| Breed |  English Cocker Spaniel |  Irish Setter |
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| Origin | United Kingdom | Ireland |
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| Group | Gundog | Gundog |
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| Size | Medium | Large |
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| Coat | Silky, flat or slightly wavy coat with feathering | Silky feathered |
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| Weight | 12 to 16 kg | 24 to 32 kg |
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| Height | 38 to 43 cm | 58 to 67 cm |
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| Lifespan | 12 to 14 yrs | 12 to 15 yrs |
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| Exercise need | 8/10 | 9/10 |
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| Affection | 9/10 | 9/10 |
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| Grooming needs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
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| Barking | 5/10 | 4/10 |
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| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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| Good with other dogs | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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| Trainability | 8/10 | 6/10 |
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| Prey drive | 6/10 | 6/10 |
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| Copes alone | 3/10 | 3/10 |
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| Drool | 2/10 | 2/10 |
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| Shedding | 5/10 | 6/10 |
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| Flat fit | 5/10 | 4/10 |
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| Running cost | €192 / month | €87 / month |
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English Cocker Spaniel verdict
A merry, affectionate gundog with a soft, silky coat and a nose that never switches off.
Get one if
- · Active families who enjoy daily walks
- · Owners keen on scent work or gundog training
- · Households able to provide company for most of the day
Think again if
- · Owners who need to leave a dog alone for long hours
- · Households unwilling to manage a moderate grooming routine
- · Owners wanting a naturally calm, low energy dog
Irish Setter verdict
The redhead with the endless puppyhood
Get one if
- · Active families and outdoorsy people who walk or run daily
- · Households with children who want a playful, patient companion
- · Owners with secure space for off-lead running
Think again if
- · Anyone wanting a calm, low-energy or low-maintenance dog
- · Owners who cannot offer ninety minutes of daily exercise
- · House-proud minimalists; the coat sheds and carries mud
