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

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever" Compare Irish Setter and Australian Shepherd. Which is better: Irish Setter or Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter Australian Shepherd Golden Retriever
OriginsIreland flagIreland United States flagUnited States Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank72173
Reviews4716
User Ratings

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

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

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 50-65 pounds (25-29 kg), Female: 40-55 pounds (18-25 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (27 kg), Female: 47.5 pounds (21.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 20-23 inches (52-58cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46–53 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: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 21.5 inches (55 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (46–53 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

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

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

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

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Active
Loving
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Good-natured
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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Sensitive: Australian Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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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: Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever?
High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Australian Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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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
Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever social needs comparison:
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are a social breed.
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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?
Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Australian Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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?
Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Australian Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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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Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Australian Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most playful?
The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The Australian Shepherd 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 Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
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 Golden Retriever breed in the home.

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

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Australian Shepherd 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: Irish Setter or Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever?
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 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.

Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Australian Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Australian Shepherd: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which handles climate changes best?
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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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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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which has fewer health issues?
The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Australian Shepherd 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?
Average
The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Australian Shepherd 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: Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
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
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

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

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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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 Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 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.

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

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

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Australian Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Feathered Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. 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.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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 Irish Setter or Australian Shepherd or Golden Retriever? Irish Setter or Australian Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

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

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, 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 Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

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

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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. Which is best for SAR work?

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.

Yes

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

Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

Australian Shepherd breed usually doesn't like 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 Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, 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 Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, 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.

Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Australian Shepherd vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. 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 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.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Irish Setter, Australian Shepherd, and Golden Retriever. 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
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

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