English Setter vs Mastiff

Which dog breed is right for you?

English Setter

Size
45–80 lbs, 23–27 in
Lifespan
12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Friendly Mellow Graceful

Mastiff

Size
120–230 lbs, 28–36 in
Lifespan
6–10 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Dignified Brave Patient

About the English Setter

The English Setter is one of the oldest gun dog breeds — developed in England over 400 years ago to locate game birds by crouching or "setting" to indicate their position. Standing 23–27 inches tall and weighing 45–80 pounds, these graceful dogs are renowned for their beautiful feathered coat in distinctive "belton" patterns — blue belton, orange belton, tricolor, lemon belton, and liver belton. Their elegant appearance, with long, silky ears and a gently flowing coat, has earned them the title of the most beautiful sporting breed.

Temperament & Personality

English Setters are gentle, sweet-natured dogs with a calm indoor demeanor that belies their energetic field abilities. They are exceptionally good with children — patient and tolerant even with rough toddler play — and generally accepting of other dogs and household pets. Their affectionate, people-oriented nature makes them poor kennel dogs; they need to live as part of the family to thrive emotionally.

Pros

  • One of the gentlest sporting breeds — excellent with children of all ages and other pets
  • Calm and quiet indoors when given adequate outdoor exercise
  • Friendly toward strangers — makes a welcoming family dog without guarding tendencies
  • Versatile field dog that transitions beautifully from hunting companion to couch cuddler

Cons

  • Feathered coat requires regular grooming — brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent tangles
  • Prone to elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and congenital deafness
  • Strong hunting instincts — will bolt after birds and small animals if not in a secure area
  • Can be slow to mature mentally — puppy-like behavior often persists until age 3 or beyond

Discover the beauty and gentleness of the English Setter — find one waiting for a home on Puplister.

About the Mastiff

The English Mastiff is one of the most ancient and massive dog breeds, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years to ancient Britain and possibly earlier Molosser-type dogs of Asia. Males commonly weigh 160 to 230 pounds and stand 30 inches or taller at the shoulder, making them among the heaviest domestic dogs in the world. Their short, dense double coat comes in fawn, apricot, or brindle — always with a distinctive dark mask on the face.

Temperament & Personality

Despite their imposing size, Mastiffs are famously gentle, calm, and deeply loyal — often called "gentle giants" with good reason. They are patient and protective with children in their family, though their sheer mass means supervision around small kids is wise. Mastiffs tend to be reserved with strangers but rarely aggressive, preferring to position themselves between their family and any perceived threat.

Pros

  • Naturally protective without needing guard training
  • Surprisingly low energy indoors — content to lounge for hours
  • Gentle and patient temperament ideal for families
  • Short coat requires only basic weekly brushing

Cons

  • Massive food bills — adult Mastiffs eat 6 to 10 cups of food daily
  • Shorter lifespan of 6 to 10 years typical of giant breeds
  • Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and heart conditions
  • Excessive drooling is a constant reality with this breed

Ready to welcome a magnificent gentle giant into your home? Explore Mastiff adoption opportunities on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a English Setter and a Mastiff?
The English Setter is 45–80 lbs, 23–27 in sized while the Mastiff is 120–230 lbs, 28–36 in sized. They differ in size (45–80 lbs, 23–27 in vs 120–230 lbs, 28–36 in), lifespan (12 years vs 6–10 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, English Setter or Mastiff?
English Setter is generally good with kids. Mastiff is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, English Setter or Mastiff?
The English Setter has a lifespan of 12 years while the Mastiff has a lifespan of 6–10 years.

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