Golden Retriever VS Irish Setter: 19 Differences

Goldens and Irish setters are visually alike and share some temperament traits. However, they also have several important distinctions that may affect your choice.

Ask yourself several questions when choosing the breed. How much time are you willing to spend exercising the dog? Is shedding a big problem for you? Are you looking for a family, hunting, or service dog?

Both breeds can become wonderful companions for you and your family, but sometimes, even seemingly minor peculiarities make a significant difference.

Size & Weight

Golden retrievers and Irish setters are both medium-sized dogs. Male golden retrievers range from 22 to 24 inches in height and weigh 65-75 pounds, while females are 21-22.5 inches tall and weigh 55-65 pounds.

Irish setters are slightly taller and leaner. They reach 25-57 inches in height and weigh 60-70 pounds. The general appearance of Irish setters is elegant and athletic, whereas golden retrievers are stockier.

Shedding

If you want a golden retriever, be ready to deal with extreme shedding, particularly in autumn and spring when goldens blow out their thick, fluffy undercoat.

Irish setters also have a double coat, but their undercoat isn’t as dense as that of golden retrievers. They are moderate shedders, so owners have to vacuum the floors and furniture frequently.

Neither of the breeds is hypoallergenic, but this doesn’t mean that they aren’t suitable for people with a dog allergy. A prior visit to a kennel is essential to determine whether fur triggers an allergic reaction.

Personality

Golden retrievers are friendly, outgoing dogs that love everyone, including strangers. They are affectionate and empathetic, so they are excellent dogs for cuddling.

Golden retrievers are exuberant bundles of energy with a curious and courageous nature. These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and genuinely suffer when left alone.

Irish setter temperament traits are similar to those of golden retrievers. They are energetic, eager to please, friendly, and affectionate. However, Irish setters are more independent and might be a better choice for people who are often away.

Child-Friendliness

If you’re looking for a family dog to make company for your children, both golden retriever and Irish setter are valid options. They are loving, gentle, affectionate, and playful dogs that are unlikely to be aggressive towards a child.

However, both breeds are better suited for older children because of their high energy levels.

A golden retriever or Irish setter can unintentionally knock over a baby while playing. Some dogs of these breeds are anxious about loud noises inherent to all children.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers get along with everyone, including other animals. They have a low prey drive and soft bite, so they are generally safe, even for the smallest pets. However, some tension may arise between dogs of the same sex.

Irish setters can also make great playmates for other dogs or cats, but they might perceive birds, rabbits, and other small animals as prey.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers only bark when necessary, and so do Irish setters. Still, like any dog, golden retrievers and Irish setters sometimes use barking for communication or alerting the owner about danger.

A silent dog is an excellent choice for parents of babies and people living in quiet neighborhoods. Such a dog also makes an excellent hunting companion that won’t scare away the prey.

Intelligence & Trainability

According to American Kennel Club and canine researchers, golden retrievers are some of the most intelligent dogs, ranked fourth among 138 breeds participating in the IQ study.

Golden retrievers are significantly more obedient than an average dog and quickly memorize commands. They have exceptional problem-solving skills and can learn by observing human and other dogs’ behavior.

Irish setters were ranked 35th in the same study. They have equally excellent memory and problem-solving skills as goldens, but they are more mischievous and independent. Consequently, training an Irish setter requires more experience.

Common Behavior Problems

Golden retriever and Irish setter share the same behavior problems. Without proper socialization, these dogs may suffer from phobias and separation anxiety. In severe cases, separation anxiety leads to potty accidents.

Under-stimulated goldens and Irish setters may engage in destructive habits, such as chewing on things and digging. The curious and exuberant nature of these breeds often makes them pull on the leash and jump on people.

Exercise Needs

Hunting dogs need plenty of physical activity, and golden retrievers and Irish setters aren’t exceptions. Goldens need at least one hour of exercise daily, and Irish setter exercise needs are even higher – at least two hours daily.

A dog that isn’t getting enough exercise may become mischievous and unresponsive to training. Puppies and senior dogs need less activity.

The exercise duration also depends on its type – for example, swimming is more energy-consuming than walking, so the exercise session can be shorter.

Grooming Needs

Golden retriever and Irish setter owners must establish a grooming routine to maintain the health and beauty of their pet’s coat. Both breeds require brushing several times a week or daily during seasonal shedding phases.

The bathing frequency depends on a dog’s lifestyle, but the general recommendation is to wash a golden retriever or Irish setter once a month.

Shaving isn’t suitable for dogs with a double coat, but feather trimming will make the dog’s fur look neater and prevent tangling.

Lifespan

An Irish setter’s life expectancy is 12-15 years, which is relatively long for dogs of this size. Golden retrievers have a shorter lifespan of 10-12 years because the breed is prone to cancer.

However, there are known cases of golden retrievers living longer than 20 years. A dog’s lifespan largely depends on its diet, lifestyle, and veterinary care.

Health Issues

Golden retrievers are prone to cancer, obesity, skin conditions, progressive retinal atrophy, hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and thyroid disorders. Some of these conditions are inherited and can be avoided with genetic screening.

Goldens often get ear infections because of their ear anatomy and love for swimming, so owners must establish an ear cleaning routine.

Irish setter health problems include epilepsy, dermatitis, canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, pannus, hemophilia, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and persistent right aortic arch. They are rarely obese but, like goldens, can have ear infections.

Price

Golden retrievers and Irish setters lie within the same price range because both breeds are in high demand. The average price of a golden retriever puppy is about $1,500, and Irish setter $1,200.

Show-quality puppies may cost over $3,000, while breeders who don’t yet have an established reputation may sell puppies cheaper than average. Rescue golden retrievers and Irish setters usually cost $250-$500.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

If you’ve never owned a dog before, you may wonder how suitable golden retrievers or Irish setters are for first-time owners.

Golden retrievers are an excellent choice for inexperienced owners ready to invest time in grooming and exercising their dogs.

These dogs are easy to train and rarely aggressive towards strangers. An Irish setter is also a valid option, but these dogs are a bit more free-minded, so it’s important to begin training and socialization early.

Either way, both breeds perform better than an average dog in training and rarely cause problems. The biggest challenge for first-time owners would likely be disciplining themselves to exercise the dog sufficiently.

Suitability for Apartments

The dog’s size doesn’t define whether it can live in an apartment; the temperament does. Golden retrievers and Irish setters are silent dogs, which is beneficial for apartment living.

However, they aren’t couch-type pets. They can only live in an apartment if the owner can provide them with a sufficient amount of exercise.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Both golden retrievers and Irish setters make wonderful service dogs.

Golden retrievers are more popular in this role, but Irish setters are equally obedient, intelligent, and loyal. They are sociable and can enter public places without posing a threat to people around.

These dogs have the optimal size to push a wheelchair, carry grocery bags, and perform other tasks impossible for smaller dogs. They are athletic and can easily walk around the town for the entire day.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers and Irish setters are some of the most loyal dogs that can protect their owner on a walk. However, don’t count on these dogs to protect your property.

Firstly, golden retrievers and Irish setters are too credulous and won’t suspect anything wrong if a stranger approaches them. Secondly, they don’t bark often and therefore don’t appear scary.

Lastly, these dogs aren’t born for outdoor life. They must live indoors, with the family, surrounded by love and affection.

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Hunting is what golden retrievers and Irish setters were initially bred for.

Goldens are meant to retrieve waterfowl and setters to track and chase prey, but they are equally suitable for other hunting applications.

Rarity

Golden retrievers are ranked the third most popular dog breed in the U.S. and are widespread globally.

Irish setters hold the 77th position, so they aren’t as common yet certainly not rare.

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