Differences and Similarities between the Cockalier and the Irish Setter.

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Cockalier Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Cockalier and the Irish Setter? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Cockalier and the Irish Setter better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Cockalier and the Irish Setter is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Cockalier and for the Irish Setter. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Cockalier and the Irish Setter.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Cockalier or the Irish Setter.

Cockalier versus Irish Setter: Overview

A very important difference between the Cockalier and the Irish Setter is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Cockalier is a small-sized dog while the Irish Setter is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Cockalier belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

On the other hand, the Irish Setter belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Cockalier versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Cockalier to the Irish Setter based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Cockalier and the Irish Setter

Factor Cockalier Irish Setter
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Weight 10 to 28 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1370 $1680
Price Range $938 – $1800 $1200 – $2200
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cockalier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Irish Setter. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Cockalier is 89 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cockalier is a better pet than the Irish Setter. So, you should get the Cockalier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cockalier and the Irish Setter

    Below is a list of where the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are most different:

  • Cockaliers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Cockaliers adapt well to apartment living. However, Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cockalier and the Irish Setter

    The Cockalier and the Irish Setter are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are most similar:

  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cockalier and the Irish Setter are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cockalier versus Irish Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Cockalier and the Irish Setter.

    Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Cockalier versus Irish Setter

    The lifespan of Cockaliers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockaliers is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

    Cockaliers live longer than Irish Setters.

    Price of Cockalier versus Price of Irish Setter

    The average price of the Cockalier puppy is $1370. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $938 – $1800. However, the price of a Cockalier can be as low as $600 and as high as $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 87 Cockalier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Irish Setter puppy is $1680. The price of the Irish Setter typically ranges from $1200 – $2200. However, the price of the Irish Setter can be as low as $500 and as high as $3200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 105 Irish Setter puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Irish Setter is more expensive than the Cockalier.

    Cockalier Irish Setter
    Average Price $1370 $1680
    Price Range $938 to $1800 $1200 to $2200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Cockalier and Irish Setter. For different price points, the charts show how many Cockalier puppies or how many Irish Setter puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Setters

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Cockalier puppy or the Irish Setter puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cockalier versus Irish Setter

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Cockaliers shed more than Irish Setters?

    Cockaliers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Irish Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Cockalier or the Irish Setter

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Cockalier or the Irish Setter?

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Cockalier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?

    Cockaliers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Irish Setters have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Cockaliers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?

    Cockaliers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Irish Setters are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cockalier vs. Irish Setter

    Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Irish Setters have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Irish Setters can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Cockalier or the Irish Setter?

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Cockaliers good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?

    Cockaliers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Irish Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Cockaliers and Irish Setters?

    Cockaliers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Cockalier Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Cockalier Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Setter?

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Cockalier or the Irish Setter?

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cockalier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cockalier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cockalier:

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
  • Cavapoo (80 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Cavapoo.
  • Shichon (83 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Shichon.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (81 percent match with Cockalier). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Setter that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Irish Setter:

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Cockalier vs English Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cockalier and how the Irish Setter compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cockalier and of the Irish Setter to other breeds:

    Cockalier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cockalier versus Irish Water Spaniel     Cockalier versus Chihuahua     Cockalier versus Bull Terrier     Cockalier versus Shihpoo     Cockalier versus Border Collie     Cockalier versus Cane Corso     Cockalier versus Bernedoodle     Cockalier versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Cockalier versus Swedish Vallhund     Cockalier versus Pomapoo     Cockalier versus American Eskimo Dog     Cockalier versus Cockapoo     Cockalier versus Cocker Spaniel     Cockalier versus Norfolk Terrier     Cockalier versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Cockalier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Cockalier versus Cavachon     Cockalier versus Patterdale Terrier     Cockalier versus English Setter     Cockalier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Cockalier versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Cockalier versus Field Spaniel     Cockalier versus Scottish Terrier     Cockalier versus Puggle     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Rottweiler     Irish Setter versus Miniature Schnauzer     Irish Setter versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Irish Setter versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Irish Setter versus Maltese     Irish Setter versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Scottish Terrier     Irish Setter versus Komondor     Irish Setter versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Toy Fox Terrier     Irish Setter versus Toy Poodle     Irish Setter versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Irish Setter versus Frenchton     Irish Setter versus Whippet     Irish Setter versus Bracco Italiano     Irish Setter versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Newfoundland     Irish Setter versus Scottish Deerhound     Irish Setter versus Spinone Italiano     Irish Setter versus Basenji     Irish Setter versus Cockalier     Irish Setter versus Airedale Terrier     Irish Setter versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Setter versus Toy Poodle     Irish Setter versus Bluetick Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Cockalier versus Irish Setter. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Cockalier and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.