Dog breed comparison
Golden Retriever vs Irish Setter
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Irish Setter tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Irish Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches | 25 inch to 27 inches |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 60 to 70 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 11 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Golden Retriever
Developed in the Scottish Highlands in the mid-1800s by Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a yellow wavy-coated retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel to retrieve game from water and land.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Goldens, so regular vet checks matter.
Health to watch
- Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
The Irish Setter
An Irish gundog bred to find game birds, refined in the 1800s with the solid red coat it is known for. It remains a popular field and show dog.
It is slow to mature and stays exuberant for years.
Health to watch
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd1)
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Drooling
The Golden Retriever drools more than the Irish Setter.
Easy to train
The Golden Retriever is easier to train than the Irish Setter.
Shedding
The Golden Retriever sheds more than the Irish Setter.
Easy to groom
The Irish Setter is easier to groom than the Golden Retriever.
Barking
The Irish Setter barks more than the Golden Retriever.
Apartment living
The Golden Retriever copes better in an apartment than the Irish Setter.
Which to choose
Golden Retriever or Irish Setter?
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
Choose the Irish Setter if…
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
Questions.
Is the Golden Retriever or the Irish Setter bigger, and which lives longer?
The Irish Setter tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Golden Retriever or the Irish Setter?
The Golden Retriever is generally easier to train than the Irish Setter. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Golden Retriever or the Irish Setter?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Irish Setter sheds less than the Golden Retriever. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Golden Retriever and Irish Setter have?
The Golden Retriever is prone to hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, hip and elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Irish Setter is prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism. Both share a risk of hypothyroidism. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
