Ready for a new puppy? Why not an “Irish shepherd?” This German shepherd Irish Setter mix makes for an adorable, active, confident dog who is great for the active pet parent!
German Shepherd Irish Setter Mix
The German shepherd Irish setter mix makes a beautiful, intelligent, large dog who needs a large, fenced-in backyard to run around in. This breed mix can vary a bit on personality traits—depending on which parent they take after more. They could lean toward the more serious German shepherd, or the more playful Irish setter.
Either way, both of these breeds make a “designer dog” mix breed who will be very affectionate, good with children, and good with other dogs… So long as they are socialized young, and trained well.
You will need to be ready to take this dog hiking in the woods, or running around the yard. Both parent breeds are very active, and need mental stimulation—a job or purpose—to remain well-behaved and happy. But don’t worry… You can always keep track of your dog’s location and daily activity levels with the Fi Smart Dog Collar.
Now let’s look a little more into the specifics of each parent breed.
All About German Shepherds
The German shepherd is a very well-known breed. In fact, they are so popular, they rank number 2 out of 197 breeds on the American Kennel Club’s popularity scale. This breed is known to be smart, confident, and courageous. They rank a 5 out of 5 for being affectionate with their family, and for being good with kids. And they rank 3 out of 5 for being good with other dogs.
As you might have guessed, they are very protective watchdogs, very trainable, and have high energy with a strong need to be mentally stimulated. Originally bred as a part of the “herding group,” this dog breed craves to have a job, and do it well.
They stand 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh between 50-90 pounds, depending on their gender. The German shepherd’s typical life expectancy is only 7-10 years. And although they are affectionate with their own family, they are often “aloof” with strangers.
The American Kennel Club describes them as this: “Generally considered dogkind's finest all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. Loyal, confident, courageous, and steady, the German Shepherd is truly a dog lover's delight.” This dog breed is known for loyalty, learning commands quickly, and always defending its family.
All About Irish Setters
The Irish setter is a part of the “sporting group” of dog breeds. They are known for being outgoing, sweet-natured, and active. These cuties rank 5 out of 5 for being affectionate with family, good with kids, and good with other dogs. They are also very open to strangers, very playful, and have very high energy.
Because of their energy level and their breeding nature, they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. A large backyard is helpful where they can chase a ball. And they would love to go on runs, or take a hike through the woods where they can sniff out little critters.
They are 25-27 inches tall, weigh 60-70 pounds, and live up to 12-15 years. They have long, silky, chestnut or mahogany-colored hair, and love making new friends.
The American Kennel Club describes Irish setters like this: “These rambunctious redheads are big kids at heart, but they are eager to please and will respond to patient, positive training. They are said to be bold and rugged hunting partners, with a devil-may-care approach to their work.” Sounds like a fun dog, right?
German Shepherd + Irish Setter = Irish Shepherd
The “Irish shepherd” is a beautiful mix of the German shepherd and the Irish setter. And although these two parent breeds have some similarities, their differences will definitely create a variety of outcomes in the Irish shepherd.
“The Irish Shepherd stands between 26 and 28 inches tall, weighing from 65 to 90 pounds. Although generally healthy, Irish shepherds can be vulnerable to heart disorders, osteosarcoma, and bloat. These dogs usually live to be around 13 years of age.”
Keep in mind that Irish shepherds could lean toward the Irish setter side of being outgoing and friendly toward strangers, or to the German shepherd side of being protective and aloof around strangers.
The Irish setter German shepherd mix is definitely high-energy, and needs plenty of room to run and play. They will be affectionate to their family, and friendly toward children. But keep in mind that these are large, playful dogs—they may be too energized for small children. They should get along with other dogs well, as long as they are well-socialized from a young age.
Because of their high-energy and need to work or complete a task, “this crossbreed makes the ideal jogging companion and will joyfully take on canine sports, including rally, tracking, and agility.”
Adopt an Irish Shepherd Today!
If this “designer dog” mix breed sounds like the right fit for you and your family, then what are you waiting for? Check out the American Kennel Club for reputable breeders near you. Or you can adopt a pet! There are German shepherd mixes, Irish setter mixes, and even some Irish shepherds looking for a good, caring home right now. Check out websites like PetFinder.com to find dogs available for adoption near you.
For more articles about breed mixes, fun dog-friendly activities, and helpful pet parenting tips, check out the Blog at TryFi.com.
