Irish SetterVSIrish Water Spaniel

The Irish Setter is known for being outgoing, sweet-natured, active, 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.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

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

The Irish Setter is a large breed standing 58–68 cm (23–27 in) tall and weighing 27–32 kg (60–71 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).

The Irish Setter is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Irish Setter has a long coat available in mahogany red, chestnut red, while the Irish Water Spaniel sports a curly coat in liver. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

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

The Irish Setter requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Irish Water Spaniel is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

When it comes to shedding, the Irish 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 Irish Setter and $250 for the Irish Water Spaniel. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

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

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

Common health issues for the Irish Setter include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, epilepsy. 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish Setter is the stronger choice, scoring 5/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Irish Water Spaniel's 4/5. The Irish Setter's outgoing nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Irish 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 Irish Setter is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Irish 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 Irish Setter's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Irish 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 $1,420 for the Irish Setter and $1,410 for the Irish Water Spaniel. The Irish Setter is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $60 for the Irish 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.