Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Irish Red Setter or Laverack? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter" Compare Labrador Retriever and Irish Setter. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Labrador Retriever	Irish Setter	English Setter
Origins	England Canada	Ireland	England
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Gun Dog	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	1	72	95
Reviews	11	4	3
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Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter breeds.	Lab Labrador	Irish Red Setter Red Setter	Laverack Llewellin Setter Lawerack
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg)	Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)
Height Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter height comparison:	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)	Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)	Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)	Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)	Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$2000	$800-$1000	$400-$600
Availability Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter?	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The English Setter is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Smart: The English Setter dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is easiest to train?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train. See more.	English Setter dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed is most alert?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	English Setter dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed is most protective?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.	English Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter? Compare temperaments.	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Playful Independent Energetic Intelligent Affectionate Lively Companionable	Energetic Intelligent Gentle Strong Willed Mischievous
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter?	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: English Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter social needs comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	English Setter dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	English Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	English Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal. See more.	Average to High: The English Setter is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed is most playful?	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed. See more.	The English Setter is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Setter breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed is most flexible?	Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: English Setter dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter?	Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	English Setter dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has lowest bite risk?	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The English Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which uses mouth most during play?	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	English Setter dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ English Setter bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of English Setter: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The English Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has fewer health issues?	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The English Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The English Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy	Hip Dysplasia Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Osteochondrosis Dissecans Panosteitis Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Canine Leukocyte	No data available

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which breed is most active?	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.	English Setter dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.	English Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter?	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Irish Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.	English Setter dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is most prone to obesity?	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity. See more.	High: The English Setter breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. What colors are available?	Black Yellow Chocolate	Red Mahogany	Tan Blue Orange Tricolor Liver Lemon Belton
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Average: The English Setter requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which drools least?	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.	The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The English Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The English Setter has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Fine	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter? Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or {name3 shedding:	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Irish Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.	English Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is best with kids?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	English Setter dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter? Which dog is more friendly?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter?	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or English Setter?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	English Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter?	Yes Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes English Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No English Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Irish Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	English Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has best nose work ability?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes English Setter breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has most puppies?	5-10 puppies	7-10 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs English Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and English Setter. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	Unknown

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