Irish Setter vs Lhasa Apso

Which dog breed is right for you?

Irish Setter

Size
60–70 lbs, 25–27 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Outgoing Sweet Active Playful

Lhasa Apso

Size
12–18 lbs, 10–11 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Independent Smart Loyal

About the Irish Setter

The Irish Setter — originally known as the Red Setter — was developed in 18th-century Ireland as a tireless bird dog capable of covering vast tracts of countryside in search of game. Standing 25–27 inches tall and weighing 60–70 pounds, this breathtakingly beautiful breed wears a rich, mahogany-red coat of moderate length with silky feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. Their athletic build, flowing red coat, and joyful expression have made them one of the most glamorous breeds in the show ring and the field alike.

Temperament & Personality

Irish Setters are exuberant, fun-loving dogs with an irrepressible zest for life that makes them perpetual puppies at heart. They adore people — every person they meet is greeted with enthusiastic tail-wagging and sometimes an overzealous full-body lean. Their sweet, gentle nature makes them wonderful family dogs, especially for active households with older children who can match their energy level.

Pros

  • Stunning appearance — one of the most beautiful and eye-catching breeds at dog parks and events
  • Outgoing, friendly temperament — gets along with virtually everyone including strangers and other dogs
  • Excellent family dog for active households — loves to run, hike, and play outdoors
  • Good-natured and gentle — rarely shows aggression toward people or animals

Cons

  • Requires at least 1–2 hours of vigorous daily exercise — otherwise becomes hyperactive and destructive
  • Slow to mature mentally — puppy-like behavior and distractibility can persist for 3+ years
  • Prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), epilepsy, and progressive retinal atrophy
  • Silky coat requires regular grooming — brushing several times weekly plus trimming

Let an Irish Setter bring joy and energy to your household — explore adoptable Irish Setters on Puplister.

About the Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso — named after the sacred city of Lhasa in Tibet — served as an interior sentinel in Buddhist monasteries and noble households for over a thousand years, alerting monks to intruders with their sharp, penetrating bark. Standing 10–11 inches tall and weighing 12–18 pounds, these sturdy little dogs have a dense, floor-length double coat that parts down the middle of the back and comes in a wide range of colors including gold, cream, honey, smoke, slate, white, black, and parti-color. Their heavy coat, developed to insulate against Tibet's harsh mountain climate, gives them a dramatically different appearance from most toy breeds.

Temperament & Personality

Lhasa Apsos are independent, assertive, and surprisingly tough-minded — they are companion dogs with the heart of a watchdog and the confidence of a much larger breed. They are devoted and affectionate with their chosen family but maintain a regal aloofness with strangers that can take time to warm up from. Unlike many small breeds, Lhasas are not typically needy or clingy — they enjoy companionship on their own terms and are content to watch from across the room.

Pros

  • Excellent watchdogs — keen hearing and a sharp, authoritative bark that belies their small size
  • Independent nature means they handle alone time better than most companion breeds
  • Long lifespan of 12–15 years — one of the healthiest and hardiest small breeds
  • Hypoallergenic coat sheds minimally — well-suited for allergy-conscious households

Cons

  • Long coat demands daily brushing and regular professional grooming — or must be kept in a puppy clip
  • Can be stubborn and difficult to train — their independent streak resists repetitive drills
  • Tendency toward small dog syndrome — may become snappy or dominant without firm, consistent boundaries
  • Prone to kidney disease, cherry eye, and dry eye — regular veterinary monitoring is important

Discover the ancient charm and loyal spirit of the Lhasa Apso — find one waiting for you on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

0

Irish Setters

1

Lhasa Apsos

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Irish Setter and a Lhasa Apso?
The Irish Setter is 60–70 lbs, 25–27 in sized while the Lhasa Apso is 12–18 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (60–70 lbs, 25–27 in vs 12–18 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Irish Setter or Lhasa Apso?
Irish Setter is generally good with kids. Lhasa Apso is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Irish Setter or Lhasa Apso?
The Irish Setter has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Lhasa Apso has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs