English Setter vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

English Setter
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

45 - 80
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
24 - 25
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
12 - 14 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
England
Origin
Scotland
Bird setting, retrieving
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
2/5
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
3/5
Better
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,844
English Setter
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
English Setter
Expense
Golden Retriever
$2,844
Annual Cost
$2,844
$3,564
First Year
$3,564
$37,692
Lifetime Total
$32,004
Lower ✓
$780
Food (annual)
$780
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$440
Grooming (annual)
$440
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) costs approximately $5,688 less than a English Setter (~13 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

English Setter

Strong Willed, Mischievous, Affectionate, Energetic, Playful, Companionable, Gentle, Hard-working, Intelligent, Eager, People-Oriented, Funny, Smart, Curious, Friendly

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch