Russian Setter vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison

Russian Setter is originated from Russia but English Shepherd is originated from United States. Russian Setter may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than English Shepherd. Both Russian Setter and English Shepherd are having almost same weight. Both Russian Setter and English Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Russian Setter and English Shepherd has same litter size. Russian Setter requires Moderate maintenance. But English Shepherd requires Low maintenance

History

People often think it is ridiculous that a Setter dog comes from Russia. It is believed that the Russians did have some kind of Griffon and the word Pointer is also often translated as Setter.

It is believed that the Russian Setter is one of the ancestors of the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon and that it possibly shared an ancestry with the German wire-haired and broken-haired pointers.

References to Russian Setters were fairly common in the 19th century, but there is such contradictory information that it is hard to get good information on the dogs. The Russian Setter is believed to have existed before the Russian Revolution resembling the English Setter. Dog experts tell us the dog no longer exists.

english shepherd - historyThe English Shepherd is another dog with an English name that was developed in the United States. They developed from British farm dogs that were brought to the United States in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by the Scottish and English as they settled in the New World. Tracing their line through working dogs and collies in Scotland and northern England, the settlers bred them with local dogs and each other. These working farm dogs were called English Shepherds, Scotch Collies, barnyard collie, farm shepherd, the cow dog, and the old fashioned shepherd.

The English Shepherd was appreciated by the settlers and farmers because he was a versatile dog that could herd their flocks and protect their homes as well. They appreciated his intelligence and ability to hunt vermin and be a companion for their children. English Shepherds were bred to work with a variety of livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and fowl. They were used to hunt as well and were known to track racoons and squirrels and tree them. There wasn’t a more popular dog in the American Midwest and East in the 1800’s and 1900’s.

The breed is trustworthy, alert and independent. As the small family farms were replaced by large agricultural enterprises the English Shepherd’s numbers dwindled as well until he fell into the category of a rare breed. There were no clubs to support it and not AKC recognition. The UKC had a different dog registered as a farm shepherd.

Today’s English Shepherd is still a farm dog, but he also hunts, is a therapy dog, competes in AKC trials, and performs search and rescue duties. As a farm dog, they are still the most desirable due to their versatility in working with different livestock, guarding the home and caring for the children. They do these things in a gentle way if possible but can be tough if needed. They have great empathy for the livestock and for their human family. This makes him a great dog for the family. The English Shepherd has remained a farm dog, working dog more than a show dog, over all these years.

Basic Information

Group:
Setter dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Russia
United States
Height Male:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
46 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
57 - 68 cm
22 - 27 inches
44 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
21 - 28 kg
46 - 62 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 32 kg
59 - 71 pounds
18 - 23 kg
39 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
None
old fashioed collie, old fashioned shepherd, Scotch Collie, old time collie, farm collie
Colors Available:
Grey, reddish-brown with some black and white
black and white, sable and white, and tri-color. , black and tan
Coat:
Short or long, smooth or wiry
double, silky
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

In terms of appearance, it was John Henry Walsh who said that the Russian Setter was a dog hidden by its long, woolly matted coat.It seems to have been a medium sized dog with an elegant appearance. It seems the dog came in two varieties - the curly coated liver coated dogs and the fawn colored dogs which are straight coated.

Because there is very little information on these dogs, we assume they were between 57 – 68cm in height and between 27 and 32kg in weight. The coat was no doubt in colours such as grey, reddish-brown with some black and white and shortish and wiry. The ears were floppy,and the face no doubt had some longer hair around the muzzle.

Temperament:

Nobody seems to know exactly what the temperament of this dog was, but when you look at some of his ancestors you can assume that he was strong-willed, confident and a skilled hunter.

He would have required a lot of exercise too. He was lively and energetic. Because he had Pointer in him you can be sure that he would have been intelligent so that he could be trained and socialized.

He would have been keen to learn with an owner who was firm and consistent in his treatment of him. He is a dog most happiest when he can spend time with his human family, a most loyal and devoted family friend, capable of getting on well with children and pets in the home.

english shepherd puppy - descriptionThe American bred English Shepherd is a medium sized dog that looks somewhat like an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie. They have tails, never come in merle coloring and their head is not as rounded as the Australian Shepherd. A working dog, its proportionally very well balanced. Because the English Shepherd is so popular across the country, doing a wide variety of jobs, there is some regional differences in the dogs.

The coat can be curly or straight with feathering around the tail, ears and legs. Their heads are slightly rounded but broad and the muzzle is also broad with a solid black nose except for the clear sable dogs whose nose is brown. The eyes show you how intelligent and strong this breed is, and they should be round, brown and oblique. The ears are close to the head and wide apart.

With a strong, muscular back and shoulders the English Shepherd can do almost anything you ask him to. His legs are strong and straight, and his hind legs are muscular. His feet are compact, oval and well padded.

Characteristics

It appears, according to records that the Russian Setter has come and gone. However he would have been a calm, gentle pet with running ad hunting keeping him happy. He would therefore have required a lot of exercise.

We can assume that according to the few records that there are, that this was an affable, pleasing dog breed which made a great family pet.

english shepherd dog - characteristicsIt may seem strange to talk about kindness in a working dog, but it is one of the defining traits of the English Shepherd, along with intelligence. The breed is extremely kind to everyone he lives with animals and people. Once he is secure in his job and takes in his children or his herd, he is one of the best caretakers around. He is an independent thinker, is easily trained, and highly affectionate. However, he does see himself as the boss and unless you establish yourself in that alpha role you could have problems.

Health Problems

The Russian Setter had an average lifespan of 10 – 14 which is a fairly good innings for a dog. Nonetheless you would have had to be aware of some common dog problem. These dogs were prone to major health issues such as both hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, epilepsy and hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect the function of many parts of the body. Dogs with this illness have a low production of thyroid hormones.

This disease is mainly caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The most common signs of low thyroid in dogs is thinning of the fur, the coat is dull, there is weight gain and excess shedding. The dog doesn’t tolerate cold well either. These dogs also often have ear infections.

english shepherd puppies - health problemsLike many other herding breeds, it has been found that about 15% of English Shepherds had a gene mutation called MDR1. This means they have adverse reaction and high sensitivity to many common drugs for dogs. This condition could be life-threatening so test your dog for it and know what you are up against.

Caring The Pet

Whatever kind of coat the Russian Setter ad it would have required a brushing twice a week to keep it in top form.

The medium length floppy ears would have to be checked inside for ear infection.

His owners would have checked inside the mouth for any signs of rotten or bad teeth.

His nails would have required trimming.

Diet:

Dogs need the best food there is to stay healthy. The Russian Terrier, if it were still around today, would have had the best commercially manufactured food there was.

You want to provide dogs with some good homemade food too. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency to avoid upsetting the stomach. Some home-cooked food such as boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach would be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week. Raw meat should also be added in when possible to promote good skin health.

Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Feeding

english shepherd dogs - caringRemember the English Shepherd is a hard working dog. But if you don’t work him don’t overfeed him. Twice a day, he needs about one half cup of a good quality dry food made with an active, medium sized dog in mind.

Health issues

In addition to the health concern listed above, the English Shepherd is also prone to:

Dysplasia

Both elbow and hip dysplasia can plaque the English Shepherd as it does almost any active breed. Have your puppy tested as it can cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

This is a herding breed and they need exercise. They need a job. They are intelligent and work oriented so make sure they have something to do. Take them to herding trails and have their herding instinct tested. Put them to work in flyball, agility, frisbee, tracking, obedience, rally, herding and showmanship events. Just make sure your English Shepherd has enough to keep his mind and body stimulated at a high rate every day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  2. English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. English Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. English Shepherd vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. English Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. English Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. English Shepherd vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  11. English Shepherd vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  12. English Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  13. English Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  14. English Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  15. English Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  16. English Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. English Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  19. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  20. English Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  21. English Shepherd vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  23. English Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  24. English Shepherd vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  25. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  27. Schnauzer vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  28. Schnoodle vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  29. Santal Hound vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  30. Sanshu vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  31. Sapsali vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  32. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Russian Setter - Breed Comparison
  33. Russian Setter vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  34. Russian Setter vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  35. Russian Setter vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Russian Setter vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  37. Russian Setter vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  38. Russian Setter vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  39. Russian Setter vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  40. Russian Setter vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  41. Russian Setter vs Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Setter vs Dalmatian - Breed Comparison
  43. Russian Setter vs Golden Doodle - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Setter vs Pomsky - Breed Comparison
  45. Russian Setter vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  46. Russian Setter vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  47. Russian Setter vs Other - Breed Comparison
  48. Russian Setter vs Chinese Shar Pei - Breed Comparison
  49. Russian Setter vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  50. Russian Setter vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds