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Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Comparison - Dog breed selector: Irish Red Setter or Sheepdog or Old Farm Collie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie" Compare Irish Setter and Border Collie. Which is better: Irish Setter or Border Collie or Scotch Collie?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter Border Collie Scotch Collie
OriginsIreland flagIreland England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank7238500
Reviews4130
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie breeds.
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Old Farm Collie
Scottish Collie
Farm Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg) Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg) Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or Border Collie or Scotch Collie? Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm) Male: 21-24 inches (53-61 cm), 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: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) Male: 22.5 inches (57 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $700-$900
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Setter or Border Collie or Scotch Collie?
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Gentle
Social
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: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Scotch Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie?
High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Scotch Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie social needs comparison:
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Scotch Collie 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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Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Scotch Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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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Border Collie 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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Scotch Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Scotch Collie is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which breed is most playful?
The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
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The Scotch Collie is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie 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 Scotch Collie indoors.

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Scotch Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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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Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Scotch Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Scotch Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Scotch Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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 Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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 Border Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Scotch Collie 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 Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Scotch Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
No data available

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Scotch Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. What colors are available?
Red
Mahogany
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
White
Sable
Blue & Merle
Black & White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The Scotch Collie requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which drools least?
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Scotch Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Scotch Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Dense
Thick
Flat
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Setter or Border Collie or Scotch Collie? Irish Setter or Border Collie or {name3 shedding:
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
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Scotch Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
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Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Good With Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Border Collie vs Scotch Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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 Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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 Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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 Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Scotch Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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.
See more.

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, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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 Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. Which has most puppies?
7-10 puppies 4-8 puppies 8-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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 Border Collie vs Scotch Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Irish Setter, Border Collie, and Scotch Collie. 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.
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association
Dog Registry of America Inc.

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