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

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel" Compare Labrador Retriever and Irish Setter. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or Irish Water Spaniel?
 
 
 
Name Labrador Retriever Irish Setter Irish Water Spaniel
OriginsEngland flagEngland Canada flagCanada Ireland flagIreland Ireland flagIreland
Group Gun Dog Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank172164
Reviews1141
User Ratings

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

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg) 45-65 pounds (20-30 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: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel height comparison:
Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm) 20-23 inches (51-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm) 21.5 inches (54.5 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Loving
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Loyal
Gentle
Going
Social
Cheerful
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Active
Clownish
Alert
Intelligent
Quick
Inquisitive
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 Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel?
Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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High: Irish Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Irish Water Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel social needs comparison:
Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Irish Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
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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Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Water Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Water Spaniel: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Water Spaniel 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 Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Irish Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Irish Water Spaniels 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 Irish Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Irish Water Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel 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
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte
No data available

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

High 🔼

The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Irish Water Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Waterproof
Hard
Short
Fine Dense
Curly
Tight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or Irish Water Spaniel? Labrador Retriever or Irish Setter or {name3 shedding:
Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Irish Water Spaniel dogs shed none to minimal.
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Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Good With Comparison

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

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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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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, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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.

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 Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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.

Not really

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

Yes

Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Water Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most puppies?
5-10 puppies 7-10 puppies 4-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Irish Setter vs Irish Water Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Irish Water Spaniel. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
No data available

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