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English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Comparison - Dog breed selector: Springer Spaniel or Irish Red Setter or Golden Flat Coat? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever" Compare English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. Which is better: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name English Springer Spaniel Irish Setter Golden Retriever
OriginsEngland flagEngland Ireland flagIreland Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank27723
Reviews3416
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever breeds.
Springer Spaniel Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg), Female: 40-50 pounds (18-23 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 50 pounds (22.5 kg), Female: 45 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter or Golden Retriever? English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
Male: 19-21 inches (48-56 cm), Female:18-20 inches (46-51 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 20 inches (52 cm), Female:19 inches (48.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Find price differences between these breeds.
$700-$800 $800-$1000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter or Golden Retriever?
Very frequent: The English Springer Spaniel is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Social
Cheerful
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever?
High: English Springer Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
English Springer Spaniel dogs are a social breed.
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Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the English Springer Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
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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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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
English Springer Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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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.
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English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The English Springer Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
The English Springer Spaniel is a highly playful breed.
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The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the English Springer Spaniel breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
English Springer Spaniel 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.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter or Golden Retriever?
English Springer Spaniel 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.
Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The English Springer Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Springer Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of English Springer Spaniel: 12 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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.
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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.
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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
English Springer Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
The Irish 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The English Springer Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Irish 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).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Ear Infections
Ectropion
Retinal Dysplasia
Phosphofructokinase deficiency (Tarui disease, PFK)
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The English Springer Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
3 to 4.5 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.

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
White
Liver
Red
Mahogany
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The English Springer Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The English Springer Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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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.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The English Springer Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Fine Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter or Golden Retriever? English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter or {name3 shedding:
English Springer Spaniel dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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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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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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 English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

English Springer Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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 English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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.

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
4-10 puppies 7-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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 Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. 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.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section. 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of English Springer Spaniel, Irish Setter, and Golden Retriever. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
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
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

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