If you’re looking to adopt a swift gundog, the Irish Setter will be a perfect choice. This high-spirited dog rocks a fancy red coat, likes to spend time outdoors, and does an incredible job of tracking and retrieving the most elusive prey. It can also be an exemplary family dog: eager to please, great around children, and (relatively) low-maintenance.
So, yes, the Irish Setter is the whole package! But what if you mix it with another breed? What does an Irish Setter X German Shepherd hybrid look like? Or maybe you should adopt an Irish Doodle instead? Today, we’ll go over the finest Irish Setter mixed breeds (19 in total) and talk about their pros and cons. Let’s get started!
The 19 Irish Setter Mixes
1. Afghan Hound X Irish Setter
Average Size
25–27 inches
Average Weight
50–70 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–17 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Afghanistan
Majestic and regal—that’s how we would describe this one-of-a-kind hybrid. It takes the best from the Irish gundog and the Afghan Hound beauty and turns heads with its silky, elegant, and to-die-for coat. The fur does require quite a lot of grooming, though (3–4 times per week). Another thing to keep in mind: Afghan Setters aren’t an ideal choice for a first-time owner.
In the right hands, they can be incredibly loyal and affectionate. However, these canines tend to be stubborn, headstrong, and standoffish around strangers.
2. Akita X Irish Setter
Average Size
24–28 inches
Average Weight
60–120 pounds
Expected Lifespan
10–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Japan
Japanese guardians and Irish gundogs might not be the most obvious “couple”, yet the Akita and Irish Setter crossbreed is quite the crowd-pleaser! It’s every bit as big, strong, and commanding as the Akita, but you’ll also get a cute face and delightful personality. To help this dog become a canine role model, put early socialization and obedience training to good use.
With patience, a firm yet gentle hand, and lots of positive reinforcement, you should be able to turn this esteemed protector into a friendly pup!
3. Basset Hound X Irish Setter
Average Size
17–23 inches
Average Weight
40–70 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
France, Great Britain
Hailing from the UK and France, Basset Hounds are all kinds of charming and boast enduring bodies and witty minds. The long, oh-so-cute ears and that wrinkled brow make them truly irresistible. Next, Basset Hounds are surprisingly fast and capable of tracking down a scent from miles away. That said, they can also be vocal and stubborn, proving to be a challenge in training.
But, when you combine a Basset with an Irish Setter, you get a sweet and confident dog. Also, a seasoned gundog with a nose like that is a force to reckon with!
4. Border Collie X Irish Setter
Average Size
19–25 inches
Average Weight
30–65 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
UK, Scotland, Wales, Ireland
Very few dogs are as good at herding sheep as Border Collies. They have been doing it for hundreds of years, helping local farmers around the property. Border Collies are energetic and curious pups who like to spend time outdoors. So, if you’re in the market for an intelligent and capable flusher slash shepherd, the Collie X Irish Setter hybrid will be a perfect pick.
It’s a friendly, quick-to-follow-commands type of dog, but it gets bored easily.
5. Boxer X Irish Setter (Boxsetter)
Average Size
23–27 inches
Average Weight
65–80 pounds
Expected Lifespan
10–14 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Germany
Rough, tough, and ready-to-rumble, Boxers like to work hard and play hard. Very few breeds are as faithful, brave, and handsome. In the right company, Boxers are incredibly affectionate and even a bit goofy, but that’s only a part of their charm. And, just like Irish Setters, these champs are patient around children; that makes them wonderful family pets.
Do keep in mind, however, that the Boxsetter is a high-energy dog and needs 1–2 hours of exercise per day.
6. Brittany X Irish Setter
Average Size
18–26 inches
Average Weight
35–60 pounds
Expected Lifespan
13–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
France, Brittany
Upbeat, playful, and cheerful, the Brittany breed likes to stay on its feet. This is a gundog, by the way, one with many talents. So, the mixed breed is going to be an excellent “field operator”, no matter which parent it takes after. And this dog is best suited for active families with adult kids.
It has lots of energy to burn and enjoys walking, jogging, climbing, and a wide range of high-intensity games. Obedience and agility training should also be a part of the routine.
7. Cocker Spaniel X Irish Setter (Irish Cocker)
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Average Size
16–22 inches
Average Weight
35–55 pounds
Expected Lifespan
10–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
United States
Bred as hunting dogs, Cocker Spaniels quickly rose to the top of their game, and today, they are among the most loved dogs. Those big, beautiful eyes and gentle attitude are any pet parent’s dream. And when you combine this cheerful pup with the Irish gundog, you get a marvelous companion. The hybrid is significantly smaller than the Irish Setter.
It’s not a low-maintenance pet, though: you need to brush the coat regularly and take the dog to a pro groomer once every two months to keep it in proper shape.
8. Coonhound X Irish Setter (Irish Coonhound)
Average Size
25–27 inches
Average Weight
50–70 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
United States
These dogs belong to the hound group and know a thing or two about hunting. They have big, witty brains, heightened senses, and mighty muscles to handle challenging terrain. So, the Irish Coonhound definitely does deserve your attention! This is an all-around solid, fun dog with a deep, easily recognizable voice, sweet face, and wagging tail.
But, much like Basset Hounds, Coonhounds are big sniffers and should be leashed in public places.
9. Doberman Pinscher X Irish Setter (Irish Doberman)
Average Size
24–28 inches
Average Weight
65–90 pounds
Expected Lifespan
10–13 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Germany
If loyalty, bravery, and intelligence are what you’re looking for in a dog, the Irish Doberman will be right up your alley. This tall (up to 28 inches), sleek, and laser-focused canine is athletic, vigilant, and highly protective of its favorite humans. It’s swift and noble like its German dad – Doberman – and also graceful and flashy like its Irish mom. And, depending on which parent’s genes it inherits, the coat will either be short or average-sized.
When trained properly, the Irish Doberman is a blessing to be around. A quick note: this is a deep-chested breed. To avoid GDV/bloat, keep the food portions small.
10. English Setter X Irish Setter
Average Size
23–27 inches
Average Weight
55–75 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–14 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
England, Wales, France
So, what happens when a Setter from Ireland meets a “colleague” from England – the English Setter? They give birth to a top-notch gundog, of course! The hybrid is inquisitive, friendly, and playful, just like its parents. Plus, while you might catch it dozing off on the couch, this fur baby enjoys its fair share of walks, jogs, and fun games.
Expect the mixed breed to have a low-maintenance, flowing coat. Brush it 2–3 times a week, and that’s pretty much it! As for the colors, they range from red to white.
11. German Shepherd X Irish Setter
Average Size
22–26 inches
Average Weight
55–85 pounds
Expected Lifespan
9–12 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Germany
For these two breeds, loyalty is more than just a word. Both the Irish Setters and the German Shepherds create strong, long-lasting bonds with their owners. And they are known for their big, kind, and loving hearts. As for the hybrid, you could call it a superstar dog; it will help around the property, fend off intruders, and keep you company. On the downside, this mixed breed doesn’t like to be left alone.
When it feels left out, destructive behaviors kick in. So, make sure you give it enough attention and buy some toys to keep the dog busy.
12. Golden Retriever X Irish Setter (Golden Irish)
Average Size
23–26 inches
Average Weight
60–75 pounds
Expected Lifespan
11–14 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
UK, Scotland
Everybody loves Golden Retrievers, and not only for the gorgeous coat. These fur babies are not only friendly and loyal but also fun and quick to adapt. More than that, Goldens are often recruited for search-and-rescue missions and hunting. This is important: Golden Irish pups aren’t clingy; that said, they do rely heavily on mental stimulation.
The hybrid is great with kids yet still requires your attention. Oh, and prepare yourself for heavy shedding and frequent brushing (3–4 times a week)!
13. Labrador Retriever X Irish Setter (Irish Lab)
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Average Size
22–25 inches
Average Weight
60–80 pounds
Expected Lifespan
11–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
UK, Newfoundland
Labs are just as lovely as their golden cousins and can also be a great mating bud for the Irish Setter. They had been enjoying the title of America’s number one breed for many years, and for good reason. Labrador Retrievers have dense coats, beautiful faces, and athletic bodies. Their biggest “selling point” is their personality. You’ll never catch the Lab in a bad mood!
And if you want to keep the Irish Lab’s spirits high, make sure it gets 1–2 hours of playtime. A cross between two hunters, it can’t imagine life without the great outdoors.
14. Pit Bull X Irish Setter
Average Size
19–23 inches
Average Weight
45–70 pounds
Expected Lifespan
13–16 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
United States
Here, we have another rather unusual match that yields excellent results. Pit Bulls are confident, courageous, and energetic dogs. You can rely on these guys to always have your back. Now, Pit Bulls aren’t always seen as cute, although they do have a silly (and adorable) side. This becomes more evident when they are mixed with the Irish Setter.
The hybrid is a fierce protector plus a charming companion with a sensitive spirit. So, be gentle with it!
15. Poodle X Irish Setter (Irish Doodle)
Average Size
16–21 inches
Average Weight
40–65 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–17 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
France, Germany
Much like Poodles, Irish Doodles have fragile hearts and don’t like to be punished. Instead, you should establish yourself as the leader by rewarding the pet for proper behavior. It’s equally intelligent and eager to please, so it won’t be hard to steer it in the right direction. As for the Irish Doodle’s coat, it requires daily brushing and professional grooming (once every 1–2 months).
But, given how undeniably fascinating this pooch is, that’s a small price to pay!
16. Rottweiler X Irish Setter (Irish Rottie)
Average Size
23–27 inches
Average Weight
70–100 pounds
Expected Lifespan
10–13 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Germany
Irish Rotties are big, bulky dogs (100 pounds, 27 inches) with above-average mental stimulation and grooming needs. They enjoy the company of people they trust yet can be aloof with strangers. And if the dog follows its German parent – Rottweiler, it will be a vigilant, quick-to-adapt protector that takes its guarding duties very seriously. Take the pup outside for some fresh air, invest in early socialization, and you’ll get yourself a dream pet!
17. Siberian Husky X Irish Setter (Irish Husky)
Average Size
22–25 inches
Average Weight
50–65 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Siberia, Russia
Affectionate, patient with kids, and friendly toward fellow canines and other pets, Irish Huskies are the true rock stars of the working group. That said, they have a thick, hard-to-maintain double coat and aren’t suited for apartment living. On top of that, Huskies have a stubborn streak and will only follow your lead if you put them through early socialization and obedience training.
Lastly, the Siberian part of this pup’s ancestry tends to get loud and has a short attention span. It does look gorgeous, though!
18. Springer Spaniel X Irish Setter (Irish Springer)
Average Size
20–24 inches
Average Weight
45–60 pounds
Expected Lifespan
13–15 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
England
Brought into this life by a gorgeous hunting duo – Springer Spaniel and Irish Setter, the Irish Springer is tall, graceful, and full of life. It doesn’t take this pup long to find a scent or bring down a birdie. And if you want to “employ” it as a family pet, it will definitely appreciate long walks around the block and challenging games. The coat will take some extra work, of course, but the pup’s upbeat personality will compensate for that.
19. Vizsla X Irish Setter
Average Size
22–26 inches
Average Weight
55–65 pounds
Expected Lifespan
12–14 years
Parent Breed’s Origin
Hungary
Recognized around the world as one of the sporting group’s finest, Hungarian Vizslas are energetic, flexible, and multi-talented gundogs. So, it’s only fair to assume that their offspring with the Irish Setter is going to be an elite hunter. And the one thing that makes this hybrid stand out is its desire to always be on the move. It’s a perfect pet for folks who always start their day with a walk or a run.
Conclusion
Irish Setters have exceptional gundog and companion skills. They’re not afraid of loud firearms and do a fantastic job of locating/retrieving prey. Back home, Irish Setters enjoy playing active games, doing something fun, and being cute and cuddly with the whole family. And if you mix this four-legged friend with another breed, you get a brand-new dog.
As we learned today, there are quite a few Irish Setter hybrids out there, including some amazing pups like the Irish Doodle and the Irish Lab, to name a few. Every single mixed breed is different, of course, and has its own temperament, energy level, and maintenance needs. Keep this in mind when scrolling the list for your dream dog!
Featured Image Credit: TMArt, Shutterstock
