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Field Spaniel vs Gordon Setter

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

Field Spaniel vs Gordon Setter

People toss the Field Spaniel and Gordon Setter into the same ring because they’re both long-eared, silky-coated sporting dogs with that soulful, velvety gaze. But that’s where the postcard similarities end. Think of it like choosing between a compact SUV and a full-size truck. they might haul your gear, but one’s built for tight trails, the other for open terrain. The Field Spaniel is the quieter, more grounded companion. At 35 to 50 pounds, they fit neatly into life with a yard and a routine. They’re deeply sweet, almost catlike in their quiet affection, and they bond tightly with kids and adults alike. You’ll need to brush them weekly and check those pendulous ears, but they’re trainable and steady, happy with a daily walk and some light hunting action. They’re sensitive though. shout once and they’ll shut down. The Gordon Setter is bolder, bigger, and needs room to stretch. At up to 80 pounds and full of 5/5 energy, this dog was born to charge through Scottish moors at dawn. They’re fiercely loyal and intelligent, but they’ve got a stubborn streak that demands consistent training. They’re less of a “sit on the couch” dog and more of a “let’s hike 10 miles before breakfast” partner. And yes, that coat is stunning. but it’s a full-time grooming project, not a weekend hobby. Here’s the real talk: the Field Spaniel thrives in harmony, the Gordon Setter needs a mission. If your life has rhythm and calm, go Field. If you’re up for a dynamic, high-octane partnership with a dog who’ll work as hard as you will, the Gordon’s your match. Neither’s for beginners, but both will love you fiercely. if you earn it.

Field Spaniel
Gordon Setter
17–18 in
Height
23–27 in
35–50 lb
Weight
45–80 lb
12–13 yr
Lifespan
12–13 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.0k
#149
AKC popularity
#115

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.
Field Spaniel Gordon Setter
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Field Spaniel is better with kids (2-point difference)
Field
Drooling Level
Field Spaniel drools less (2-point difference)
Field
Energy Level
Gordon Setter has more energy (2-point difference)
Gordon
Good with Other Dogs
Field Spaniel is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Field
Good with Strangers
Field Spaniel is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Field
The verdict

Choose the Field Spaniel if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value good with young childrenField Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Gordon Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value drooling levelGordon Setter scores higher here.
Field Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Field Spaniel 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
Gordon Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Gordon 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

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