detail | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | High |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Hard |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Higher than average - fading puppy syndrome and hypoglycemia |
Physical Risks
| Risk | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | High | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 0.9m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Medium | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
English Setter Health Issues
Yorkshire Terrier Health Issues
English Setter Suggested Tests
- BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test for deafness
- Hip Evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
Yorkshire Terrier Suggested Tests
- Bile Acid Test (for Liver Shunt) - critical for puppies
- OFA Patella evaluation for breeding stock
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Low |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Medium | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium-High |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Medium |
| Food Allergies | Grain sensitivities possible | Chicken, Grains |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Fast |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Medium |
| Anal Gland Issues | Rare | Common - scooting indicates need for expression |
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cognitive dysfunction (dementia)
- Blindness (cataracts)
- Kidney failure
- Dental disease progression
Often sharp decline after 12 years. Long-lived breed (median 13.56 years) but quality of life compromised by dental and cognitive issues.
Grooming & Care
English Setter
high maintenanceYorkshire Terrier
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
English Setter Daily Life
Yorkshire Terrier Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Over 50lbs | Under 25lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | High | Low |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Medium | Medium |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-1,500 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,300–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $180–$275 | $100–$200 |
| Yearly Range | $2,160–$3,300 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Food / Month | $75-125 | $20-40 |
| Insurance / Month | $40-70 | $35-60 |
| Grooming / Session | $65-100 | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $600-960 | $300-600 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
English Setter Lifetime Cost
$25,000-45,000
Yorkshire Terrier Lifetime Cost
$15,000-30,000
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | English Setter | Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Rare |
| Slobber Level | Moderate | None |
| Smell When Wet | Strong | None - hair doesn't hold oil/odor like double-coated breeds |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Weekly |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Medium | Low-Medium |
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.
Yorkshire Terrier Quirks
Reverse Sneezing
A spasm of the throat/soft palate that sounds like a goose honking. Scary for owners but usually harmless.
The Yorkie Shake
Will violently shake toys - this is the motor pattern for breaking a rat's neck, their genetic heritage
Weather Diva
Often refuses to go outside in rain or cold - may require indoor pee pad system year-round
Velcro Mode
Will follow you to the bathroom, sit on your feet while you cook, and attempt to sleep on your head
Frequently Asked Questions
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