PuppyBase

Broholmer vs Irish Red and White Setter

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Broholmer vs Irish Red and White Setter

You’re not going to see a Broholmer and an Irish Red and White Setter side by side at the dog park often, but people compare them when they’re chasing a certain feeling: a loyal, family-oriented dog with old-world roots and presence. One wants to guard your soul and your estate, the other wants to run through the woods with you and come back covered in burrs and joy. The Broholmer is a gentle giant from Denmark, built like a draft horse with the calm of a retired librarian. At 100+ pounds, it’s not just big. it’s noticeable. It’s quiet, not prone to barking, and deeply affectionate with its people. But it’s not a project. Trainability is medium, mental stimulation needs are low, and if you’re a first-time owner or live in a condo, this isn’t your dog. It’s for someone who knows how to handle size and has space to spare. Think long-term commitment with vet bills to match. The Irish Red and White Setter? It’s the lively, feathered poet of the field. Lighter, sprightly, and built for motion, it thrives on activity and connection. It’s eager to learn, loves kids, and adapts well. even to suburban life. if you’re active. But that coat needs brushing, and the energy demands daily outlets. Let it get bored, and it’ll redecorate your couch. Here’s the real difference: the Broholmer is a guardian first, family second. The Setter is family through and through, with a hunter’s heart. And one truth the data won’t tell you: the Broholmer’s calm can look like aloofness, but it’s just observing. The Setter’s smile? It’s not just happy. it’s waiting for you to grab the leash.

Broholmer
Irish Red and White Setter
27.5–29.5 in
Height
22.5–26 in
90–150 lb
Weight
35–60 lb
8–10 yr
Lifespan
11–15 yr
$2.0–4.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.0k
AKC popularity
#146

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Broholmer Irish Red and White Setter
Overlay

Where they diverge

Energy Level
Irish Red and White Setter has more energy (3-point difference)
Irish
Good with Young Children
Irish Red and White Setter is better with kids (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Red and White Setter is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Strangers
Irish Red and White Setter is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Irish
Adaptability
Irish Red and White Setter is more adaptable (2-point difference)
Irish
The verdict

Choose the Broholmer if…

  • experienced large-breed owners
  • families with children
  • homes with large yards
  • You value shedding levelBroholmer scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value energy levelIrish Red and White Setter scores higher here.
Broholmer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Broholmer home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Irish Red and White Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish Red and White Setter home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run