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Clumber Spaniel 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.

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The bottom line

Clumber Spaniel vs Irish Red and White Setter

You don’t see these two in the same ring often, but people cross them in their minds because they’re both setters in spirit. calm for spaniels, built for the field, and not as trendy as their flashier cousins. But that’s where the similarity ends. If the Clumber Spaniel were a person, he’d be the dignified uncle who reads the paper with a pipe and winks at the kids. The Irish Red and White Setter? That’s the energetic cousin who shows up late, covered in mud, grinning like he just won a race. Clumbers are heavy-set, low-energy dogs who amble through life with a sense of humor. They’re not lazy, but they’ll never beg for a five-mile hike. They’re quiet, affectionate, and surprisingly trainable, though they’ll drool on your shoes and shed just enough to remind you they exist. They’re better for homes where someone’s around, a yard’s available, and the pace is steady. But if you live in Phoenix or want a jogging partner, skip it. this dog overheats, and his spine is prone to issues. The Irish Red and White? They’ll run all day. Bred to set on birds in the Irish moors, they’re lighter, taller, and built for motion. They’re also deeply family-oriented, great with kids, and thrive on involvement. Their coat isn’t high-maintenance, but it’s not zero. And while they’re cheerful and trainable, they need space and activity. apartment life will break their spirit. Here’s the real difference: Clumbers are companions first, workers second. Red and Whites are workers who happen to love you intensely. Pick the Clumber if you want a quiet, loyal shadow. Pick the Red and White if you want a partner who’ll keep up with your outdoor life. and then some.

Clumber Spaniel
Irish Red and White Setter
17–20 in
Height
22.5–26 in
55–85 lb
Weight
35–60 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
11–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.0k
#143
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.
Clumber Spaniel Irish Red and White Setter
Overlay

Where they diverge

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
Drooling Level
Irish Red and White Setter drools less (2-point difference)
Irish
Energy Level
Irish Red and White Setter has more energy (2-point difference)
Irish
Barking Level
Clumber Spaniel barks less (2-point difference)
Clumber
The verdict

Choose the Clumber Spaniel if…

  • Hunters
  • Less active families
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value drooling levelClumber Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value good with young childrenIrish Red and White Setter scores higher here.
Clumber Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Clumber Spaniel 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

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