Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Irish Setter and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Irish Setter
Elegant, spirited, and affectionate, this breed thrives on companionship and active play. Renowned for its striking red coat and joyful, outgoing personality.
Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Large
27–32 kg
Silky, feathered
12–15 years
24–29 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Irish Setter
Affectionate and welcoming toward people and dogs
Quick learner but sometimes distractible outdoors
Very active, needs daily vigorous exercise
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts to new settings with some guidance
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Irish Setter
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Irish Setter
Good option
Friendly and eager to please but needs consistent training and exercise
Not ideal
Needs more space and exercise than most apartments can provide
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical activities
Very suitable
Patient and gentle with children but needs supervision due to exuberance
Highly suitable
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets if socialized early
Prone to anxiety
Struggles with being left alone for extended periods and may become destructive
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Irish Setter
- Friendly with people and other dogs
- High energy for active lifestyles
- Eager to please and easy to train
- Good with children and families
- Strong hunting and retrieving instinct
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Irish Setter
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Needs significant daily physical exercise
- May become destructive if understimulated
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- High grooming needs due to long coat
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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