English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Laverack or Golden Flat Coat or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd" Compare English Setter and Golden Retriever. Which is better: English Setter or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?

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	English Setter	Golden Retriever	German Shepherd
Origins	England	Scotland	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Gun Dog	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	95	3	2
Reviews	3	16	21
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd breeds.	Laverack Llewellin Setter Lawerack	Golden Flat Coat Yellow Retriever	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Large	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg)	Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg)	Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, English Setter or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm)	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm)	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

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

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.	Energetic Intelligent Gentle Strong Willed Mischievous	Intelligent Confident Friendly Reliable Kind Trustworthy	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd?	High: English Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	English Setter dogs are a social breed. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	English Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	English Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The English Setter is a vocal breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?	The English Setter is a playful breed. See more.	The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Setter breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.	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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: English Setter dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: English Setter or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?	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.	Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of English Setter: 11 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?	The English Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The English Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	No data available	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Hemangiosarcoma Osteosarcoma Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?	Tan Blue Orange Tricolor Liver Lemon Belton	Golden Light	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The English Setter requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?	The English Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The English Setter has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Silky Wavy Shiny Straight	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	2-3 weeks Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more English Setter or Golden Retriever or German Shepherd? English Setter or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:	English Setter dogs shed moderately. See more.	Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes English Setter breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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 English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	4-6 puppies	5-10 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. 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.

English Setter vs Golden Retriever vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of English Setter, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?	Unknown	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	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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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