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Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Comparison - Dog breed selector: Irish Red Setter or Daredevil or Bog Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Irish Setter and Irish Terrier. Which is better: Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel
OriginsIreland flagIreland Ireland flagIreland Ireland flagIreland
Group Gun Dog Hunting Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank72114164
Reviews421
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel breeds.
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Daredevil
Irish Red Terrier
Bog Dog
Rat Tail Spaniel
Shannon Spaniel
Whiptail
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) 25-27 pounds (11-12 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 26 pounds (11.5 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel? Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) 18 inches (43 cm) 20-23 inches (51-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) 18 inches (43 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $600-$800 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel?
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Irish Terrier is easier than average to get.
Frequent: The Irish Water Spaniel is easier than average to get.

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Very smart: Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?
Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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Irish Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?
Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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Irish Terrier dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?
Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Irish Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs are average defenders.
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Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Protective
Intelligent
Dominant
Lively
Trainable
Respectful
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
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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Irish Terrier dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel?
High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Irish Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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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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Irish Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Irish Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Average: The Irish Terrier barks occasionally.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?
The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The Irish Terrier is a playful breed.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Terrier indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Irish Water Spaniel breed in the home.

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Water Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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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Irish Terrier dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Terrier bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Irish Terrier: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Terrier 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 Irish Water Spaniel can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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.
Irish Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Irish Water Spaniels 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.
Frequent
The Irish Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Irish Water Spaniel 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 Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
No data available No data available

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Water Spaniel has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. What colors are available?
Red
Mahogany
Red
Wheaten
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Irish Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Irish Water Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which drools least?
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Irish Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Irish Water Spaniel is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Wiry
Straight
Dense
Curly
Tight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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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8-12 weeks
Very 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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel? Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
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Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best with kids?
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel 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.
Irish Terrier dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel?
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Setter or Irish Terrier or Irish Water Spaniel?
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Irish Water Spaniel dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Yes
Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Irish Water Spaniel 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
Irish Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Irish Water Spaniel 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.
Irish Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Irish Water Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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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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, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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.

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, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

Irish Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
7-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 4-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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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Irish Setter vs Irish Terrier vs Irish Water Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Terriers group, in the Large and medium sized Terriers section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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
No data available No data available

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