Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Irish Setter
A stunning, flame-coated sporting dog known for grace and boundless enthusiasm. Irish Setters are outgoing, sweet-natured family dogs that love long runs and outdoor adventures.
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 Irish Setter if you want less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train.
Quick Comparison
Irish Setter
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
27–32 kg (60–71 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
5/5
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
Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Irish Setter is easier to maintain.
Irish 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 Irish Setter (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Irish Setter has a slight edge.
Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever: Common Health Issues
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Irish Setter
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–15
vs10–13
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Irish Setters live 12–15 years on average, while Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years.
Training: Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Irish 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.
Temperament Differences: Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Irish Setter
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Irish Setter greets the world with a outgoing attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Cost to Own: Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Irish 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 Irish Setter versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Size & Build: Irish Setter vs Labrador Retriever
Both breeds are similar in size.
Irish Setter
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
27–32
vs25–36
Height (cm)
58–68
vs55–62
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Irish Setter weighs 27–32 kg (60–71 lbs) and the Labrador Retriever weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
How Much Exercise Do Irish Setters vs Labrador Retrievers Need?
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Irish Setter
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
vs2/5
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever need very high daily activity (5/5). Both are athletic breeds that thrive with active owners.
Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Irish 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.
Summary — Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Irish 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 Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Irish Setter if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Irish 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 Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever have high energy needs (5/5 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, Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever?
The Irish Setter scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Labrador Retriever at 5/5. The Irish Setter is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Irish Setter's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever?
A Irish Setter puppy costs $1,000–$2,500 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Irish Setter and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Irish Setter is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Irish Setters or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Irish Setter lives 12–15 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Irish Setter generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Irish Setter or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Irish Setter is equally suited for apartments (2/5) as the Labrador Retriever (2/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.