Of the 80 recognized dog breeds in the world today, the Setter breed has long been one of the most likeable. However, of all members of the Setter family, the English Setter is one that remains the most popular and adored. The dog has a refined air, but is not above acting child-like, a number of hunters and families love the breed for its natural loving personality and charm. Not surprising, people who own English Setters can always regale you with stories of loyalty, humor and sensitivity the dog is known to display. While it can motivate others to develop an interest in the English Setter, there are other cousins in the family like the Gordon Setter and Irish Setter, people may wonder about.

All three distinctive breeds can trace their roots of origin back to the British Isles. The Gordon Setter finds its ancestral roots in Scotland, the English Setter in the United Kingdom and Irish Setters come from Ireland obviously. An English Setter has feathering and a white speckled coat which can be blue, black or orange spotted. A Gordon Setter has a wavy coat which is jet black in color, with dark brown markings on the paws, face, chest and muzzle. The Irish Setter is most famous for the long, deep, red, glossy coat they have. Though similar in body structure, the Gordon Setter is the most solidly built of all and weighs in around eighty pounds. The Irish Setter is the tallest of the three, and the English Setter is the most slender and delicately built.

When speaking about the temperament of the Gordon Setter, a person can expect the dog to be calm, placid and easy going. True to the Setter breed standard, the dogs are all extremely loyal, have excellent hunting abilities and truly revel in being in the great outdoors. The Irish Setter has the true temperament of the Setter breed, but they are believed to be the most energetic and lively of the three different breeds, making them need lots of space to stretch and run. Though the English Setter is considered to be a gun dog, they are most noted for being the most gentle and placid of the three breeds. This makes an English Setter an ideal choice for families with small children.

While the English Setter can easily adapt to living in an apartment and getting a moderate amount of exercise, the same cannot be said for the Irish or Gordon Setter. The Gordon Setter is a breed known to display child-like qualities well into adulthood, the dog needs room to roam, exercise and work out pent up energy. The Irish Setter will not ever be able to adjust to a cramped living environment. Out of the three breeds, an English Setter is the one that makes the best transition from an outdoor to an indoor living arrangement. No matter what type of Setter is chosen, each one will be best suited for a family that remains active and devoted to including them in activities.