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

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

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

The English Setter and Irish Setter shed a similar amount (high).

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

The English Setter is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is English Setter or Irish Setter bigger?

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

Which barks more, English Setter or Irish Setter?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

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

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

English Setter vs Irish Setter: Which Is Calmer?

English Setter vs Irish Setter: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The English Setter is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Irish Setter is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. 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 demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Irish Setter is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. 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 leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Irish Setter is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Setter learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Irish Setter trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, English Setter has almost no watchdog instinct and welcomes everyone, whereas Irish Setter has almost no watchdog instinct and welcomes everyone.

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 Setter 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, English Setter and Irish Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, English Setter and Irish Setter are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Setter if you want an easier dog to train or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the Irish Setter if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Setter or the Irish Setter better for families with children?: Both the English Setter and the Irish Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Setter or the Irish Setter?: The English Setter and Irish Setter shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the English Setter or the Irish Setter?: The English Setter is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is English Setter or Irish Setter bigger?: English Setter and Irish Setter are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, English Setter or Irish Setter?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, English Setter or Irish Setter?: For apartment or apartment living, English Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Setter vs Irish Setter