Is the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Irish Setter better for families with children?

Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the Irish Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Irish Setter?

The Flat-Coated Retriever and Irish Setter shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the Irish Setter?

The Flat-Coated Retriever is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Flat-Coated Retriever or Irish Setter bigger?

Flat-Coated Retriever and Irish Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Flat-Coated Retriever or Irish Setter?

Flat-Coated Retriever tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Irish Setter is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Flat-Coated Retriever or Irish Setter?

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

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Irish Setter: Easier to Groom?

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Irish Setter: full comparison

Trait	Flat-Coated Retriever	Irish Setter
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Medium	Very High
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Very Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	10 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Irish Setter has noticeably higher grooming than the Flat-Coated Retriever.

Size and living space

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Irish Setter is a large 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 Flat-Coated Retriever is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Irish Setter is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Flat-Coated Retriever wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Irish Setter is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Flat-Coated Retriever learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Irish Setter trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Flat-Coated Retriever shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Irish Setter has almost no watchdog instinct and welcomes everyone.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Flat-Coated Retriever if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Irish Setter if you want a longer-lived breed or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Flat-Coated Retriever vs Irish Setter