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Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Laverack or Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer" Compare Labrador Retriever and English Setter. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever English Setter German Shorthaired Pointer
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Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank19510
Reviews1135
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer breeds.
Lab
Labrador
Laverack
Llewellin Setter
Lawerack
Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund
Kurzhaar
Deutsch Kurzhaar
GSP Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) Male: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer? Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) Male: 23-25 inches (59-64 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 24 inches (61.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1000-$2000 $400-$600 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The English Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shorthaired Pointer is quite easy to get.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The English Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is easiest to train?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train.
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English Setter dogs are easy to train.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most alert?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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English Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most protective?
Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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English Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average defenders.
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Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Energetic
Intelligent
Gentle
Strong
Willed
Mischievous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Trainable
Bold
Cooperative
Boisterous
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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: Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: English Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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English Setter dogs are a social breed.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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English Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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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English Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most vocal?
Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally.
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Average to High: The English Setter is a vocal breed.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most playful?
The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The English Setter is a playful breed.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Setter breed.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the German Shorthaired Pointer breed.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most flexible?
Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: English Setter dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
English Setter 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.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The English Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which uses mouth most during play?
Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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English Setter dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shorthaired Pointer bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of English Setter: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The English 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 warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has fewer health issues?
The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The English Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shorthaired Pointers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The English Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shorthaired Pointer 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: Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Ear Infections
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
Acute Moist Dermatitis
Cold Tail
Myopathy
No data available Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Entropion
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cardiomyopathy
Pannus
Gastric Torsion
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Lymphedema

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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High: The English Setter breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 4 to 5 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.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. What colors are available?
Black
Yellow
Chocolate
Tan
Blue
Orange
Tricolor
Liver
Lemon
Belton
Black
White
Liver
Roan
Copper
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The English Setter requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The German Shorthaired Pointer requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which drools least?
The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler.
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The English Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The English Setter has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Feathered Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer? Labrador Retriever or English Setter or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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English Setter dogs shed moderately.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs shed moderately.
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Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best with kids?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
English Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
English Setter dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which dog is more friendly?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
English Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
English Setter dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or English Setter or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
English Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
Yes
Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
English Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
English Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shorthaired Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
English Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shorthaired Pointers are usually recommended for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. 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 Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

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

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

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

German Shorthaired Pointer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. 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 Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. 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.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 4-6 puppies 7-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. 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.

Labrador Retriever vs English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, English Setter, and German Shorthaired Pointer. 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
Unknown American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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