| Breed |  Golden Retriever |  English Setter |
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| Origin | Scotland, United Kingdom | England |
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| Group | Gundog | Gundog |
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| Size | Large | Large |
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| Coat | Dense, water repellent double coat with feathering | Long, silky, feathered |
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| Weight | 25 to 34 kg | 20 to 36 kg |
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| Height | 51 to 61 cm | 61 to 68 cm |
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| Lifespan | 10 to 12 yrs | 10 to 13 yrs |
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| Exercise need | 8/10 | 7/10 |
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| Affection | 10/10 | 9/10 |
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| Grooming needs | 6/10 | 6/10 |
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| Barking | 4/10 | 4/10 |
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| Good with children | 10/10 | 9/10 |
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| Good with other dogs | 9/10 | 9/10 |
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| Trainability | 9/10 | 7/10 |
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| Prey drive | 5/10 | 6/10 |
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| Copes alone | 3/10 | 5/10 |
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| Drool | 4/10 | 3/10 |
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| Shedding | 8/10 | 6/10 |
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| Flat fit | 4/10 | 4/10 |
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| Running cost | €223 / month | €116 / month |
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Golden Retriever verdict
A gentle, biddable gundog famed for its patience with children and its glossy golden coat.
Get one if
- · Families with children of any age
- · First time owners ready to commit to training
- · Households with a garden or easy access to open space
Think again if
- · Owners wanting a low shedding dog
- · Households where the dog would be alone most of the day
- · Anyone seeking a natural guard dog
English Setter verdict
The gentleman of the gundogs: soft, sociable and built for open country.
Get one if
- · Active rural or semi-rural households
- · Families wanting a gentle, sociable large dog
- · Owners who enjoy long walks and free running
Think again if
- · City flats without daily access to open space
- · House-proud owners; feathering carries mud and burrs indoors
- · Anyone wanting a guard dog
