Irish Setter vs Treeing Walker Coonhound

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

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–27 in
Lifespan
12–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Friendly Smart Energetic

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 Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States from Walker Foxhounds in the mid-20th century, selectively bred for their exceptional ability to trail game and "tree" raccoons by chasing them up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives. These elegant, athletic hounds stand 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a lean, muscular build and the classic tricolor pattern — white, black, and tan — reminiscent of their foxhound ancestry. Their short, smooth coat is dense and protective, well-suited for long hours working through brush and rough terrain.

Temperament & Personality

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are confident, intelligent, and affable — possessing a friendly, sociable nature that makes them enjoyable companions both in the field and at home. They are gentle with children, typically welcoming to strangers, and usually get along well with other dogs, especially those they've been raised with. Their hunting instincts run deep, however, and they can switch from couch potato to tireless tracker the moment an interesting scent crosses their path.

Pros

  • Friendly, easygoing temperament — excellent with families and other dogs
  • Low-maintenance coat needing only weekly brushing
  • Superb endurance for hiking, running, and outdoor adventures
  • Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — loud baying and howling are a defining breed trait
  • Powerful scent drive makes off-leash reliability very challenging
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — bored Walkers can be destructive
  • Prone to ear infections and hip dysplasia

Treeing Walker Coonhounds bring athletic grace and a sweet disposition to any home — explore available listings on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Irish Setter and a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Irish Setter is 60–70 lbs, 25–27 in sized while the Treeing Walker Coonhound is 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in sized. They differ in size (60–70 lbs, 25–27 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 12–13 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Irish Setter or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
Irish Setter is generally good with kids. Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Irish Setter or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Irish Setter has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–13 years.

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