Golden Retriever vs Irish Setter: Choosing A Breed

Are you struggling to decide between a Golden Retriever and an Irish Setter? Both breeds are friendly, intelligent, and popular choices for families. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the two, helping you make the best decision for your lifestyle. Key takeaways include:

• Size and weight comparisons
• Coat types and grooming requirements
• Health issues and lifespans
• Training and exercise needs
• Family and pet compatibility
• Maintenance costs and other factors to consider

Read on to explore these points in-depth and discover which breed is the perfect fit for you and your family.

At A Glance Golden Retriever and Irish Setter Breed Comparison

	Golden Retriever	Irish Setter
Origin	Scotland	Ireland
Size	Medium to large	Large
Weight	55-75 lbs (male), 55-65 lbs (female)	60-70 lbs (male), 53-64 lbs (female)
Lifespan	10-12 years	12-15 years
Coat	Dense, water-repellent, short to medium length, golden	Long, silky, red or chestnut
Temperament	Intelligent, friendly, reliable	Outgoing, playful, independent
Trainability	High	Moderate to high
Exercise Needs	High	Very high
Health Issues	Hip dysplasia, heart issues, eye conditions	Hip dysplasia, eye conditions, epilepsy
Good with Children	Yes	Yes
Good with Other Pets	Yes	Yes
Grooming Needs	Moderate	High
Ideal for	Active families, assistance roles (like guide dogs)	Active families, show rings, field activities

Breed Overview

Golden Retriever

History

The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands during the late 19th century. Lord Tweedmouth, a dog enthusiast, wanted to create the perfect gundog that could retrieve game on both land and water. By crossing a Yellow Flat-Coated Retriever with a Tweed Water Spaniel, he laid the foundation for the breed we know today as the Golden Retriever.

Appearance

Golden Retrievers are well-known for their beautiful, lustrous golden coats. They have a sturdy, muscular build and a friendly, intelligent expression. Their eyes are generally a warm shade of brown, and their ears hang down close to their cheeks.

Temperament

Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and eager-to-please. They are known for their gentle nature and exceptional patience, making them an ideal choice for families with children or other pets. They are also highly trainable, which is why they are often employed as service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs.

Irish Setter

History

The Irish Setter was developed in Ireland during the 18th century. They were initially bred as gundogs, particularly for hunting and pointing game birds. Over the years, they have become more popular as show dogs and family pets, but they still retain their strong hunting instinct.

Appearance

Irish Setters are renowned for their stunning, long, red or chestnut coats. They have a lean, athletic build and an elegant, graceful appearance. Their eyes are typically a dark hazel color, and their ears are long and silky, hanging down close to their head.

Temperament

Irish Setters are highly energetic, enthusiastic, and friendly dogs. They have a strong desire to please their owners and are known for their playfulness and affectionate nature. They get along well with children and other animals, making them a great choice for families. However, they can be quite exuberant and may require more patience in training than a Golden Retriever.

Size and Weight Comparison

Golden Retriever

• Male: 65-75 pounds, 23-24 inches at the shoulder
• Female: 55-65 pounds, 21.5-22.5 inches at the shoulder

Irish Setter

• Male: 70-75 pounds, 27 inches at the shoulder
• Female: 60-65 pounds, 25 inches at the shoulder

Coat and Grooming

Golden Retriever

Coat Type and Color

Golden Retrievers have a dense, water-repellent double coat that comes in various shades of gold. Their coats can be wavy or straight, and they have feathering on their legs, tail, and chest.

Grooming Requirements

Golden Retrievers require regular brushing to prevent matting and to remove dead hair. It’s essential to keep their ears clean and dry to prevent infections. They also need occasional baths and nail trims to maintain good hygiene.

Irish Setter

Coat Type and Color

Irish Setters have a silky, long, and slightly wavy coat with a rich, chestnut color. They have feathering on their ears, legs, tail, and chest.

Grooming Requirements

Irish Setters require daily brushing to prevent tangles and to remove dead hair. They need their ears cleaned and checked regularly to avoid infections. Like Golden Retrievers, they also require occasional baths and nail trims.

Health Issues and Lifespan

Golden Retriever

Common Health Concerns

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Eye disorders, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
• Heart problems, including subvalvular aortic stenosis
• Cancer, especially hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma

Life Expectancy

Golden Retrievers typically live between 10-12 years.

Irish Setter

Common Health Concerns

• Hip dysplasia
• Eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy
• Bloat or gastric torsion, a life-threatening condition
• Epilepsy

Life Expectancy

Irish Setters have a life expectancy of about 12-14 years.

Training and Exercise Needs

Golden Retriever

Trainability

Golden Retrievers are highly trainable, intelligent dogs. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques and are eager to please their owners. Their natural desire to be close to their family makes them less likely to wander off during off-leash training.

Exercise Requirements

Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs that require daily exercise, ideally a combination of walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. They enjoy retrieving games and swimming, which also help to burn off energy and keep them engaged.

Irish Setter

Trainability

Irish Setters are intelligent and eager to learn, but they can be more challenging to train than Golden Retrievers due to their high energy levels and enthusiasm. Consistent, patient training using positive reinforcement is crucial for this breed.

Exercise Requirements

Irish Setters are highly energetic dogs that require a significant amount of daily exercise. They thrive with long walks, runs, and playtime in a securely fenced area. Engaging in dog sports, such as agility or flyball, can also help to satisfy their mental and physical needs.

Family and Pet Compatibility

Golden Retriever

Kid-Friendliness

Golden Retrievers are known for their patience and gentleness, making them an excellent choice for families with children.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden Retrievers generally get along well with other pets, including dogs and cats, making them a good fit for multi-pet households.

Irish Setter

Kid-Friendliness

Irish Setters are friendly and affectionate with children, but their exuberance may be overwhelming for very young kids.

Pet-Friendliness

Irish Setters also tend to get along well with other pets, but their strong hunting instincts may cause them to chase smaller animals, such as cats or birds.

Maintenance and Cost

Golden Retriever

General Costs

The initial cost of a Golden Retriever puppy ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the breeder and lineage. Ongoing expenses include food, grooming, routine vet care, and supplies.

Health-Related Expenses

Golden Retrievers may have higher health-related expenses due to their susceptibility to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and cancer.

Irish Setter

General Costs

The initial cost of an Irish Setter puppy ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the breeder and lineage. Ongoing expenses are similar to those of a Golden Retriever, including food, grooming, routine vet care, and supplies.

Health-Related Expenses

Irish Setters may have lower health-related expenses compared to Golden Retrievers, but they still require regular health check-ups and preventative care.

Read more: Golden Retriever vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Choosing A Breed

Final Thoughts: Which Breed is Right for You?

The decision between a Golden Retriever and an Irish Setter ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Both breeds are friendly, intelligent, and beautiful, but they do have some differences.

If you’re looking for a gentle, patient, and easily trainable dog that’s excellent with children and other pets, the Golden Retriever may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to a more energetic, enthusiastic, and athletic dog that requires a bit more patience in training, the Irish Setter might be a better fit.

Regardless of which breed you choose, both the Golden Retriever and Irish Setter can make loving, loyal companions that will bring joy and happiness to your life.

Read more: Golden Retriever vs Goldendoodle: Choosing A Breed

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Golden Retrievers or Irish Setters more suitable for families with children?

Both Golden Retrievers and Irish Setters are excellent choices for families with children. However, Golden Retrievers are known for their patience and gentle nature, making them a more suitable option for families with very young kids.

Which breed is more trainable – Golden Retriever or Irish Setter?

Golden Retrievers are generally considered more trainable than Irish Setters due to their eager-to-please nature and high intelligence. However, Irish Setters can also be trained well with consistent, patient training using positive reinforcement techniques.

Are Golden Retrievers or Irish Setters better with other pets?

Both Golden Retrievers and Irish Setters are usually friendly and get along well with other pets. However, Irish Setters have a stronger hunting instinct, which may lead them to chase smaller animals such as cats or birds.

Which breed has higher grooming needs – Golden Retriever or Irish Setter?

Both breeds require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats. Irish Setters may have slightly higher grooming needs due to their long, silky coat, which can become tangled easily without daily brushing.

Do Golden Retrievers or Irish Setters have more health issues?

Golden Retrievers tend to have a higher susceptibility to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and cancer, than Irish Setters. However, both breeds have their unique health concerns and need regular veterinary care and preventative measures.

Which breed requires more exercise – Golden Retriever or Irish Setter?

Irish Setters are more energetic and require more exercise than Golden Retrievers. They thrive on long walks, runs, and engaging in dog sports, while Golden Retrievers are usually satisfied with daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.

What is the typical cost for a Golden Retriever or Irish Setter puppy?

The initial cost of a Golden Retriever puppy ranges from $500 to $2,500, while an Irish Setter puppy ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. The price depends on factors such as breeder reputation, lineage, and location.