Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better than the Irish Setter as a Pet? Answer…

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Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever or the Irish Setter.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Setter: Overview

A very important difference between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog while the Irish Setter is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Golden Cocker Retriever 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.

Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter

Factor Golden Cocker Retriever Irish Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 20 to 24 inches 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $1870 $1680
Price Range $1500 – $2000 $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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter

    Below is a list of where the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter are most different:

  • Golden Cocker Retrievers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Golden Cocker Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Irish Setters have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter

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

  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Setter

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Golden Cocker Retrievers are 20 to 24 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 Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Setter

    The lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers 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.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than Irish Setters.

    Price of Golden Cocker Retriever versus Price of Irish Setter

    The average price of the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Cocker Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2000. However, the price of a Golden Cocker Retriever can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3975. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 40 Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the Irish Setter.

    Golden Cocker Retriever Irish Setter
    Average Price $1870 $1680
    Price Range $1500 to $2000 $1200 to $2200

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers. 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 Golden Cocker Retriever 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: Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Setter

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Golden Cocker Retrievers shed more than Irish Setters?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Irish Setter

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Irish Setter?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Golden Cocker Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Setter?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Golden Cocker Retriever vs. Irish Setter

    Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Irish Setter?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Golden Cocker Retrievers good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Golden Cocker Retrievers and Irish Setters?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the Golden Cocker Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Setter?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Golden Cocker Retriever or the Irish Setter?

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever:

  • Dalmatian (80 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Field Spaniel.
  • 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 Golden Cocker Retriever vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs English Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Foxhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Berger Picard     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shichon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus English Toy Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Finnish Lapphund     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Irish Water Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Sussex Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Greyhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Berger Picard     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dalmatian     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Patterdale Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltipoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bull Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Carolina Dog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bearded Collie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Goldador     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Plott     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Boerboel     Irish Setter versus English Springer Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Patterdale Terrier     Irish Setter versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Setter versus Lowchen     Irish Setter versus Boxer     Irish Setter versus Pharaoh Hound     Irish Setter versus Italian Greyhound     Irish Setter versus Irish Wolfhound     Irish Setter versus Hovawart     Irish Setter versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Kishu Ken     Irish Setter versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Irish Setter versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Irish Setter versus Ibizan Hound     Irish Setter versus Spanish Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Bouvier des Flandres     Irish Setter versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Spinone Italiano     Irish Setter versus Bordoodle     Irish Setter versus Shiba Inu     

    Conclusion: Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Golden Cocker Retriever and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.