Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever

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

Irish Setter
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

35 - 70
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
24 - 27
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
10 - 11 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
Ireland
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
3/5
Better
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
$2,739
Irish Setter
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter
Expense
Golden Retriever
$2,739
Lower ✓
Annual Cost
$2,844
$3,459
Lower ✓
First Year
$3,564
$29,480
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$32,004
$780
Food (annual)
$780
$630
Lower ✓
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$440
Grooming (annual)
$440
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Irish Setter (~11 yrs) costs approximately $2,524 less than a Golden Retriever (~11 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

Irish Setter

Affectionate, Energetic, Lively, Independent, Playful, Companionable, Athletic, Couch, Friendly, Smart, Gentle, Brave, Curious, Funny, Loyal

Golden Retriever

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