Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Discover the differences between Irish Setter and Labrador 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.
Labrador Retriever
Eager, friendly, and intelligent, this breed loves being part of an active family. Their gentle nature and loyalty make them outstanding companions for all ages.
Quick comparison
Large
27–32 kg
Silky, feathered
12–15 years
24–29 kg
High energy
Large
29–36 kg
Short double coat, water-resistant
10–12 years
25–32 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
Labrador Retriever
Warm and sociable with people and animals
Quick learner, responds well to training
High stamina, enjoys active pursuits daily
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts easily to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Irish Setter
Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy
Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever
Great choice
Patient and eager to please, Labradors are manageable for most first-time owners.
Not ideal
Labradors need space and exercise, so apartments can limit their activity needs.
Perfect fit
High energy and stamina make them excellent for active individuals or families.
Highly suitable
Gentle temperament and playful nature make them safe and loving with young children.
Very friendly
Generally sociable and get along well with other dogs and pets.
Prone to anxiety
Extended alone time can lead to boredom and destructive behaviors in this breed.
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
Labrador Retriever
- Friendly and sociable with people and dogs
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Excellent with children and families
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
- Generally adaptable to various living situations
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
Labrador Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- Can become destructive if under-exercised
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires regular grooming
- May develop hip or elbow dysplasia
- Needs significant daily physical activity
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