Irish Setter vs Yorkshire Terrier

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

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

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 Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Irish Setter and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Irish Setter is 60–70 lbs, 25–27 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (60–70 lbs, 25–27 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Irish Setter or Yorkshire Terrier?
Irish Setter is generally good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Irish Setter or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Irish Setter has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

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