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Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Blue Dog or Lab or Irish Red Setter? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter" Compare Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter?
 
 
 
Name Australian Shepherd Labrador Retriever Irish Setter
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States England flagEngland Canada flagCanada Ireland flagIreland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank17172
Reviews7114
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter breeds.
Little Blue Dog
Aussie
Lab
Labrador
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 kg) 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)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) 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)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter? Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter height comparison:
Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 cm) 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)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Price and Availability Comparison

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

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Australian Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Australian Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter?
Australian Shepherd 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 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.

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed lives longest?
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Australian Shepherd can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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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.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which has fewer health issues?
The Australian Shepherd is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Australian Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Deafness
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Distichiasis
Collie Eye Anomaly
Detached Retina
Nasal Solar Dermatitis
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Persistent Pupillary Membranes
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

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most active?
Australian Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises.
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter?
Australian Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
Irish Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Australian Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which needs most food?
1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 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.

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Merle
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Red
Mahogany
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Australian Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which drools least?
The Australian Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter? Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is best with kids?
Australian Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Irish Setter dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Shepherd dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Shepherd or Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter?
Australian Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter?
Yes
Australian Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Shepherds are one of the best breeds 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.

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

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.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish 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.

Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which has most puppies?
6-9 puppies, average 7 5-10 puppies 7-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish 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 Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Australian Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Irish Setter. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Australian Shepherd Club Of America
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

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