Golden Retriever vs Irish Setter

Compare the Golden Retriever to the Irish Setter. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Golden Retrievers and Irish Setters.

Golden Retriever vs Irish Setter
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
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General Details
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
11-15 Years
Height
21-24 Inches
25-27 Inches
Weight
55-80 Pounds
60-70 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Origin Country
United Kingdom
Ireland
Origin Year
1865 AD
1780 AD
Temperament
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Personality
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Apartment
Yes
No
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
50-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Below Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Energy Level
High
Very High
Exercise Required
Medium to High
Very High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
28 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium
Shedding
Medium to High
Medium
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
None
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Aggression
None
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Above Average
Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Below Average
Below Average
Herding
Below Average
Below Average
Hunting
Above Average
Above Average
Protection
Below Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
None
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
11-15 Years
Health Concerns
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Subaortic Stenosis
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Bloat
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Coat Type
Fur
Hair
Coat Layering
Double
Single
Smooth
Coat Texture
Wavy
Silky
Straight
Coat Length
Medium
Long
Coat Coloring
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Breed Colors
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