Gordon Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Gordon Setter
The largest and most powerful of the setter breeds, with a striking black and tan coat. Gordon Setters are devoted, confident bird dogs that bond deeply with their owners and need vigorous daily exercise.
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 Gordon Setter if you want less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Gordon Setter
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better12–13 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
4/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
4/5
Grooming
2/5Better
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,000–$2,500
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Family Fit: Gordon Setter vs Labrador Retriever With Kids and Other Pets
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Gordon Setter
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Grooming Differences: Gordon Setter and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Gordon Setter is easier to maintain.
Gordon 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 Gordon Setter (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Gordon Setter has a slight edge.
Temperament: Gordon Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Gordon Setter is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Gordon Setter
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
4/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
4/5
vs5/5
When you live with a Gordon Setter, you'll notice their loyal, confident and devoted character in everything they do. A Labrador Retriever, by contrast, shows a friendly, outgoing and active nature.
Exercise Needs: Gordon Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Gordon Setter
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
4/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Gordon Setter and Labrador Retriever need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Which Is Easier to Train — Gordon Setter or Labrador Retriever?
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.
Health Profile: Gordon Setter and Labrador Retriever Compared
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Gordon Setter
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–13
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 12–13 years for the Gordon Setter and 10–13 years for the Labrador Retriever. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Which Costs More to Own — Gordon Setter or Labrador Retriever?
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Gordon Setter
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$2,500 for a Gordon Setter versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Gordon Setter and Labrador Retriever: Size and Appearance Compared
Both breeds are similar in size.
Gordon Setter
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs25–36
Height (cm)
58–69
vs55–62
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Gordon Setter weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) and the Labrador Retriever weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Summary: Gordon Setter or Labrador Retriever?
On balance, the Labrador Retriever has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5), better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the Labrador Retriever is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Gordon Setter and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Gordon Setter if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Gordon Setters tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓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 Gordon 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.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Gordon Setter or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Gordon Setter's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Gordon Setter or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Gordon Setter's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Gordon Setter or Labrador Retriever?
A Gordon Setter puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Gordon Setter and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Gordon Setter is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Gordon Setters or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Gordon Setter lives 12–13 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Gordon Setter generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Gordon Setter or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Gordon Setter (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.