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Clumber Spaniel vs Irish 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 Setter

You don’t see many Clumber Spaniels and Irish Setters side by side at the dog park, but people compare them because they’re both gun dogs with spaniel in the name and a love for birds. That’s where the similarities end. Think of the Clumber as the quiet scholar with a dry sense of humor, built low and solid like a garden shed on short legs. He’s calm, deliberate, and happiest with a morning hunt or a slow stroll around the yard. The Irish Setter? He’s the golden-haired poet who runs like the wind and dances through life with his tail always up. He needs space, speed, and a job. preferably all three. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys weekend walks and quiet evenings, the Clumber fits like a well-worn slipper. He’s gentle with kids, doesn’t bark much, and adapts well to routines. But he drools a bit, can be stubborn, and doesn’t do heat well. The Irish Setter won’t let you settle into a routine. He’s 25 inches of energy, craving long hikes, training games, and constant interaction. He’s more kid-proof in temperament, but you’ll need time, patience, and a yard that feels like a field. Here’s the real talk: Clumbers look grumpy but are secretly hilarious, with a slow-burn charm. Irish Setters look glamorous but are total goofs who live for affection. If you want a shadow who’s calm but present, go Clumber. If you want a joyful tornado that turns every walk into an adventure, get the Setter. Just don’t expect either to stay clean after five minutes outside.

Clumber Spaniel
Irish Setter
17–20 in
Height
25–27 in
55–85 lb
Weight
60–70 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#143
AKC popularity
#77

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 Setter
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Irish Setter is better with kids (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Setter is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Irish
Drooling Level
Irish Setter drools less (2-point difference)
Irish
Playfulness
Irish Setter is more playful (2-point difference)
Irish
Energy Level
Irish Setter has more energy (2-point difference)
Irish
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 Setter if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value good with young childrenIrish 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 Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish 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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