English Setter vs Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose English Setter if you want less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
English Setter
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
20–36 kg (44–79 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
58–68 cm (23–27 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better12–15 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
5/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
2/5
Apartment
2/5
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,000–$2,500
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
English Setter vs Labrador Retriever: Temperament Compared
English Setter is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
English Setter
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs5/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The English Setter — originally from England — has a gentle, mellow and friendly disposition.
Grooming and Shedding: English Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever sheds more; English Setter is easier to maintain.
English Setter
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs2/5Better
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the English Setter (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the English Setter has a slight edge.
English Setter vs Labrador Retriever: Daily Exercise Demands
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; English Setter is lower-maintenance.
English Setter
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
4/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the English Setter (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Labrador Retriever.
Health and Lifespan: English Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
English Setter
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–15
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Life expectancy favors the English Setter: 12–15 years versus the Labrador Retriever's 10–13 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the English Setter.
Training Differences: English Setter and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
English Setter
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Total Cost of Ownership: English Setter and Labrador Retriever
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 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,000–$2,500 for a English Setter and $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Size Differences: English Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds are similar in size.
English Setter
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
20–36
vs25–36
Height (cm)
58–68
vs55–62
The English Setter (20–36 kg (44–79 lbs), 58–68 cm (23–27 in)) and Labrador Retriever (25–36 kg (55–79 lbs), 55–62 cm (22–24 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Family Life: English Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
English Setter
Labrador 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.
English Setter vs Labrador Retriever: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the English Setter if you value lower exercise needs (4/5) and 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 Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. 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 Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever have high energy needs (4/5 and 5/5 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 Labrador Retriever?
The English Setter scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The English Setter is specifically recommended for families.
Is a English Setter or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the English Setter's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a English Setter or Labrador Retriever?
A English Setter puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,360 for the English Setter and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do English Setters or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The English Setter lives 12–15 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 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 Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The English Setter is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Labrador Retriever (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.