English SetterVSLabrador Retriever

The English Setter is known for being gentle, mellow, friendly, while the Labrador Retriever is typically described as friendly, outgoing, active. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

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

Noise-wise, the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is a large breed at 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 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 Labrador Retriever sports a short coat in yellow, black, chocolate. 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 Labrador Retriever has very high energy (5/5) and very high exercise needs (5/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Labrador Retriever, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The English Setter is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

The Labrador Retriever sheds more than the English Setter — 4/5 versus 3/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Labrador Retriever.

The English Setter demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Labrador Retriever is lower-maintenance at 2/5. The English Setter's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the English Setter and $150 for the Labrador Retriever. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The English Setter has a lifespan of 12–15 years, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The English Setter tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the English Setter include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, deafness, hypothyroidism. The Labrador Retriever is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, obesity. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the English Setter and $500 for the Labrador Retriever. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Labrador Retriever, which scores 5/5 for trainability. The English Setter's score of 4/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5/5 to the English Setter's 4/5. This means the Labrador Retriever 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.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in adaptive intelligence. Both are skilled at reading human emotions, adapting to new environments, and solving everyday problems on their own.

The Labrador Retriever's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 4/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

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.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a English Setter ranges from $1,000–$2,500, while a Labrador Retriever typically costs $800–$2,000. The English Setter has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,360 for the English Setter and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the English Setter and $60 for the Labrador Retriever. 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.