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

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever" Compare Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever. Which is better: Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter Labrador Retriever Golden Retriever
OriginsIreland flagIreland England flagEngland Canada flagCanada Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank7213
Reviews41116
User Ratings

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

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever? Compare adult weight ranges.
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) 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: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever height comparison:
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) 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: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Price and Availability Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which breed ranks highest?
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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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which is easiest to train?
Irish Setter dogs are very easy to train.
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Labrador Retriever 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, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most alert?
Irish Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most protective?
Irish Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
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: Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden 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.
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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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden 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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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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Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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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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Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which breed is most flexible?
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.
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 Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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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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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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, Labrador Retriever, 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever 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
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. What colors are available?
Red
Mahogany
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Golden
Light
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which drools least?
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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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, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever or {name3 shedding:
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which is best with kids?
Irish Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever? Which dog is more friendly?
Irish Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
Irish Setter dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever?
Irish Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden 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.
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
Labrador Retriever 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.
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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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Yes

This breed makes good 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, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

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

Yes

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

Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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, Labrador Retriever, 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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. Which has most puppies?
7-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 5-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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, Labrador Retriever, 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 Labrador Retriever vs Golden Retriever Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers 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, Labrador Retriever, 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
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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