vs

Click on the breeds above to change the breed you want to compare.

Compare Labrador Retriever and Gordon Setter side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level
Playfulness
Intelligence
Trainability
Protectiveness
Sociability
Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly
No
No
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
No
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span
10–12 years
10–12 years
Weight
25–36 kg
25–34 kg
Height
55–62 cm
61–69 cm
Origin
Canada
Scotland
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Labrador Retriever and the Gordon Setter are both popular breeds known for their friendly nature and energy levels. Both breeds share a similar lifespan of 10 to 12 years and have comparable weight ranges, making them suitable for families and active individuals. The Labrador Retriever is known for its high trainability and sociability, making it an excellent choice for first-time dog owners. In contrast, the Gordon Setter, while also sociable, has a slightly lower trainability score and may not be the best fit for novice owners. Both breeds require regular exercise and have similar grooming needs, but the Gordon Setter has a higher grooming difficulty. Ultimately, the choice between these two breeds may come down to the owner's experience level and lifestyle preferences.

Labrador Retriever — Advantages

- Highly trainable
- Excellent for first-time owners
- Very sociable with people and other pets
- Good with kids
- Balanced energy level suitable for active families

Disadvantages

- Can stay alone for only moderate periods
- Not apartment-friendly
- Moderate shedding level

Gordon Setter — Advantages

- Good with kids
- Sociable and friendly nature
- Similar energy levels to Labradors
- Adaptable to various climates

Disadvantages

- Not ideal for first-time owners
- Can stay alone for only limited periods
- Higher grooming difficulty compared to Labradors

Frequently Asked Questions

Which breed is better for first-time dog owners?

The Labrador Retriever is generally better for first-time dog owners due to its high trainability and sociable nature.

Are both breeds good with children?

Yes, both the Labrador Retriever and Gordon Setter are good with kids.

How much exercise do these breeds need?

Both breeds have high exercise needs and require regular physical activity to stay healthy.

Is either breed suitable for apartment living?

Neither breed is considered apartment-friendly due to their size and energy levels.

What is the grooming requirement for these breeds?

The Labrador Retriever has a lower grooming difficulty compared to the Gordon Setter, which requires more frequent grooming.

free Labrador Retriever adoption listings

all listings in this category

free Gordon Setter adoption listings

all listings in this category