Cane Corso vs Irish Setter

Working · Large vs Sporting · Large

Quick take
  • Cane Corso is the larger breed at 99–110 lbs (males) vs 70 lbs for the Irish Setter.
  • The Irish Setter typically lives longer (12–15 years).
  • The Irish Setter has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Cane Corso is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitCane CorsoIrish Setter
Group
WorkingSporting
Size
LargeLarge
Origin
ItalyIreland
Height (male)
25–27.5"27"
Height (female)
23.5–26"25"
Weight (male)
99–110 lbs70 lbs
Weight (female)
88–99 lbs60 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
9–12 years12–15 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
High (4/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Cane Corso

The Cane Corso is an assertive, smart, intelligent Italian guard mastiff — Roman war dog turned modern protector. Originally from Italy, this large working breed typically weighs 99–110 lbs and lives 9–12 years. Breeders describe them as assertive, smart, intelligent.

About the Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is an active, outgoing, sweet-tempered gundog with a famous mahogany coat — exuberant and a little goofy. Originally from Ireland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 70 lbs and lives 12–15 years. Breeders describe them as active, outgoing, sweet-tempered.

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Cane Corso health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye problems
  • Cherry eye

Irish Setter health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Epilepsy
  • Eye disorders