What is the difference between English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter?

When comparing English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter, there are several differences in size, temperament, grooming needs, and other characteristics. See the detailed comparison table above for specifics.

Which is better: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

The "better" breed depends on your lifestyle and needs. Both breeds have their unique advantages and characteristics. Consider your living situation, activity level, and family circumstances when making your decision.

English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Overall Winner

English Springer Spaniel

5/6

Common Names & Aliases

Compare different names used for English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. What other names are these breeds known by?

Springer Spaniel

Irish Red SetterRed Setter

Breed Classification

Compare breed classifications between an English Springer Spaniel and an Irish Setter. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.

Purebred

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Size Classification

Which is bigger: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare size differences between these breeds.

Medium

Large

Weight Statistics

Compare weight ranges between an English Springer Spaniel and an Irish Setter. Which breed is heavier?

Male: 20-25 kgFemale: 18-23 kg

Male: 29-34 kgFemale: 25-29 kg

Average Weight

Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?

Male: 22.7 kgFemale: 20.4 kg

Male: 31.8 kgFemale: 27.2 kg

Height

Which is taller, English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter? Is an English Springer Spaniel taller than an Irish Setter?

Male: 48-56 cmFemale: 46-51 cm

Male: 66-71 cmFemale: 61-66 cm

Average Height

Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?

Male: 52 cmFemale: 48.5 cm

Male: 68.5 cmFemale: 63.5 cm

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Intelligence Rating

Which breed scores better for intelligence rating: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4.5/5Top Pick

4/5

Verdict: English Springer Spaniel performs best for intelligence rating, with a rating of 4.5/5, while Irish Setter, scoring lower at 4/5.

Watchdog Rating

Which breed scores better for watchdog rating: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for watchdog rating (3/5).

Training Difficulty

Which breed scores better for training difficulty: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Irish Setter performs best for training difficulty, with a perfect score of 5/5, while English Springer Spaniel, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Territorial Protection

Which breed scores better for territorial protection: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

3/5Top Pick

2/5

Verdict: English Springer Spaniel performs best for territorial protection, with a rating of 3/5, while Irish Setter, scoring slightly lower at 2/5.

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Price Range

Compare puppy prices between an English Springer Spaniel and an Irish Setter. Which breed costs more?

💵$700-$800

💵$800-$1000

Availability

Which breed is easier to get: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest availability rating of 5/5.

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Personality Traits

Compare personalities of an English Springer Spaniel and an Irish Setter. How do their temperaments differ?

AffectionateCheerfulIntelligentSocialAlertEnergeticPlayful

AffectionateEnergeticLivelyIntelligentCompanionableIndependentPlayful

Sensitivity Level

Which breed scores better for sensitivity level: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for sensitivity level (4/5).

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Which breed scores better for impulse to wander or roam: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Irish Setter performs best for impulse to wander or roam, with a perfect score of 5/5, while English Springer Spaniel, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Prey Drive

Which breed scores better for prey drive: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for prey drive (5/5).

Affection Level

Which breed scores better for affection level: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for affection level (5/5).

Social Needs

Which breed scores better for social needs: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Irish Setter performs best for social needs, with a perfect score of 5/5, while English Springer Spaniel, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Barking Frequency

Which breed scores better for barking frequency: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

3/5Top Pick

1/5

Verdict: English Springer Spaniel performs best for barking frequency, with a rating of 3/5, while Irish Setter, scoring lower at 1/5.

Playful Nature

Which breed scores better for playful nature: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for playful nature (5/5).

Apartment Adaptability

Which breed scores better for apartment adaptability: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

1/5

Verdict: English Springer Spaniel performs best for apartment adaptability, with a perfect score of 5/5, while Irish Setter, scoring lower at 1/5.

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Lifestyle Adaptability

Which breed scores better for lifestyle adaptability: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for lifestyle adaptability (5/5).

Alone Time Tolerance

Which handles being alone better: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare separation anxiety tendencies.

⚠️Low

❌Very Low

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Bite Risk Assessment

Which has lower bite risk: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare biting tendencies.

🟢Low

Mouthing Tendency

Which breed scores better for mouthing tendency: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Irish Setter performs best for mouthing tendency, with a perfect score of 5/5, while English Springer Spaniel, scoring lower at 3/5.

Bite Strength Rating

Which has a stronger bite: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare bite force PSI.

🐕Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Average Lifespan

Which lives longer: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare average lifespans.

💙10-14 years

💙12-14 years

Climate Tolerance

Which handles weather better: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare climate tolerances.

☀️Tolerates warm and cold weather

❄️Prefers average to cold weather conditions

Health Concerns

Which breed scores better for health concerns: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4/5Top Pick

3/5

Verdict: English Springer Spaniel performs best for health concerns, with a rating of 4/5, while Irish Setter, scoring slightly lower at 3/5.

Health Problems

Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter health problems comparison:

AllergiesEar InfectionsEctropionHip DysplasiaPhosphofructokinase deficiency (Tarui disease, PFK)Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Retinal Dysplasia

BloatCancerCanine LeukocyteEpilepsyHip DysplasiaHypertrophic OsteodystrophyHypothyroidismOsteochondrosis DissecansPanosteitisProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Vet Care Frequency

Which needs more vet care: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare veterinary requirements.

💚Rare

🏥Average

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Energy Rating

Which breed scores better for energy rating: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for energy rating (5/5).

Sleeping Need

Which breed scores better for sleeping need: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

1/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for sleeping need (1/5).

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Which breed scores better for activity requirement / exercise need: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for activity requirement / exercise need (5/5).

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Obesity Tendency

Which breed scores better for obesity tendency: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for obesity tendency (3/5).

Food Consumption

Which eats more: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare daily food needs.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️🍽️3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Allergy Friendliness

Which is more hypoallergenic: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare allergy friendliness.

❌No

Coat Colors

What color variations exist for English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter? Compare breed colors.

WhiteLiverTanBlack

MahoganyRed

Grooming Requirements

Which breed scores better for grooming requirements: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for grooming requirements (4/5).

Shedding Level

Which breed scores better for shedding level: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

3/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for shedding level (3/5).

Drooling Tendency

Which breed scores better for drooling tendency: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

1/5

2/5Top Pick

Verdict: Irish Setter performs best for drooling tendency, with a rating of 2/5, while English Springer Spaniel, scoring slightly lower at 1/5.

Stinkiness Rating

Which has less odor: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare natural smell levels.

👃👃👃👃👃Medium

👃👃👃👃👃High

Coat Characteristics

How do coats differ between an English Springer Spaniel and an Irish Setter? Compare fur types.

Feathered

Fine

Bathing Needs

Which needs more baths: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare bathing frequencies.

🛁6-8 weeks

🚿3-4 weeks

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Cat Friendly

Which breed scores better for cat friendly: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

3/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Irish Setter performs best for cat friendly, with a perfect score of 5/5, while English Springer Spaniel, scoring lower at 3/5.

Child Compatibility

Which breed scores better for child compatibility: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

4/5

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: Irish Setter performs best for child compatibility, with a perfect score of 5/5, while English Springer Spaniel, scoring slightly lower at 4/5.

Dog Friendly

Which breed scores better for dog friendly: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for dog friendly (5/5).

Stranger Friendly

Which breed scores better for stranger friendly: English Springer Spaniel or Irish Setter?

5/5Top Pick

Verdict: There is no clear winner: English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter are tied with the highest rating for stranger friendly (5/5).

Office Friendly

Are English Springer Spaniel dogs good office canines? Do English Springer Spaniel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?

❌No

Senior Citizens Friendly

Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Irish Setter temperament with senior people? Are dogs good for elderly owners?

👍Recommended

💚Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Which is better with other pets: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare compatibility.

🐶Average

🐾Excellent

Good For First Time Owners

Is English Springer Spaniel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is English Springer Spaniel breed suitable for first-time owners?

✅Yes

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Service Dog Capability

Which makes a better service dog: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare service capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

Which is better for therapy work: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare therapy capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

⭐●●●●●Yes

Scent Detection Ability

Which is better at detection work: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare scenting abilities.

⭐●●●●●Yes

⭐●●●●●Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Which is better for search and rescue: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare SAR abilities.

✅Yes

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Which is better on boats: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare maritime abilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

⭐●●●●●Yes

Draft Work Capability

Which is better at pulling: an English Springer Spaniel or an Irish Setter? Compare draft work capabilities.

⭐●●●●●Not really

Military Service Background

Compare military history between English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Puppy Litter Size

Compare litter sizes between English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. Which has larger litters?

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶4-10 puppies

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶7-10 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

Compare pregnancy duration between English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter breeds.

🤰60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Compare breeding frequencies between English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. Which needs longer recovery?

💚Once a year.

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

AKC Classification

Compare AKC classifications of English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. Which groups do they belong to?

🏅Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 as a Sporting breed.

🏅Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.

FCI Classification

Compare FCI classifications of English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. Which groups are they in?

🏅Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.

🏅Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.

Kennel Club Recognition

Compare kennel club recognition between English Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter. Which is more widely recognized?

🏅American Canine Registry🏅America's Pet Registry🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Canadian Canine Registry🏅Canadian Kennel Club🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅Kennel Club of Great Britain🏅National Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.

🏅American Canine Registry🏅American Kennel Club🏅America's Pet Registry🏅Australian National Kennel Council🏅Canadian Canine Registry🏅Canadian Kennel Club🏅Continental Kennel Club🏅Dog Registry of America Inc.🏅Federation Cynologique Internationale🏅Kennel Club of Great Britain🏅National Kennel Club🏅New Zealand Kennel Club🏅North American Purebred Registry, Inc.🏅United Kennel Club🏅American Canine Association, Inc.

English Springer Spaniel

Irish Setter

Basic Info

Origin

England

Ireland

Group

Gun Dog

Popularity

#27

#72

Common Names & Aliases

Springer Spaniel

Irish Red SetterRed Setter

Breed Classification

Purebred

Size Classification

Medium

Large

Weight Statistics

Male: 20-25 kg, Female: 18-23 kg

Male: 29-34 kg, Female: 25-29 kg

Average Weight

Male: 22.7 kg, Female: 20.4 kg

Male: 31.8 kg, Female: 27.2 kg

Height

Male: 48-56 cm, Female: 46-51 cm

Male: 66-71 cm, Female: 61-66 cm

Average Height

Male: 52 cm, Female: 48.5 cm

Male: 68.5 cm, Female: 63.5 cm

Intelligence Rating

4.5/5

4/5

Watchdog Rating

3/5

Training Difficulty

4/5

5/5

Territorial Protection

3/5

2/5

Price Range

$700-$800

$800-$1000

Availability

5/5

Personality Traits

AffectionateCheerfulIntelligentSocialAlertEnergeticPlayful

AffectionateEnergeticLivelyIntelligentCompanionableIndependentPlayful

Sensitivity Level

4/5

Impulse to Wander or Roam

4/5

5/5

Prey Drive

5/5

Affection Level

5/5

Social Needs

4/5

5/5

Barking Frequency

3/5

1/5

Playful Nature

5/5

Apartment Adaptability

5/5

1/5

Lifestyle Adaptability

5/5

Alone Time Tolerance

Low

Very Low

Bite Risk Assessment

Low

Mouthing Tendency

3/5

5/5

Bite Strength Rating

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Average Lifespan

10-14 years

12-14 years

Climate Tolerance

Tolerates warm and cold weather

Prefers average to cold weather conditions

Health Concerns

4/5

3/5

Health Problems

AllergiesEar InfectionsEctropionHip DysplasiaPhosphofructokinase deficiency (Tarui disease, PFK)Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Retinal Dysplasia

BloatCancerCanine LeukocyteEpilepsyHip DysplasiaHypertrophic OsteodystrophyHypothyroidismOsteochondrosis DissecansPanosteitisProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Vet Care Frequency

Rare

Average

Energy Rating

5/5

Sleeping Need

1/5

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

5/5

Obesity Tendency

3/5

Food Consumption

3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

WhiteLiverTanBlack

MahoganyRed

Grooming Requirements

4/5

Shedding Level

3/5

Drooling Tendency

1/5

2/5

Stinkiness Rating

Medium

High

Coat Characteristics

Feathered

Fine

Bathing Needs

6-8 weeks

3-4 weeks

Cat Friendly

3/5

5/5

Child Compatibility

4/5

5/5

Dog Friendly

5/5

Stranger Friendly

5/5

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Recommended

Highly Recommended

Pet Compatibility

Average

Excellent

Good For First Time Owners

Yes

Service Dog Capability

Not really

Therapy Work Suitability

Not really

Yes

Scent Detection Ability

Yes

Not really

Search & Rescue Potential

Yes

Not really

Maritime Work Ability

Not really

Yes

Draft Work Capability

Not really

Military Service Background

Not really

Puppy Litter Size

4-10 puppies

7-10 puppies

Pregnancy Duration

60-64 days

Breeding Frequency

Once a year.

AKC Classification

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1910 as a Sporting breed.

Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.

FCI Classification

Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.

Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section.

Kennel Club Recognition

American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Canine RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.

American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Canine RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.

Winner / Best value

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English Springer Spaniel vs Irish Setter Comparison

Quick Verdict

How old is your dog really?

General

Common Names & Aliases

Breed Classification

Physical Traits & Appearance

Size Classification

Weight Statistics

Average Weight

Height

Average Height

Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating

Watchdog Rating

Training Difficulty

Territorial Protection

Price and Availability

Price Range

Availability

Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits

Sensitivity Level

Impulse to Wander or Roam

Prey Drive

Affection Level

Social Needs

Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency

Playful Nature

Apartment Adaptability

Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability

Alone Time Tolerance

Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment

Mouthing Tendency

Bite Strength Rating

Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan

Climate Tolerance

Health Concerns

Health Problems

Vet Care Frequency

Energy and Activity

Energy Rating

Sleeping Need

Activity Requirement / Exercise Need

Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency

Food Consumption

Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness

Coat Colors

Grooming Requirements

Shedding Level

Drooling Tendency

Stinkiness Rating

Coat Characteristics

Bathing Needs

Good With

Cat Friendly

Child Compatibility

Dog Friendly

Stranger Friendly

Office Friendly

Senior Citizens Friendly

Pet Compatibility

Good For First Time Owners

As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability

Therapy Work Suitability

Scent Detection Ability

Search & Rescue Potential

Maritime Work Ability

Draft Work Capability

Military Service Background

Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size

Pregnancy Duration