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Irish Red and White Setter vs Scottish Terrier

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

Irish Red and White Setter vs Scottish Terrier

You’re probably comparing these two because they share that classic, almost storybook look. distinctive, elegant, and rooted in old-world charm. But that’s where the similarities end. The Irish Red and White Setter is the exuberant poet of the field, built for wide-open spaces and long days on the hunt. This dog lives to run, needs serious daily exercise, and will shower your whole family with affection. At 50-plus pounds and with energy and trainability both maxed out at 5/5, it’s not just a dog. it’s a lifestyle. If you’re hiking, hunting, or doing agility on weekends, this setter thrives. But if you live in a city apartment or work 70-hour weeks, you’ll both be miserable. The Scottish Terrier, in contrast, is the stubborn philosopher in a tweed coat. Compact, bold, and independent, the Scottie packs a big-dog attitude into 20 pounds. He’s more reserved with strangers and less tolerant of rambunctious kids, scoring only a 3/5 on good_with_kids. He barks more, needs less physical exercise, but craves mental puzzles. this is a dog that figures things out on his own terms. Trainability is only 3/5 for a reason: he’ll listen when he agrees with you. The real insight? It’s about control. The setter wants to please and will follow you anywhere. The Scottie wants to consult the map first. and might take a detour. If you need a partner who’s always in sync, go Setter. If you want a dignified, self-assured companion who’ll love you fiercely but on his own terms, the Scottie’s your dog.

Irish Red and White Setter
Scottish Terrier
22.5–26 in
Height
9.5–10 in
35–60 lb
Weight
18–22 lb
11–15 yr
Lifespan
12–12 yr
$1.5–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#146
AKC popularity
#57

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.
Irish Red and White Setter Scottish Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Other Dogs
Irish Red and White Setter is better with other dogs (3-point difference)
Irish
Good with Young Children
Irish Red and White Setter is better with kids (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Strangers
Irish Red and White Setter is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Irish
Watchdog / Protective
Scottish Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Scottish
Trainability
Irish Red and White Setter is easier to train (2-point difference)
Irish
The verdict

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value good with other dogsIrish Red and White Setter scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Scottish Terrier if…

  • Apartment living
  • Independent owners
  • Those wanting a distinctive, classic breed
  • You value watchdog / protectiveScottish Terrier scores higher here.
Irish Red and White Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish Red and White 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
Scottish Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Scottish 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

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