Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever: An In-Depth Comparison

As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m fascinated by the unique characteristics of different breeds. Two of my personal favorites are the Irish Setter and Golden Retriever – a pair of friendly, active gundogs that have captured the hearts of millions. While they have some key traits in common, there‘s also a lot that sets them apart.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll do a deep dive comparison of Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers, looking at everything from their history and physical traits to their temperament, exercise needs, trainability, and more. I‘ll share ample statistics, studies and expert insights along with my own experiences and anecdotes, so you can get to know these remarkable breeds on a deeper level. Whether you‘re trying to decide which one to welcome into your family or are simply curious to learn more, read on!

Breed Origins & History

Irish Setter

The Irish Setter‘s roots trace back to 18th century Ireland, where it was meticulously bred to be the ultimate bird dog. Nimble, athletic, and blessed with a keen nose, it excelled at coursing game across the rugged Irish countryside, often in partnership with its close relative the Irish Red and White Setter. According to Irish Setter historian and author Mary Roslin Williams, the solid red color of the Irish Setter‘s coat was a 19th century development, with selective breeding for the hue beginning around 1812.

The Irish Setter‘s popularity spread across the pond in the mid-1800s, after being imported to the US as both a talented gundog and striking showpiece. It was one of the first 9 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club upon its founding in 1884.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever‘s story began in the Scottish Highlands in 1864, when Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, purchased a yellow-coated retriever named Nous from a cobbler. Over the next several decades, Marjoribanks carefully developed the breed as the ultimate hunting companion – tireless, powerful, intelligent and capable of retrieving downed fowl from both land and water.

Early Golden Retrievers were not always golden, with colors ranging from light cream to burnished copper. It was not until 1906 when a standard for "Retriever – Yellow or Golden" was drawn up by the UK Kennel Club. The breed arrived in the US shortly after and was recognized by the AKC in 1925. The rest, as they say, is history – with the Golden rising meteorically from 38th most popular breed in 1958 to a spot in the top 5 every year since 1991.

Popularity

The Golden Retriever has consistently ranked as one of America‘s most beloved breeds. According to AKC registration statistics, it has held a spot in the top 5 most popular breeds every single year since 1991, peaking at #2 for five consecutive years from 1996-2000. As of 2021, it sits at #3 out of 197 recognized breeds.

The Irish Setter, while still well-loved, is somewhat less prevalent. It peaked in the 1970s amidst a surge of popularity after President Richard Nixon‘s Irish Setter, King Timahoe, was frequently photographed with the president. In 1974, the breed reached its highest rank of 23rd. As of 2021, it holds the rank of 77th.

Source: American Kennel Club registration statistics

Physical Characteristics

Both Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers are large, athletic dogs that were built for hunting. But they do have their share of physical differences.

Irish Setters are a bit taller and leaner, with males standing 25-27" and females 23-25" at the shoulder. They typically weigh 60-70 pounds and 50-60 pounds respectively. One of the Irish‘s most distinctive features is its long, lean head with a tapering muzzle and almond-shaped eyes that sparkle with mischief. The breed‘s hallmark is its rich mahogany or chestnut red coat, which is long, silky and wavy with ample feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail.

Golden Retrievers, in contrast, are slightly shorter but stockier in build. Males stand 23-24 inches and weigh 65-75 pounds, while females stand 21.5-22.5 inches and weigh 55-65 pounds. They have a broader, more muscular body and a wider, more rounded head with small drop ears. Their dense double coat comes in various shades of gold, from light cream to deep reddish-gold, with moderate feathering.

One thing both breeds have in common is ample shedding. Golden Retrievers "shed with a vengeance," according to certified pet groomer Betty Veitch, who recommends brushing them daily and using an undercoat rake during shedding season. Irish Setters shed somewhat less but still require weekly brushing (and more during shedding season) to keep their long coat free of tangles.

Temperament

Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers may look quite different, but when it comes to personality, they‘re more alike than you might think. Both breeds are famously friendly, outgoing and eager to please, with a zest for life that is downright contagious.

That said, there are some nuanced differences. Irish Setters are a bit more of the inquisitive, independent adventurer, likely to follow their nose and chase after anything that catches their eye. They are also major clowns that retain a puppy-like playfulness and sense of mischief well into adulthood – a trait I can attest to firsthand, having treated multiple Irish Setters that thought it a grand game to steal and gleefully eviscerate their owners‘ pillows. This lighthearted nature is the essence of the breed‘s charm, but it also means they need plenty of patience and positive reinforcement in training.

Golden Retrievers, in contrast, tend to be more biddable and serious-minded in their work. They live to serve and aim to please, with the kind of stable, dependable temperament that makes them such popular service and therapy dogs. Granted, they still have an exuberant streak, especially as puppies – I swear, at one point in vet school it seemed like half my classmates had young Goldens constantly spilling out of their cars and pouncing on everyone in sight. But in general, they tend to mature and settle somewhat faster than Irish Setters.

Both breeds are deeply affectionate with their families and trustworthy with children, although Goldens are often considered the ultimate child-friendly dog thanks to their exceptional patience, gentleness and stability. According to a study of children‘s interactions with different breeds, kids tended to hug and pet Golden Retrievers far more than Irish Setters. The Goldens responded to this attention with friendly, submissive behaviors like licking and tail wagging, while Irish Setters more often stayed aloof or moved away.

Exercise & Activity Level

If you‘re looking for a canine couch potato, neither of these breeds are it. Both Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers are athletic, energetic dogs that were bred to work long days in the field and need ample exercise to stay happy and healthy.

For an Irish Setter, that means a bare minimum of 1-2 hours per day of vigorous activity, and preferably more. These dogs are speed demons that live to run, with some clocked at up to 30 miles per hour. They‘ll be miserable and destructive if cooped up – I can‘t tell you how many Irish Setters I‘ve seen for ingesting socks, boxes, remote controls and other contraband as a result of under-stimulation.

Mental exercise is just as important as physical for this clever, inquisitive breed. Irish Setters need plenty of opportunities to put their busy brains to work, whether it‘s learning new tricks, solving puzzle toys or training for dog sports. They especially excel in anything that lets them use their powerful nose, like trick training and field trials.

Golden Retrievers are similarly active, although they have a bit more of an "off switch" and can adapt to somewhat less extreme exercise than Irish Setters. Aim to give them at least an hour of moderate to vigorous exercise per day, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, hiking and fetching.

Many Goldens are superstar athletes in their own right, excelling in everything from agility and obedience to dock diving. I‘ve known several that have racked up long strings of titles, and a few that even held high jump records. One key to channeling their energy is to give them a job that engages both their body and mind, whether it‘s formal hunting, search and rescue work, service dog duties or a canine sport.

Trainability

Another trait Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers share is high intelligence – but how that translates to trainability can vary.

Irish Setters are smart as a whip, but also independent, strong-willed and easily distracted. They can pick up new commands in a flash when they feel like it, but getting them to obey consistently is another story. As Irish Setter training expert Adelene Pardo puts it, "Irish Setters have a hard time staying focused. They get bored easily and are too smart for their own good."

The key is to start training early and keep sessions positive, fun and fast-paced. Aim for frequency over duration – multiple 5 minute sessions per day will get you farther than an hour-long slog. Irish Setters are also highly food motivated, so be sure to use plenty of tasty, high-value treats. Above all, have patience and a sense of humor. Progress may come in fits and starts, and adolescence can be a humbling time, but if you stay consistent your Irish will grow into a well-mannered companion.

Golden Retrievers, true to their people-pleasing nature, are famously easy to train. They are attentive, eager to learn and quick to pick up new skills. According to a survey of obedience trial competitors, Goldens are the #1 easiest breed to train, thanks to their blend of intelligence and tractability.

Goldens do best with reward-based methods and positive reinforcement. Start teaching basic manners early and be sure to include the whole family in training for consistency. Like Irish Setters, Goldens can get bored with too much repetition, so keep sessions short and fun. They especially love training that involves working closely with their person, like heeling, scent work and retrieves.

While easier to train than Irish Setters on average, Goldens still need clear, consistent boundaries and leadership to reach their full potential. Even this biddable breed can develop stubborn, pushy behaviors if allowed to call the shots. Be firm yet fair, and show your Golden what you expect from day one.

Health & Longevity

One area where Irish Setters hold a clear advantage is health and longevity. While both breeds are generally healthy, Irish Setters have an average lifespan of 12-15 years compared to 10-12 years for Golden Retrievers. According to a survey of 15 popular American Kennel Club breeds, Irish Setters have the 6th longest average lifespan at 12.2 years, while Golden Retrievers rank 11th at 10.6 years.

Some of the most common health problems seen in Irish Setters include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, bloat and epilepsy. Most reputable breeders screen for these conditions, so be sure to ask about the health history of your puppy‘s parents and grandparents.

Golden Retrievers, unfortunately, are more prone to health woes. Some of the biggest concerns are hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders like cataracts and glaucoma, heart problems, skin issues and endocrine disorders. But the most devastating is cancer, which claims the lives of over 60% of the breed. One 1998 study found that Goldens have the highest rates of cancer of any breed, at 42% compared with an overall canine rate of 27%.

The specific cancers that Goldens get most often are hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma. While no one knows exactly why the breed is so cancer-prone, a 1994 study suggests inbreeding may play a role, with a genetic coefficient value of 26.2% in Goldens compared to 6.5% in Irish Setters.

To stack the deck in favor of a healthy puppy, choose a responsible breeder who does thorough health screenings and can provide proof of clearances for problems like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye disorders and heart disease. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise and regular vet checkups can also go a long way toward warding off disease.

Which Breed is Right For You?

Both Irish Setters and Golden Retrievers can make wonderful companions for the right person or family. In general, an Irish Setter may be the better choice if you:

• Lead a highly active lifestyle and want an energetic, indefatigable running buddy
• Have plenty of time and space for long daily romps and outdoor adventures
• Love the mischievous, class clown personality
• Don‘t mind a bit of an independent streak and slower maturity process
• Prefer a lean, elegant build and flashy red coat

On the flip side, a Golden Retriever may be the better fit if you:

• Want the ultimate family dog that adores kids and gets along with everyone
• Have a somewhat less extreme activity level (although still active)
• Value an eager-to-please, easy-to-train nature
• Need a versatile working dog for hunting, therapy, service or search and rescue
• Can commit to staying on top of health screenings and wellness care

Whichever breed you choose, know that you‘re getting a trustworthy, loving companion that will be steadfastly devoted to you. Do right by them with plenty of love, care, structure and enrichment, and you‘ll enjoy many years of laughter, adventure and loyal friendship.