Breed matchup

Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter

Interactive head-to-head—swap sides, filter traits, and see who edges each lifestyle score before you read the full guides.

Golden Retriever

Gordon Setter

Golden Retriever

large · Scotland

Gordon Setter

medium · Scotland

Head-to-head

Golden Retriever vs Gordon Setter

Derived comparison from breed profiles: Both land in a similar high energy band. Golden Retriever scores higher with kids (5/5 vs 2/5). Golden Retriever sheds more (5/5). The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. Gordon Setter was find and point gamebirds.

Derived from breed profile scores—not a substitute for meeting dogs or consulting professionals.

large vs medium

Energy 4 vs 3

long vs medium

10-12 years · 10-12 years

Biggest differences

Weight

55-75 lbs

45 - 80 lbs

Height

21.5-24 inches

23 - 27 inches

Lifespan

10-12 years

Monthly cost*

$80–$150

$70–$130

*Typical ownership cost band estimate—not a quote.

Lifestyle scores

Tap a trait for context. Filter by what matters most to you.

Temperament

Typical breed leanings—individuals vary.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. Overall, Golden Retrievers are described as friendly, intelligent, devoted, trustworthy. Trainability sits around 5/5 and bark tendency around 2/5, so consistent positive training usually pays off quickly.

Friendly

Intelligent

Devoted

Trustworthy

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter was find and point gamebirds. Overall, Gordon Setters are described as fearless, alert, loyal, confident. Trainability sits around 3/5 and bark tendency around 4/5, so patience and clear boundaries matter more than force.

Fearless

Alert

Loyal

Confident

Care side by side

Grooming, exercise, and training at a glance.

Golden Retriever

Needs at least 1 hour of vigorous exercise daily. Loves swimming and retrieving activities.

Gordon Setter

Moderate exercise requirements

Who should choose which?

Use this as a shortlist—then meet dogs and read full guides.

Choose Golden Retriever

Choose a Golden Retriever if you want a large dog with high energy, kids fit excellent, and apartment fit limited. Temperament leans friendly and intelligent.

Choose Gordon Setter

Choose a Gordon Setter if you prefer medium size, moderate energy, kids fit limited, and apartment fit moderate. Traits include fearless and alert.

Still deciding?

Take the lifestyle match quiz or open both breed guides for first-year costs, health screening, and adopter questions.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Golden Retriever and a Gordon Setter?

Which is better for apartments, Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?

Gordon Setter is the stronger apartment candidate (3/5).

Which is better with kids, Golden Retriever or Gordon Setter?

Golden Retriever scores higher with kids (5/5). Supervision still matters.

How do Golden Retriever and Gordon Setter compare on energy?

Golden Retriever: 4/5 (high). Gordon Setter: 3/5 (moderate). Match the higher-energy breed only if you can meet exercise needs daily.

References

This comparison summarizes publicly available breed-standard and veterinary education sources. Always consult your veterinarian for individual care, and meet dogs in person before deciding.