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Flat-Coated Retriever vs Cocker Spaniel vs Irish Setter

Three friendly breeds enter—one emerges as your best match. Use the trait grids below to spot practical differences in lifestyle fit.

Full body image of a Flat-Coated Retriever
size

Flat-Coated Retrievers are large dogs, weighing 55-75 lbs, with a height of 22-24.5 inches.

energy level

Flat-Coated Retrievers have a high energy level and require regular physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

exercise needs

Flat-Coated Retrievers need plenty of exercise, including daily walks, runs, and opportunities to participate in activities like swimming, fetch, or dog sports.

trainability

Flat-Coated Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with consistent, positive reinforcement.

intelligence

Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly intelligent dogs and excel in various dog sports and activities, especially those involving retrieving and scent work.

adaptability

Flat-Coated Retrievers can adapt to various living situations, but they thrive in environments where they have space to run and exercise.

with kids

Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for their excellent temperament with children, making them great family pets. Supervision and proper training are still important.

with other pets

Flat-Coated Retrievers can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together.

in cold climates

Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate cold weather due to their dense, waterproof coats, but they may still need extra protection during extreme cold.

in hot climates

Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate warm climates, but they need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise.

shedding

Flat-Coated Retrievers have a dense coat and shed moderately, requiring regular brushing to keep their coats clean and healthy.

grooming

Flat-Coated Retrievers require regular grooming, including brushing and occasional bathing, to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

Flat-Coated Retrievers have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Flat-Coated Retrievers are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.

Full body image of a Cocker Spaniel
size

Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, weighing 20-30 lbs, with a height of 14-16 inches.

energy level

Cocker Spaniels are lively dogs with a moderate energy level.

exercise needs

Cocker Spaniels enjoy daily walks, playtime, and moderate exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.

trainability

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with patience and consistency.

intelligence

Cocker Spaniels are intelligent dogs known for their problem-solving skills and quick learning ability.

adaptability

Cocker Spaniels are adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments and houses.

with kids

Cocker Spaniels can be good with kids, especially when socialized from a young age.

with other pets

Cocker Spaniels can get along well with other pets when properly socialized.

in cold climates

Cocker Spaniels can tolerate cold weather but should be protected from extreme cold with appropriate clothing and shelter.

in hot climates

Cocker Spaniels can handle some heat but should be provided with shade, water, and limited time outdoors in high temperatures.

shedding

Cocker Spaniels have medium shedding due to their long, silky coats.

grooming

Cocker Spaniels require regular grooming, including brushing, to keep their coats healthy and free of mats.

bark tendency

Cocker Spaniels have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Cocker Spaniels may have some health issues, requiring regular veterinary checkups and preventative care.

Full body image of a Irish Setter
size

Irish Setters are large dogs, weighing 60-70 lbs, with a height of 25-27 inches.

energy level

Irish Setters have a high energy level and need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.

exercise needs

Irish Setters require a lot of exercise, including daily walks, play sessions, and activities like fetch or dog sports.

trainability

Irish Setters are intelligent and trainable, but they can be easily distracted. Consistent, positive reinforcement is key.

intelligence

Irish Setters are highly intelligent dogs and can excel in various dog sports and activities, such as agility and obedience.

adaptability

Irish Setters can adapt to various living situations but are not well-suited for small apartments due to their high energy level.

with kids

Irish Setters are good with children, as they are generally friendly, playful, and patient.

with other pets

Irish Setters can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together.

in cold climates

Irish Setters can tolerate colder temperatures due to their thick, medium-length coats.

in hot climates

Irish Setters can tolerate hot climates but need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise.

shedding

Irish Setters have a medium-length coat and shed moderately, requiring regular grooming.

grooming

Irish Setters require regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

Irish Setters have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Irish Setters are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.