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English Setter vs Newfoundland

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

English Setter vs Newfoundland

People compare English Setters and Newfoundlands because both are big, gentle, family-friendly dogs with long coats and a calm presence around kids. But that’s where the similarities end. Think of it this way: the Setter is your energetic hiking buddy who doubles as a cuddler, while the Newfoundland is the quiet lifeguard who’d rather lounge by the lake. though he’ll swim out to save someone if needed. The English Setter, built for covering miles of fieldwork, needs daily exercise and mental engagement. You’ll find them pointing at pheasants or zigzagging through dog sports. They’re moderately easy to train, love to chat with a bay-like bark, and their feathery coat demands brushing a few times a week. They thrive with active families who’ll take them on adventures. The Newfoundland, on the other hand, is a gentle giant built for power and water rescue. They move slower, bark almost never, and radiate calm. But don’t mistake their mellow vibe for laziness. they’re strong, they drool, and they shed. not just seasonally, but year-round. Their coat is a beast to maintain, especially in summer. They’re happiest near water and best suited for homes with space and owners who don’t mind a little slobber on their sleeve. Here’s the real talk: Setters are social butterflies who’ll bond with everyone. Newfoundlands? They’ll love your whole family, but they often pick one person to shadow like a devoted shadow. Choose the Setter if you want an engaged, agile companion with a touch of hunting heritage. Pick the Newfoundland if you’re ready for a serene, massive dog who’s a natural in water and with children. but be prepared for vet checks on hips and heart, and yes, a drool-soaked life.

English Setter
Newfoundland
23–27 in
Height
26–28 in
45–80 lb
Weight
100–150 lb
12–12 yr
Lifespan
9–10 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$2.5–5.0k
#94
AKC popularity
#40

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
English Setter Newfoundland
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
English Setter drools less (2-point difference)
English
Watchdog / Protective
Newfoundland is more protective (2-point difference)
Newfoundland
Barking Level
Newfoundland barks less (2-point difference)
Newfoundland
Good with Young Children
Newfoundland is better with kids (1-point difference)
Newfoundland
Good with Other Dogs
Newfoundland is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Newfoundland
The verdict

Choose the English Setter if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value barking levelEnglish Setter scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Newfoundland if…

  • Families with children
  • Water and outdoor enthusiasts
  • Those wanting a gentle giant
  • You value drooling levelNewfoundland scores higher here.
English Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Setter home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Newfoundland Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Newfoundland home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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