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Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Irish Red Setter or Bjelkier or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Irish Setter and Samoyed. Which is better: Irish Setter or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Irish Setter Samoyed Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsIreland flagIreland Russia flagRussia Scotland flagScotland
Group Gun Dog Sled Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank725724
Reviews4166
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Bjelkier
Nenetskaya Laika
Sammy
Samoiedskaya Sobaka
Smiley
Samoyedskaya
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Large Medium Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) Male: 45-65 pounds (20.5-30 kg), Female: 35-50 pounds (16-20.5 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 55 pounds (25 kg), Female: 42.5 pounds (19 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Irish Setter or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (53-60 cm), Female: 19-21 inches (48-53 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) Male: 21-23.5 inches (56.5 cm), Female: 20 inches (50.5 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$1000 $1200-$1500 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Irish Setter or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Samoyed is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Playful
Stubborn
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Lively
Sociable
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
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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Samoyed dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog 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 Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Samoyed dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Samoyed dogs are a social breed.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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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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The wanderlust potential of the Samoyed is strong enough to escape from home.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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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Samoyed dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Shetland Sheepdog 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 Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Average: The Samoyed barks occasionally.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Samoyeds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Samoyed indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Samoyed bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Samoyed: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 cold weather
The Samoyed can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Samoyed is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Samoyed should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog 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 Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Diabetes
Pulmonic Stenosis
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Samoyed's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 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. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available?
Red
Mahogany
Cream
White
Biscuit
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Advanced: The Irish Setter requires a lot of grooming.
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Advanced: The Samoyed requires a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The Irish Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Samoyed is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Samoyed has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Dense Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Irish Setter or Samoyed or Shetland Sheepdog? Irish Setter or Samoyed or {name3 shedding:
Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Samoyed dogs are heavy shedders.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

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

Irish Setter vs Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

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

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

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Samoyed vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

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

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Nordic Sledge Dogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Irish Setter, Samoyed, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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
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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