The Irish Setter is a breed yet to be extensively used in crossbreeding; hence, we only have a few existing Irish Setter mixes today. That doesn’t mean, however, that they’re an inferior breed, nor are they risky to cross.
There are ten Irish Setter mixes that are as equally graceful and sweet-tempered as other designer dogs. Ultimately, they exhibit the Irish Setter’s swiftness, elegance, and playful disposition.
Interested to learn more about these Irish Setter mixes? Up ahead is a detailed review of each of these hybrids. Prepare to learn and be entertained at the same time!
9 Irish Setter Mixes
The Irish Setter is a sporting dog with a flashy red coat. It’s a favorite of many sportsmen because it serves as a rugged and bold hunting partner. Unsurprisingly, these traits are passed down to most of its mixes!
As promised, here are ten stunning Irish Setter mixes you might want to consider for a new pet:
1. Irish Doodle (Poodle & Irish Setter Mix)
As its name suggests, the Irish Doodle is a hybrid between the Irish Settle and the Poodle. It comes in standard and miniature sizes due to the varying sizes of its Poodle parent.
Generally, Irish Doodles are intelligent and high-energy mixed breeds. Training them is a breeze, and they respond well to positive training. They are amazing family pets and do well with kids around the house.
However, they’re also very prone to separation anxiety because they tend to attach themselves to one person, just like the Poodle. This means you cannot leave them for long periods.
Among the other Irish Setter mixes in this list, the Irish Doodle also fetches a higher price tag, especially the miniature.
Here’s a video of a mature Irish Doodle if you are curious!
Irish Setter/Poodle Mix (Irishdoodle) Full Groom | Very Unique Color [CC]<a href="https://youtu.be/qHQB-sg0oqQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FqHQB-sg0oqQ%2F0.jpg" alt="Irish Setter/Poodle Mix (Irishdoodle) Full Groom | Very Unique Color [CC]" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
2. Golden Irish (Golden Retriever & Irish Setter Mix)
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The Golden Irish is an affectionate doggo created by mixing the Golden Retriever with the Irish Setter. This hybrid is a great family companion because it is intuitive and friendly.
Most Golden Irish mixes come in red, fawn, or brown coloration. Their coat grows straight, dense, and long similar to their parent breeds.
What’s more notable about the Golden Irish mixed breeds is their fun and active personality. They’re always on the go and are excited to explore, especially when their retrieving and hunting instincts kick in.
Don’t worry, though, as they calm down when they get their required exercise and mental stimulation. They also won’t make howling noises like their Golden Retriever parent.
3. Irish Shepherd (German Shepherd & Irish Setter Mix)
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The Irish Shepherd is a lovely cross between the German Shepherd and the Irish Setter. It can grow into a large dog, so it needs ample yard space to run and play around.
Irish Shepherds are known to be highly active, so they may run off and get lost in your neighborhood. Many pet owners suggest installing a fence for this mixed breed.
Also, their high energy may be too much for small children. Do not leave them playing with your infant or toddler, as it may result in a disaster.
Nevertheless, if you don’t have any children at home and you’re a very active person yourself, the Irish Shepherd is perfect as a jogging companion. They also do well in canine sports.
4. Lab Setter (Labrador Retriever & Irish Setter Mix)
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The Lab Setter mix has a charming appearance as it combines the genes of the Labrador Retriever and the Irish Setter. But besides looks, it also boasts of its outgoing and bubbly personality.
The Irish Setter and the Labrador Retriever are both high-spirited breeds; thus, you can expect no less from their hybrid. What this means is that they need consistent mental stimulation and exercise.
Since this mix has a long coat, you can expect them to shed throughout the year, too. If you have an allergy or live with someone who does, getting a Lab Setter may not be the best idea.
5. Cocker Spaniel Irish Setter Mix
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The hybrid of the Irish Setter and Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that is very family oriented. They get along with every single member of the family, including infants, toddlers, and seniors.
Since both the parents of the Cocker Spaniel Irish Setter mix are sporting dogs, you can expect them to enjoy working and joining agility competitions.
They will have an easy gait, and their movements are pretty swift.
The coat of the Cocker Spaniel Irish Setter mix can be sandy blonde or golden brown. They are only moderate shedders, so they aren’t really a pain to groom.
6. Rottweiler Irish Setter Mix
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The mix between the Irish Setter and Rottweiler exhibits impressive athletic abilities. This isn’t a dog for people with a sedentary lifestyle because of its active and tenacious nature.
Due to the intimidating size of the Rottweiler, the Rottweiler Irish Setter mix is also a pretty large dog. It needs a vast space to roam around, and installing a fence is highly suggested.
If your family needs a guard dog, the Rottie Irish Setter mix is a great candidate. Although it is gentle to kids, its protective instincts still manifest when they sense that you and your family are in danger.
7. Afghan Hound Irish Setter Mix
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Crossing the Irish Setter to the long-nosed Afghan Hound creates an unusual hybrid with a striking nose and long and sinewy legs. This mix also exhibits a long coat that adds to its elegant and graceful appearance.
Although not inherently aggressive, the Afghan Hound Irish Setter mix can serve as a great guard dog. They aren’t barkers or howlers, but they are pretty useful if you need a pet to intimidate burglars.
The Afghan Hound Irish Setter mix is also perfect for canine sports such as agility and rally. If you need a running or hunting companion, this mix will also be glad to accompany you.
8. Husky Setter (Siberian Husky & Irish Setter Mix)
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The Husky Setter is a spunky cross between the Siberian Husky and the Irish Setter. You always have to keep an eye out for this mix because they are extremely curious and active.
In terms of socialization, you won’t have any problem with this cross. They get along well with kids, pets, and even strangers. In fact, they are too friendly to be guard dogs.
The coat of the Husky Setter mix is usually double-coated, just like its parent breeds. Grooming is required once a week to keep its coat tangle and mat free.
9. Irish Dobe Setter (Doberman Pinscher & Irish Setter Mix)
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The Irish Dobe Setter is an ideal dog for personal protection thanks to its Doberman genes. But despite their natural guard dog instincts, they may also be clownish.
If you have little children in the family, it is not suggested to adopt an Irish Dobe Setter. They are too rambunctious or energetic for innocent kids, and possible accidents may occur.
This canine may also be too overprotective, so you should not directly introduce them to strangers.
It may take a while for them to warm up, so be very cautious when you bring them outside or when someone visits your home.
How Much Does an Irish Setter Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Irish Setter mixes typically cost $1,200 to $2,500 when you buy from a reputable breeder. Rarer mixes are much more expensive, with some costing $3,000 upwards.
Usually, we suggest adoption since it is more practical. However, it isn’t easy to find an Irish Setter in rescues. But if you find one, expect to pay only around $300 to $800.
Aside from the cost of purchasing or adopting an Irish Setter mix, you should also prepare for the following initial expenses:
As you go along with pet ownership, you may also need the service of a pet sitter or dog walker and a professional groomer. These can incur a significant amount annually, so you better allot a budget for these, too.
Places to Find Irish Setter Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a breeder who produces Irish Setter mixes can be challenging. To date, there are no kennels solely catering to the mixes above. But don’t lose hope just yet!
Here are some great places to look for Irish Setter mixes:
AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace is run by the American Kennel Club. Although this marketplace primarily caters to purebreds, you may try to contact the Irish Setter breeders associated with the organization to see if they produce any Setter mixes.
PuppySpot – PuppySpot comprises a network of breeders who produce various breeds, including the Irish Setter and its mixes. Their dogs are given nose-to-tail checkups before bringing them to your doorstep.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a well-known platform where breeders list available dogs. The dogs they offer are all vet-checked, vaccinated, and dewormed. Moreover, if you are from Pennsylvania, the dog you’ll buy will come with a 30-day health guarantee.
As mentioned earlier, Irish Setter mixes are difficult to find in rescues due to their rarity. If you still want to take chances, here are some places to check out for an Irish Setter mix:
Save Our Setters – Save Our Setters is an organization that rescues Irish Setters and their mixes in the United States and Canada. They charge an adoption fee ranging from $125 to $600, depending on the dog’s age.
The Irish Setter Rescue – The Irish Setter Rescue aims to save Irish Setters and their mixes and educate everyone about the breed. They need adopters and also foster homes to cater to their rescue dogs. Currently, they are located in New Jersey.
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is an all-in-one platform for breeders and rescuers of Irish Setters and their mixes. They’ve been around for 20 years and are affiliated with over 15,000 shelters and rescues that advertise their dogs.
Once you’ve found the right rescue organization, your next goal is to ace the adoption application. You can read our ultimate adoption guide for some tips!
Meanwhile, if you don’t want to spend a single penny for an Irish Setter mix, check out our blog on finding free puppies!
Final Thoughts
The Irish Setter mixes included in this list have one common denominator — they are all very active and outgoing. Thus, you better go for another breed if you don’t have an active lifestyle.
But if you are an outdoorsy and fun-loving pet owner, any of these Irish Setter mixes will suit you well! Just ensure that you have enough space in your yard where they can spend their energy.
Any thoughts on all these Irish Setter mixes? Leave a comment below!
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