PuppyBase

Glen of Imaal Terrier 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.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Gordon Setter

You don’t see a Glen of Imaal Terrier and a Gordon Setter in a face-off every day, but people do compare them. usually because both are rare, both are bold, and both have that underdog charm. The real reason? They’re drawn to dogs with depth, character, and a little mystery. But that’s where the similarities end. The Glen is the quiet rebel. Low to the ground, stocky, with a wiry coat and a gaze that says he’s seen it all. He was bred to go underground after badgers, and he still carries that stubborn courage. He’s not loud, not hyper, but he’s deeply attached. like a shadow that leans on you. He’ll do fine in an apartment if you’re home enough to give him that affection, but don’t expect him to chase squirrels without consequence. His terrier drive means small pets are risky, and he won’t obey every command just because you asked nicely. The Gordon Setter is the elegant athlete. Tall, dark, built for miles in the Scottish moors. He lives to work, to run, to point a grouse with dramatic flair. He’s eager to please, highly trainable, but needs space and purpose. His coat? A high-maintenance masterpiece. You’ll be brushing weekly, maybe more. He’s affectionate, yes, but he’s not a couch potato. Skip the walk and he’ll redecorate your living room out of boredom. Pick the Glen if you want a loyal, low-key companion with a big personality in a small frame. Choose the Gordon if you’re active, outdoorsy, and ready for a dog that thrives on partnership. Here’s the truth the breed standards won’t tell you: the Glen may look like a couch potato, but he’s got terrier fire in his gut. And the Gordon? He’s not just a pretty face. he needs emotional investment as much as exercise. Neither one forgives neglect.

Glen of Imaal Terrier
Gordon Setter
12.5–14 in
Height
23–27 in
32–40 lb
Weight
45–80 lb
10–15 yr
Lifespan
12–13 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.0k
#174
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.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Gordon Setter
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier drools less (2-point difference)
Glen
Trainability
Gordon Setter is easier to train (2-point difference)
Gordon
Energy Level
Gordon Setter has more energy (2-point difference)
Gordon
Shedding Level
Glen of Imaal Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Glen
Coat Grooming
Gordon Setter needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Gordon
The verdict

Choose the Glen of Imaal Terrier if…

  • Experienced terrier owners
  • Families with older children
  • Apartment or small home living
  • You value coat groomingGlen of Imaal Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Gordon Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value drooling levelGordon Setter scores higher here.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Glen of Imaal Terrier 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

Other comparisons people run