English Setter vs Golden Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
English Setter
An elegant, gentle sporting dog with a speckled "belton" coat and a natural love of the field. English Setters are mellow, sweet-tempered companions who thrive with active families.
VS
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
Quick Answer
Choose English Setter if you want less shedding. Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
English Setter
Attribute
Golden Retriever
large
Size
large
20–36 kg (44–79 lbs)
Weight
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
58–68 cm (23–27 in)
Height
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Better12–15 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
4/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better3/5
Shedding
5/5
4/5
Grooming
4/5
2/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,000–$2,500
Price
$800–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Which Is Healthier — English Setter or Golden Retriever? Health Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–15
vs10–12
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Life expectancy favors the English Setter: 12–15 years versus the Golden Retriever's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the English Setter.
English Setter and Golden Retriever Temperament: What to Expect
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs4/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The English Setter — originally from England — has a gentle, mellow and friendly disposition.
Which Sheds More — English Setter or Golden Retriever? Grooming Compared
Golden Retriever sheds more; English Setter is easier to maintain.
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Golden Retriever's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
English Setter vs Golden Retriever: Training and Intelligence
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Golden Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Golden Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
English Setter vs Golden Retriever: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
English Setter
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,360 ✓
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$2,500 for a English Setter and $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
English Setter vs Golden Retriever: Size and Coat
Both breeds are similar in size.
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Weight (kg)
20–36
vs25–34
Height (cm)
58–68
vs51–61
The English Setter (20–36 kg (44–79 lbs), 58–68 cm (23–27 in)) and Golden Retriever (25–34 kg (55–75 lbs), 51–61 cm (20–24 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
English Setter vs Golden Retriever: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
4/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (4/5) and similar energy levels (English Setter: 4/5, Golden Retriever: 4/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Family and Social Compatibility: English Setter vs Golden Retriever
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
English Setter
Golden Retriever
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary and Final Take: English Setter or Golden Retriever?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the English Setter if you value less shedding (3/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The English Setter and Golden Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose English Setter if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — English Setters tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Golden Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the English Setter and Golden Retriever have high energy needs (4/5 and 4/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, English Setter or Golden Retriever?
The English Setter scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Golden Retriever at 5/5. The English Setter is specifically recommended for families.
Is a English Setter or Golden Retriever easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the English Setter's 4/5. The Golden Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a English Setter or Golden Retriever?
A English Setter puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Golden Retriever costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,360 for the English Setter and $1,420 for the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do English Setters or Golden Retrievers live longer?
The English Setter lives 12–15 years on average, while the Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years. The English Setter generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a English Setter or Golden Retriever live in an apartment?
The English Setter is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Golden Retriever (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.