English SetterVSIrish Water Spaniel

The English Setter is known for being gentle, mellow, friendly, while the Irish Water Spaniel is typically described as alert, hardworking, clownish. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

The Irish Water Spaniel tends to be more playful, scoring 5/5 versus the English Setter's 4/5. Expect the Irish Water Spaniel to be more eager for playtime and interactive games.

Noise-wise, the Irish Water Spaniel is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the English Setter is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the English Setter may be the better choice.

The English Setter is a large breed standing 58–68 cm (23–27 in) tall and weighing 20–36 kg (44–79 lbs). In comparison, the Irish Water Spaniel is a large breed at 51–61 cm (20–24 in) and 20–30 kg (44–66 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The English Setter has a long coat available in blue belton, orange belton, liver belton, tricolor, while the Irish Water Spaniel sports a curly coat in liver. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The English Setter has high energy (4/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Irish Water Spaniel has high energy (4/5) and high exercise needs (4/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

When it comes to shedding, the English Setter drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Irish Water Spaniel is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Irish Water Spaniel will be easier to live with.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 4/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the English Setter and $250 for the Irish Water Spaniel. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The English Setter has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Irish Water Spaniel lives 12–13 years. The English Setter tends to live longer on average.

The Irish Water Spaniel is generally the healthier breed, scoring 4/5 for health robustness versus the English Setter's 3/5. This often translates to fewer vet visits and lower medical costs.

Common health issues for the English Setter include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism. The Irish Water Spaniel is prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, cataracts, follicular dysplasia. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the English Setter and $500 for the Irish Water Spaniel. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

The Irish Water Spaniel ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The Irish Water Spaniel is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the English Setter's 4/5. This means the Irish Water Spaniel generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The English Setter leans toward adaptive intelligence — reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving unfamiliar problems. The Irish Water Spaniel, on the other hand, shows strong obedience intelligence — responding eagerly to training cues and handler direction.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

For families with children, the English Setter is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Irish Water Spaniel's 4/5. The English Setter's gentle nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the English Setter tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Irish Water Spaniel (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the English Setter is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The English Setter is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Irish Water Spaniel tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the English Setter's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a English Setter ranges from $1,000–$2,500, while a Irish Water Spaniel typically costs $1,200–$2,500. The Irish Water Spaniel is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,360 for the English Setter and $1,410 for the Irish Water Spaniel. The Irish Water Spaniel costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the English Setter and $55 for the Irish Water Spaniel. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.