Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
The Irish Setter (25–32 kg, 12–15 years) and the Spinone Italiano (27–39 kg, 12–14 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.
Irish Setter is the significantly higher-energy dog of the two. If you can't commit to 60+ minutes of active exercise daily plus mental stimulation, the Spinone Italiano is the lower-friction choice.
Both have manageable grooming routines — the Irish Setter demands slightly more, but neither needs daily fuss.
Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.
| Irish Setter | Spinone Italiano | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting | Sporting |
| Origin | Ireland | Italy |
| Weight | 25–32 kg | 27–39 kg |
| Height | 63–69 cm | 58–69 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–14 years |
| Energy level | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Watchdog instinct | ||
| Novice-owner OK |
Joyful, affectionate, sociable, sometimes scatterbrained. Excellent with children and other pets. Bonded with everyone.
90+ minutes of daily exercise. They love to run.
Long silky red coat. Brush 3× weekly. Light trimming around feet/ears.
Bloat / GDV. Hip dysplasia. PRA. Hypothyroidism. Epilepsy in some lines.
Full Irish Setter profile →Patient, sociable, devoted to family. Great with children and other dogs. Sensitive to harsh correction. Loves human company.
45–60 minutes daily — moderate energy compared to most sporting breeds.
Wire coat, brush weekly + hand-strip every 6 months. Drools more than most breeds — keep a towel handy.
Watch for: hip + elbow dysplasia, ectropion/entropion (eyelid), bloat (deep-chested), cerebellar ataxia (DNA test).
Full Spinone Italiano profile →Active families, multi-pet homes, owners who enjoy running.
Active families wanting a gentler gun dog, owners home most of the day.
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