Is the English Setter or the Irish Doodle better for families with children?

Both the English Setter and the Irish Doodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Setter or the Irish Doodle?

The English Setter sheds more than the Irish Doodle. If shedding is a concern, the Irish Doodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the English Setter or the Irish Doodle?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is English Setter or Irish Doodle bigger?

English Setter and Irish Doodle are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, English Setter or Irish Doodle?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, English Setter or Irish Doodle?

For apartment or apartment living, English Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Setter vs Irish Doodle: Which Sheds Less?

English Setter vs Irish Doodle: full comparison

Trait	English Setter	Irish Doodle
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Very Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The English Setter has noticeably higher shedding than the Irish Doodle.

Size and living space

The English Setter is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Irish Doodle is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The English Setter needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Irish Doodle requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The English Setter is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Irish Doodle is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds very little. The Irish Doodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Setter learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Irish Doodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, English Setter shows little guarding drive and treats strangers as friends, whereas Irish Doodle is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Setter and Irish Doodle are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, English Setter has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Irish Doodle has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Irish Doodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Setter if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Irish Doodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Setter or the Irish Doodle better for families with children?: Both the English Setter and the Irish Doodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Setter or the Irish Doodle?: The English Setter sheds more than the Irish Doodle. If shedding is a concern, the Irish Doodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the English Setter or the Irish Doodle?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is English Setter or Irish Doodle bigger?: English Setter and Irish Doodle are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, English Setter or Irish Doodle?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, English Setter or Irish Doodle?: For apartment or apartment living, English Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Setter vs Irish Doodle