A Detailed Comparison of the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter.

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Goldendoodle Versus Irish Setter: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle or the Irish Setter.

Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter

Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter: Overview

Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are similar in size. The Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter

Factor Goldendoodle Irish Setter
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 11 to 15 years
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Height 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 90 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2170 $1680
Price Range $1500 – $2500 $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 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

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

    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 Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter

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

  • Goldendoodles are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter

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

  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter

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

    Goldendoodles weigh 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Goldendoodles are 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter

    The lifespan of Goldendoodles is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Goldendoodles is 12.5 years.

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

    Irish Setters live longer than Goldendoodles.

    Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter

    Price of Goldendoodle versus Price of Irish Setter

    The average price of the Goldendoodle puppy is $2170. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $32500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 4239 Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle is more expensive than the Irish Setter.

    Goldendoodle Irish Setter
    Average Price $2170 $1680
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $1200 to $2200

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles. 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 Goldendoodle 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.

    Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter

    Adopting the Goldendoodle versus Adopting the Irish Setter

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Goldendoodles and many Irish Setters are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Goldendoodle named Tucker that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Goldendoodles like Tucker on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Goldendoodles, Irish Setters are also available for adoption. For example, Gordon – 831 is a Male Irish Setter that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Irish Setters like Gordon – 831 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Pie-Fl is the name of another Goldendoodle (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Conan is an adorable Male Irish Setter on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Goldendoodles and Irish Setters are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Goldendoodles and Irish Setters that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Goldendoodle versus Irish Setter

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do Goldendoodles shed more than Irish Setters?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodle or the Irish Setter

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

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

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles Bark and Howl? What about Irish Setters?

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

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

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

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Goldendoodle vs. Irish Setter

    Goldendoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Goldendoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

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

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Goldendoodles good family dogs? What about Irish Setters?

    Goldendoodles 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 Goldendoodles and Irish Setters?

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

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

    Is the Goldendoodle Easier to Train than the Irish Setter?

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

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

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    Irish Setters are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Goldendoodle

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle:

  • Labradoodle (78 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs Labradoodle.
  • French Spaniel (77 percent match with Goldendoodle). Here is our comparison of the Irish Setter vs French 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 Goldendoodle vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the Goldendoodle vs English Setter.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Goldendoodle Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Goldendoodle versus English Setter     Goldendoodle versus Bich Poo     Goldendoodle versus Belgian Tervuren     Goldendoodle versus Bichon Frise     Goldendoodle versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Goldendoodle versus Labrador Retriever     Goldendoodle versus German Shepherd Dog     Goldendoodle versus Standard Poodle     Goldendoodle versus Manchester Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Airedale Terrier     Goldendoodle versus American Hairless Terrier     Goldendoodle versus West Highland White Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Fila Brasileiro     Goldendoodle versus Cesky Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Bich Poo     Goldendoodle versus English Springer Spaniel     Goldendoodle versus Miniature Pinscher     Goldendoodle versus Spanish Mastiff     Goldendoodle versus Samoyed     Goldendoodle versus Cockapoo     Goldendoodle versus Spinone Italiano     Goldendoodle versus Pomsky     Goldendoodle versus Cavachon     Goldendoodle versus Biewer Terrier     Goldendoodle versus Bernedoodle     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Irish Setter versus English Setter     Irish Setter versus Papillon     Irish Setter versus Clumber Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Shichon     Irish Setter versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Irish Setter versus American Water Spaniel     Irish Setter versus English Springer Spaniel     Irish Setter versus Black Mouth Cur     Irish Setter versus Hovawart     Irish Setter versus Tibetan Mastiff     Irish Setter versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Irish Setter versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Irish Setter versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Irish Setter versus Schnoodle     Irish Setter versus Shiba Inu     Irish Setter versus Stabyhoun     Irish Setter versus Lancashire Heeler     Irish Setter versus Frenchton     Irish Setter versus Pomchi     Irish Setter versus Scottish Terrier     Irish Setter versus Norfolk Terrier     Irish Setter versus Stabyhoun     Irish Setter versus Carolina Dog     Irish Setter versus American Hairless Terrier     

    Conclusion: Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle and the Irish Setter better suits you and your family.