Old English Sheepdog vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison

Old English Sheepdog vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed ComparisonOld English Sheepdog is originated from United Kingdom but Irish Red and White Setter is originated from Ireland. Both Old English Sheepdog and Irish Red and White Setter are having almost same height. Old English Sheepdog may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Irish Red and White Setter. Both Old English Sheepdog and Irish Red and White Setter has almost same life span. Both Old English Sheepdog and Irish Red and White Setter has same litter size. Both Old English Sheepdog and Irish Red and White Setter requires Moderate maintenance.

History

old english sheepdog - historyThe origin of the Old English Sheepdog is unclear as records weren’t kept. However there are some aspects that suggest the dog originated in the 19th century and that the Scottish Bearded Collie had a significant part in the development of this dog which hails from England.

It is also believed that the Russian Owtchar was involved in the development of the Old English Sheepdog. The dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888. In 1904, the Old English Sheepdog Club of America was also founded.

The shape of the dog has changed very little over the years and it was in the 1880s that the dog was exported to the United States.

irish red and white setter - historyClassified as a gun dog in the UK for hunting game birds, and as a sporting dog in the USA, the Irish Red and White Setter was available with his red and white coat. Breeders however, started focusing essentially on the red variety so that the red-and-white setter all but disappeared.

Fortunately, the breed was revived and considered a separate breed from the Irish Setter. He has gained recognition with all the major kennel clubs.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Ireland
Height Male:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
50 - 60 cm
19 - 24 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 45 kg
59 - 100 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Large dog
Other Names:
The Shepherd's Dog, Bobtail
Irish R&W Setter, IRWS
Colors Available:
Grey and white
Creamy white and red
Coat:
Long and fluffy
Shortish, smooth with feathering
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

old english sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Old English Sheepdog is a large dog standing at between 50 and 60cm and weighing between 27 and 45kg.

He is muscular with a broad bottom and hip area. The head is also large and the small ears are carried flat. The tail has always been docked, giving the dog a large panda-bear look to him, but these days the tail is often left long, and the dog loses that square compact look.

When the tail is left long it is well feathered. The coat can become fairly long and is quite harsh and wavy to straight. The coat is essentially grey with white hair over the head area. The puppies are born with their hair being black and white, and later on the traditional grey coloring comes in.

What is quite interesting with this dog is that it stands lower at the shoulder than at the loins, so just like a Panda bear, he also lopes or walks in a bear-like fashion.

Temperament:

The Old English Sheepdog isn’t an aggressive dog. He is social, intelligent and entertaining for his human family, whom he loves to spend time with.

He is an energetic dog too and he would prefer a country setting where there are large fields to run in as opposed to living on a tiny property in the city. He is an adaptable dog though, and will slot into life in the city or suburbs, so long as he is well exercised.

Train him and socialize him and he will become an obedient, amicable pet to have around.

irish red and white setter puppy - descriptionThe Irish Red and White Setter is a large dog standing at between 56 – 61cm, both male and female, and weighing at around 25 to 34kg.

Always used as a gun dog for its speed and scent, its head is carried high and its long feathery tail is held out level with its back and then it ‘sets’ into a pose, giving its handler a clue where the bird is hiding.

The Irish Red and White Setter has a lean, muscled body which is well proportioned, being slightly more heavily built than the Irish Setter. He also has a broader head.

The coat is shortish but it has those long silky fringes which are known as feathering around the tail, chest and legs. The Irish Red and White Setter is red and white but you may find some freckling around the legs and muzzle. The ears are usually red and they are long, silky and floppy.

Temperament:

As gun dogs, the Irish Red and White Setter is a loyal and devoted family pet who can become a good friend of children too as they love to play. He is a lithe dog and bounding in energy, and he will therefore require a reasonably sized garden.

He will need to be trained and socialized and once trained he makes an obedient and reliable companion.

Characteristics

old english sheepdog dog - characteristicsThe Old English Sheepdog is the ideal dog for a family pet. They love spending time with their human family and are affectionate and loyal, getting on well with children as well as other pets.

From the time he is a puppy, you can see that he is fun-loving and easy going while also being intelligent. He is also a guardian and wants to protect his human family.

Provide him with the opportunity to get out into the country sometimes if you don’t live on a farm because he is essentially a farm dog. He used to be a herding dog and likes to be busy. Treat him well and have him trained and socialized and he’ll make you a superb pet.

irish red and white setter dog - characteristicsThe Irish Red and White Setter is every bit as beautiful as the Red- or Irish Setter even though he may not be as well known.

Setter lovers are thrilled that this beautiful, playful, well tempered dog has been saved from extinction. He has plenty of stamina to be an excellent sporting dog.

He is intelligent too and easily trained. He is an affectionate, loyal, gentle, devoted family dog and he has also got good looks on his side.

Give him the right kind of food, a warm, dry place to sleep, lots of exercise and games and your love and attention, and you’ve got a friend for life.

Health Problems

old english sheepdog puppies - health problemsIt is estimated that the beautiful Old English Sheepdog can live to be about 10, 11 or 12 years of age if he is looked after well. Just like with other dog breeds though, this particular dog is also prone to some of the common dog diseases there are.

Some of these diseases include hip dysplasia, diabetes, eye diseases and deafness along with some skin problems.

Diabetes:

As a chronic disease, Diabetes can affect dogs as well as other animals and humans. Diabetes in dogs can’t be cured but it can be managed, with Diabetes Mellitus being the kind of diabetes most seen in dogs. Whatever kind of diabetes your pet has, the negative effects remain the same.

Cancer:

It can be devastating when your dog has been with you for about 10 years, to discover that he has cancer. Of course, cancer is the leading cause of death found in dogs older than the age of 10.

Many cancers are curable if you catch them early. Malignant lymphoma is a common cancer with dogs but there are other cancers too. The warning signs of cancer in dogs are much the same as what you get with humans. You’ll discover a lump or even an injury that won’t heal. There could also be abnormal bleeding.

Skin Problems:

There are many different kinds of skin problems seen in dogs, some of which are more common than others. You’ll notice your dog licking a part of the body so that the hair disappears and the skin becomes exposed.

There are skin problems started because of inadequate diet and lack of nutrition. There are plenty of commercially manufactured pet foods that don’t have the right amount of vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Always buy a good quality one to fight these very aggravating skin allergies. A vet may give hydrocortisone products but many dog owners these days try to treat their dogs with natural products.

Chronic Allergies:

irish red and white setter puppies - health problemsDogs like the Setter can get chronic allergies if they’re exposed to the same food over and over again. Setters are prone to chronic allergies when exposed to a food such as soy. That is why if you’re unsure, rather speak to a dog expert about what to feed a Setter and what to avoid.

Heart Disease:

Feed your Setter foods rich in taurine to avoid heart disease. Taurine is found in chicken and red meat. You can see how important the right food is for your setter as the wrong food can cause a host of illnesses.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

old english sheepdog dogs - caringFood allergies are caused by your dog eating food with ‘bad’ ingredients which don’t agree with him. Make sure your pet has a wholesome diet.

Invest in the very best quality commercially manufactured food. Home-made food is always a wonderful treat for any dog but it needs to be kept simple. No exotic, spicy foods and no suddenly changing your pet’s diet.

Simple, nutritional boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and vegetables such as sweet potato, carrots and spinach added into his kibble as a treat will do wonders for your pet and he will thank you for keeping his meals tasty and simple. A little bit of raw meat added in occasionally can also do him the world of good. Fresh, cool water must always be available.

Grooming:

The Old English Sheepdog is quite a high maintenance dog, what with that long hair and all, and some owners of this dog prefer to take him to the parlor to have the hair sheared and wash, otherwise it could become a mammoth task for a dog owner.

If you opt to keep the hair long, you may end up having to be constantly brushing your pet’s coat to prevent it tangling. Not only that, if you live in a hot area, cutting the hair can help towards keeping the dog cool.

The ears of your dog should be checked regularly for infection as well as the eyes, and keep the nails clipped as well.

Grooming:

irish red and white setter dogs - caringGrooming your beautiful Irish Red and White Setter isn’t going to be a difficult task, and a good brush twice a week will ensure he stays looking his best.

Because he has long ears, these should be checked, especially if the dog loves to swim. Water, dust, debris and wax can build up and cause an ear infection.

His nails will also need to be trimmed if they get too long and don’t naturally wear down.

Exercise:

This is a beautiful dog that offers ruggedness and endurance, and essentially he needs to be a country dog or live in a home where there is a good sized garden. He loves being on the go, and is a dog that will gladly join you on your hikes, cycling trips or swimming – you can count him in.

Diet:

Irish Red and White Setters are an active breed and are naturally lean and lithe, being fast runners. Make sure to give them the right food so that they maintain this muscle mass.

If in any doubt, speak to your vet to find out what is essential for a dog like this. Protein for instance is vitally important as are fats. These dogs need high amounts of energy. Vitamins and minerals are also very important for keeping a dog healthy and strong.

Try and include some nutritious home-made food into his kibble such as cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables as well as some raw meat occasionally. These dogs can develop horrible skin allergies if they don’t get in some raw meat from time to time.

Fresh, cool water should be constantly available to your pet.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Old English Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. Old English Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. Old English Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  4. Old English Sheepdog vs Briard - Breed Comparison
  5. Old English Sheepdog vs Bouvier des Flandres - Breed Comparison
  6. Old English Sheepdog vs East German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  7. Old English Sheepdog vs Estrela Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Old English Sheepdog vs Huntaway - Breed Comparison
  9. Old English Sheepdog vs Czechoslovakian Wolfdog - Breed Comparison
  10. Old English Sheepdog vs Mioritic Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  11. Rough Collie vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  12. Saarlooswolfhond vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  13. Perro de Pastor Mallorquin vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  14. South Russian Ovcharka vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Samoyed vs Old English Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  16. Old English Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  17. Old English Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  18. Old English Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  19. Old English Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  20. Old English Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  21. Old English Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  22. Old English Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  23. Old English Sheepdog vs Labradoodle - Breed Comparison
  24. Old English Sheepdog vs Cane Corso - Breed Comparison
  25. Irish Setter vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  26. Portuguese Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  27. Perdiguero de Burgos vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  28. Irish Red and White Setter vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Irish Red and White Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Irish Red and White Setter vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  31. Irish Red and White Setter vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Irish Red and White Setter vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  33. Pachon Navarro vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  34. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  35. Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  36. Smooth Haired Weimaraner vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  37. Spanish Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  38. Spinone Italiano vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  39. Talbot vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  40. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  41. Weimaraner vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  42. Longhaired Weimaraner vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  43. Samoyed vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  44. Labradoodle vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  45. Mixed vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  46. Old English Sheepdog vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  47. Presa Canario vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  48. Labrador Husky vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  49. Perro de Presa Canario vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds