Are Irish Setters related to the Flat-Coated Retriever?

While both the Irish Setter and the Flat-Coated Retriever are gun dogs, they are not directly related. They share a common ancestor in the now-extinct "Old Spaniel," but they diverged long ago and developed independently.

Here's a breakdown of their relationships:

* Irish Setter: Descended from Irish red setters, bred for hunting birds and renowned for their speed and stamina.

* Flat-Coated Retriever: Developed in England, specifically for retrieving waterfowl. They are known for their intelligence, strength, and retrieving abilities.

They share some physical similarities, like a sleek, athletic build, but their lineage and specific breed characteristics set them apart.