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Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Comparison - Dog breed selector: English Collie or Short-Haired Collie or Irish Red Setter? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter" Compare Rough Collie and Smooth Collie. Which is better: Rough Collie or Smooth Collie or Irish Setter?
 
 
 
Name Rough Collie Smooth Collie Irish Setter
OriginsScotland flagScotland Scotland flagScotland Ireland flagIreland
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank4035472
Reviews624
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter breeds.
English Collie
Lassie Dog
Long-Haired Collie
Scottish Collie
Collie
Short-Haired Collie Irish Red Setter
Red Setter
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) Male: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg), Female: 53-65 pounds (24-29 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 55-65 pounds (25-29 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rough Collie or Smooth Collie or Irish Setter? Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter height comparison:
Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm) Male: 24–26 inch (60–66 cm), Female: 22–24 inch (55–61 cm) Male: 26-28 inches (66-71 cm), Female: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 27 inches (68.5 cm), Female: 25 inches (63.5 cm)

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $400-$600 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rough Collie or Smooth Collie or Irish Setter?
Very frequent: The Rough Collie is quite easy to get.
Average: The Smooth Collie is a commonly available dog breed.
Very frequent: The Irish Setter is quite easy to get.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter? Compare temperaments.
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Obedient
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Elegant
Hard working
Herding
Protective
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
Lively
Companionable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Rough Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Sensitive: Smooth Collie 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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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter?
High: Rough Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Smooth Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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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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Social Needs
Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter social needs comparison:
Rough Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Smooth Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Irish Setter dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Rough Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Smooth Collie dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Rough Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Smooth Collie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Irish Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Rough Collie rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Smooth Collie is a vocal breed.
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Low: The Irish Setter barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most playful?
The Rough Collie is a playful breed.
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The Smooth Collie is a playful breed.
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The Irish Setter is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Rough Collie indoors.
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 Smooth Collie indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Irish Setter breed.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Rough Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Smooth Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Irish Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which uses mouth most during play?
Rough Collie dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Smooth Collie dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, 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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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Rough Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Smooth Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Irish Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which breed lives longest?
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Rough Collie: 15 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Smooth Collie: 15 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Irish Setter: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Rough Collie 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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which has fewer health issues?
The Rough Collie is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Smooth Collie 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Rough Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Smooth Collie 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Drug Sensitivity
Collie Eye Anomaly
Gray Collie Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Epilepsy
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Panosteitis
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Canine Leukocyte

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which breed is most active?
Rough Collie dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Smooth Collie dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Irish Setter dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rough Collie or Smooth Collie or Irish Setter? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rough Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Smooth Collie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Irish Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rough Collie or Smooth Collie or Irish Setter?
Rough Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Smooth Collie dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Irish Setter dogs don't need too much sleep.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Rough Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Smooth Collie has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Irish Setter has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which needs most food?
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. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Rough Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Smooth Collie has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Irish Setter has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Rough
Soft
Thick
Straight
Harsh
Furry
Dense
Thick
Flat
Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. 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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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 Rough Collie or Smooth Collie or Irish Setter? Rough Collie or Smooth Collie or {name3 shedding:
Rough Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
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Smooth Collie dogs are heavy shedders.
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Irish Setter dogs shed moderately.
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Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Good With Comparison

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

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which is best suited for service work?

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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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. 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 Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

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

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.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. 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 Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

Smooth Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Irish Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. 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 Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. 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.

Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Which has most puppies?
4-8 puppies 4-8 puppies 7-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. 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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Rough Collie vs Smooth Collie vs Irish Setter Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, and Irish Setter. 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
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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