Is the Frisian Water Dog or the Irish Red and White Setter better for families with children?

Both the Frisian Water Dog and the Irish Red and White Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Frisian Water Dog or the Irish Red and White Setter?

The Irish Red and White Setter sheds more than the Frisian Water Dog. If shedding is a concern, the Frisian Water Dog is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Frisian Water Dog or the Irish Red and White Setter?

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

Is Frisian Water Dog or Irish Red and White Setter bigger?

Frisian Water Dog and Irish Red and White Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Frisian Water Dog or Irish Red and White Setter?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Frisian Water Dog or Irish Red and White Setter?

For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Frisian Water Dog vs Irish Red and White Setter: Sheds Less?

Frisian Water Dog vs Irish Red and White Setter: full comparison

Trait	Frisian Water Dog	Irish Red and White Setter
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	High	Very High
Shedding	Low	High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Irish Red and White Setter has noticeably higher shedding than the Frisian Water Dog.

Size and living space

The Frisian Water Dog is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Irish Red and White Setter is a large and powerful breed 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 Frisian Water Dog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Irish Red and White 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 Frisian Water Dog needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops very little hair. The Irish Red and White Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Frisian Water Dog 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 Frisian Water Dog learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The Irish Red and White Setter learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Frisian Water Dog is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Irish Red and White Setter is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Frisian Water Dog and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Frisian Water Dog and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Frisian Water Dog and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Frisian Water Dog if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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

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Frequently asked questions

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

Frisian Water Dog vs Irish Red and White Setter