Golden Retriever VS Red Setter: 19 Differences

Contrary to a common misconception, red setters aren’t the same as Irish setters. This name is typically used for field-type Irish setters that have a few yet important distinctions with the show type.

Red setters and golden retrievers have a lot in common because goldens originated from several breeds, including Irish setters. However, modern goldens are pretty different from their ancestors.

The best dog is one that suits your personality and lifestyle. Both breeds deserve your attention but don’t take the decision lightly because you’re buying a friend for the next 10-15 years.

Size & Weight

Golden retrievers are medium-sized dogs ranging from 21 to 24 inches in height and weighing 55-75 pounds. Females are typically shorter and leaner than males, and English goldens are smaller and stockier than American and Canadian goldens.

Red setters are not to be confused with Irish setters. They are technically the same breed but a different type, primarily used on the field.

Red setters are slightly leaner and smaller than show Irish setters, ranging from 24 to 26 inches in height and weighing 55-65 pounds.

Shedding

Golden retrievers have beautiful coats, but their gorgeous appearance comes at a high price. These dogs are heavy shedders. They shed their long overcoat year-round and blow out their dense undercoat twice a year to adapt to the changing climate.

Red setters also have a double coat, but it isn’t as dense as that of goldens, so they are considered moderate shedders. Like goldens, they have seasonal shedding phases when they drop more hair than usual.

Personality

Golden retrievers are outgoing, exuberant dogs with lively personalities. They are quick to make friends with people and animals and retain their puppy goofiness until old age.

Golden retrievers are confident yet sensitive dogs. They are very attached to their owners and cannot live alone.

Red setters are equally energetic, playful, confident, and curious dogs. They may be a bit impulsive and more alert with strangers than goldens.

Red setters have a higher prey drive than show-type Irish setters but generally have a similar temperament.

Child-Friendliness

Golden retrievers are among the best dog breeds for families with kids. They are gentle, patient, affectionate, and caring. They are good companions for babies but even better for older children who can play with the dog.

Red setter temperament is similar to golden retrievers’, so they can also become best buddies with kids. However, red setters may be too exuberant for young children and can get jealous of the owner’s attention.

Pet-Friendliness

Golden retrievers and red setters are both a good choice for households with other pets. They get along with other dogs, cats, and rodents. However, red field setters may sometimes chase smaller pets because they are hunters.

Both breeds are better companions for equally exuberant dogs. Old or calm dogs may be frustrated by golden retriever or red setter bursting energy.

Barking Level

Golden retrievers and red setters only bark when necessary – for example, when they sense danger or are very excited. However, each dog is unique; some dogs may bark more than expected from their breed.

Intelligence & Trainability

Golden retrievers are in the top five of the most intelligent and trainable dogs. According to canine researchers Stanley Coren, they can memorize commands from an average of five repetitions and have a 95% obedience rate.

Goldens can resolve complex problems demanding non-standard thinking and effectively communicate with people.

Irish setters in general and red field setters, in particular, are considered above-average intelligent, ranking 35th among 138 participants. They have about a 70% obedience rate and memorize commands from 15 to 25 repetitions.

Common Behavior Problems

The difference in golden retriever vs. red setter behavior isn’t significant. The breeds share some widespread problems, including separation anxiety, noise phobias, destructive behavior involving chewing and digging, pulling on the leash, and jumping on people.

These dogs are rarely aggressive and can’t be called stubborn. Red setters sometimes chase smaller animals or kids because running triggers their hunting instincts.

Exercise Needs

Golden retrievers are high-energy dogs that need at least an hour of physical activity daily. Puppies and old dogs need less exercise. The exercise duration may depend on how energy-consuming it is.

According to American Kennel Club, all setter breeds need more than two hours of exercise daily. They may become mischievous and destructive without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation. Red setters love running loose and swimming.

Grooming Needs

Golden retriever and red setter grooming needs don’t differ much. Both breeds need daily brushing to prevent tangling and mat formation. Bathing frequency depends on a dog’s lifestyle, but the general recommendation is to wash the dog every four weeks.

Setters and goldens don’t need haircuts, and shaving can damage their coat. However, feather trimming will keep the fur off the ground and prevent tangling.

Lifespan

Golden retrievers live for 10-12 years on average, although some dogs are known to live over 15 years, and the longest-living golden was 21 years old. Red setters have a slightly longer lifespan of 12-15 years.

Health Issues

Golden retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism.

Because the breed is highly food motivated and many owners fail to provide their dogs with sufficient exercise, many goldens become obese.

Cancer is the primary offender and the most common cause of death in golden retrievers. Over 60% of goldens get cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Red setters are also susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Like all dogs with drop ears that love swimming, they are at an increased risk of ear infections.

Some of these conditions, such as hip dysplasia, can be ruled out with genetic testing, but most cannot be predicted or prevented.

Price

Golden retriever puppies with a complete document package cost $1,000-$3,000 on average, although show-quality puppies may cost significantly more. The high price results from the immense demand for the breed.

Red setters are nearly twice cheaper – you can find a great puppy for $800-$1,200. Most red setters are registered as Irish setters (which they are) in the American Kennel Club.

However, some red setters are crossbreeds and cannot be registered, which affects the price. Such puppies may be available for under $600.

Suitability for Inexperienced Dog Owners

The difference between golden retriever vs. red setter for first-time owners is insignificant. Both breeds are affectionate, gentle with kids, highly trainable, and rarely have serious behavior problems.

Goldens may be slightly easier to handle because setters are more free-minded, but they’re still more obedient than an average dog. However, the owner must be ready to provide the dog with enough exercise.

Suitability for Apartments

Many people considering buying a golden retriever or red setter wonder whether large dogs can live in apartments. Sometimes, people have to give up their dreams because of their living conditions, but it’s not the case.

Golden retrievers and red setters don’t need a lot of space as long as they get enough exercise outdoors. The apartment should be located within walking distance of a park or another place the dog can run freely.

Suitability as Service Dogs

Golden retrievers are among the best service dogs. They don’t pose a threat to strangers because of their low prey drive and lovely temperament. Furthermore, goldens are highly obedient and loyal, so they will do anything for their favorite human.

Red setters may be a bit too energetic for service dogs, but otherwise, they are perfect candidates for the role. Because of their sensitive, affectionate nature, they are ideal therapy or emotional support dogs.

Both breeds are physically capable of helping people with mobility issues and walking around the town for the entire day because they have high stamina.

Suitability as Guard or Protection Dogs

Golden retrievers and red setters will never let someone hurt their owner because they are courageous and loyal. However, do not count on these dogs to protect your property.

Goldens and setters are too gullible and friendly, so they are more likely to let an intruder pet them than attack them. In the best-case scenario, they may alarm bark.

Suitability as Hunting Dogs

Golden retrievers and red setters are natural-born hunters, but field setters may be a better choice for the role because modern show-type goldens are too goofy, sensitive, and have lower stamina.

Red setters can be used as all-around hunting dogs. They excel at tracking, chasing, and retrieving, thanks to their super speed, wonderful temperament, and fantastic sense of smell.

Golden retrievers are excellent for tracking and retrieving but have a low prey drive for chasing animals.

Rarity

Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. The popularity of red setters is difficult to evaluate because they aren’t recognized as a distinct breed by the American Kennel Club.

Irish setters are widespread, but how many of them are field type is questionable. Furthermore, some red setters are a mix of an Irish setter and another breed.

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