Is an irish setter better as a family dog or a flat coated retriever?

My family has been thinking about getting a dog for a long time now, but somwhow, we have always had bad luck. We settled for a flat coated retriever and had found a perfect breeder, but then, a week before we got out little balu, my mothers father died and we were all stressed and my mom put herself under too much pressre. she couldn#t handle it and we gave him back. Now, we had decided to try again. we had found another breeder, who was even nicer, and then, the mother lost her children. We sort of gave up hope then. We have another breeder who will be getting puppies in march, but my mom got a little freaked out by her dogs. they were making each other hyper and were very bad mannered. Now she has sort of given up, but the wish to have a dog is still there. now, I have been looking for another breed maybe, is an irish setter a good family dog? how many hours do you have to walk them, do they shed a lot and do they smell? Thats what was so great about flats, they barely lost hair...

Is an irish setter better as a family dog or a flat coated retriever?

Any dog can be a great family dog when raised properly. Take some time and research a breed that you like. The internet is always a great place to do research. Try going to http://www.atts.org/statistics.html to get temperment statistics on any breed. I have a 4 year old pit bull who is an excellent family dog. She does wonderful with my 3 year old daughter. She doesn't stink, we wash her with baby shampoo :) and I walk her atleast once a day. Also if you have children this website give you an idea of which breed does excellent with children and which breed you shouldn't have children with. http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/children.htm

Just do some research before you make a decision and also go take a look at the animal shelter, those puppies and dogs always need a home!

Is an irish setter better as a family dog or a flat coated retriever?

First thing is dogs shed and they smell like dogs. Some are worse than others. It sounds like you need to do some more research. Go volunteer to walk dogs at the nearest shelter or humane society. Don't get a puppy they are too much work and if mom is the one who is home she will be the one who does it. Check to see if there are any retriever specific rescue groups in your area, Then you have a chance to adopt an older dog and get to know it first. Retrievers are high energy and need a lot of space to run so think carefully, look at some other breed and then choose.

Is an irish setter better as a family dog or a flat coated retriever?

Flatcoats have a much softer personality than Irish Setters. Irish Setters can have a tendency to bounce off the walls. The problem is that the Irish Setter was "the dog" some 30-40 years ago, and the breed is just now cleaning out some of the bad breedings that happened due to popularity.

Is an irish setter better as a family dog or a flat coated retriever?

Irish setters are gun dogs, they love to run and play. To keep up with this breed you need to sort of have activities with him to eliminate some of his energy that might be a trouble in the house like chewing or barking. Their coat requires frequent brushing to keep it from matting, coat good for winter. All dogs shed, short or long haired but some shed less than others like poodles. If you want an irish setter you have to be active as the dog is. This breed can be a good family pet as long as exercise and discipline is regurlarly practiced. If you want a dog that needs less attention try the non sporting group dogs or the toy ones.