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Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Comparison – Which dog is better Irish Red Setter or Lab?

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever" Compare Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter Labrador Retriever
OriginsIreland flagIreland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank721
Reviews411
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. What other names are these breeds known by?
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Lab
Labrador
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Irish Setter and a Labrador Retriever. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Irish Setter and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever? Is an Irish Setter taller than a Labrador Retriever?
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Irish Setter and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $1000-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever?
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Irish Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare training requirements.
Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare alertness levels.
Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare territorial behaviors.
Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
See more.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Irish Setter and a Labrador Retriever. How do their temperaments differ?
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever?
High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
Social Needs
Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever social needs comparison:
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever?
Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever? Which can be better for hunting?
Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare play drive and energy.
The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare living space needs.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare adaptability levels.
Irish Setter dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever?
Irish Setter dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Irish Setter dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare climate tolerances.
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.
See more.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Irish Setter and a Labrador Retriever. Which breed is healthier?
The Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Labrador Retriever 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: Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever?
Average
The Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare daily food needs.
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever? Compare breed colors.
Red
Mahogany
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maintenance needs.
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare drooling amounts.
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare natural smell levels.

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Irish Setter and a Labrador Retriever? Compare fur types.
Fine Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever? Do Irish Setter dogs shed more than Labrador Retriever dogs?
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare kid-friendliness.
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever?
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever? Can an Irish Setter and a Labrador Retriever be friends? Do Irish Setter dogs get along with Labrador Retriever dogs?
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever?
Yes
Irish Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare service capabilities.

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
Which is better for therapy work: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare therapy capabilities.

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
Which is better at detection work: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare scenting abilities.

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
Which is better for search and rescue: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare SAR abilities.

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
Which is better on boats: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare maritime abilities.

Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Irish Setter or a Labrador Retriever? Compare draft work capabilities.

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 history between Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which has stronger military background?

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 Labrador Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which has larger litters?
7-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which needs longer recovery?

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 Labrador Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which groups are they in?
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 kennel club recognition between Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which is more widely recognized?
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
Canadian Canine Registry

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