Is a English Setter or Irish Setter better for families with kids?

The English Setter and Irish Setter score equally well with families — either can be a great choice with the right training.

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

The English Setter and Irish Setter are equally trainable — both respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training.

English Setter vs Irish Setter

Q: What is the difference between a English Setter and a Irish Setter?

The English Setter and Irish Setter differ across several key traits. Overall, English Setter wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs. See the full side-by-side comparison above for size, shedding, trainability, energy, and family fit.

A side-by-side comparison of the English Setter and Irish Setter across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.

English Setter

Irish Setter

Verdict

Overall, English Setter wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

English Setter

3 wins

Irish Setter

0 wins

More family-friendly

These breeds score equally well with families.

Tie

Lower maintenance

English Setter sheds less and needs less grooming overall.

✓English Setter

Longer-lived

These breeds have a similar expected lifespan.

Tie

Calmer

English Setter is generally more relaxed and lower-energy.

✓English Setter

Quieter

English Setter tends to bark less.

✓English Setter

More trainable

These breeds are equally trainable.

Tie

Side-by-side comparison

Breed	Size	Weight	Height	Lifespan	Energy	Shedding	Grooming	Trainable	Affection	Barking	Kids	Dogs	Cats	Apartment	First-timers	Low-allergen
English Setter	Large	55–66 lb	24–25 in	12–13 yr							✓	✓	—	—	✓	—
Irish Setter	Giant	60–71 lb	25–27 in	12–13 yr							✓	✓	—	—	—	—

Helpful tools for these breeds

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Find the right crate dimensions from your dog’s height and length, with crate recommendations.

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Dog Harness Size Calculator

Turn your dog’s chest and neck measurements into the correct harness size.

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English Setter vs Irish Setter: which is right for you?

The English Setter and Irish Setter are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.

Overall, English Setter wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

Learn more

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