The golden retriever red setter mix, known as Golden Irish, is relatively rare but sought-after by hunting enthusiasts.
Red setters are field-bred Irish setters, so they share many traits with show Irish setters yet have a higher prey drive and energy levels.
Because golden retrievers also have a hunting heritage, the golden retriever red setter cross is a perfect all-around hunting companion, but it will also make a fantastic family dog.
Irish setters are ancestors of golden retrievers, so their mix is pretty predictable, unlike most designer crossbreeds. Some people might confuse a golden retriever red setter mix with a purebred golden or setter.
However, there may be some variation in appearance, temperament, and behavior. The best way to predict what a puppy will be like when it grows up is to interact with its parents.
Appearance
The golden retriever red setter cross appearance doesn’t vary as much as other crossbreds because the parent breeds have a lot in common.
All golden setters have drop ears, long snouts, relatively broad heads, dark round eyes, and black noses.
The golden retriever red setter mix typically ranges from 21 to 28 inches in height and weighs 55-80 pounds. The build can be stocky or lean and athletic, depending on which parent a puppy takes after.
These dogs always have long fur with a dense undercoat. The fur can be either straight or wavy. There’s always prominent feathering on the tail, ears, back on the legs, and chest.
Golden retrievers come in all shades of gold and red, although “red” is a universal name for many colors, including mahogany, chestnut, and fawn. Red setters, too, come in a variety of rich red shades.
Although the red color results from a recessive gene in golden retrievers, the golden retriever red setter cross is very likely to be red. Still, some puppies may be cream or medium-gold.
The golden retriever red setter cross color is always solid.
Temperament
The golden retriever red setter mix temperament is very predictable since the parent breeds are similar. All golden retriever red setter cross are friendly, outgoing, playful, energetic dogs that are rarely aggressive toward strangers.
They tend to get along well with kids and be very patient.
However, because of its exuberance, the golden retriever red setter mix can accidentally knock over a baby, making it a better companion for older kids who can handle the dog’s energy levels.
Goldens have a low prey drive, but red setters are the ultimate hunting dogs, so the golden retriever red setter mix is likely to chase smaller pets.
Owners can combat this habit with training and socialization, but it will be persistent to some extent.
Because of its unique temperament trait combination, the golden retriever red setter cross makes equally great service, hunting, family, and therapy dog.
Intelligence & Trainability
The golden retriever red setter mix is among the most intelligent designer dogs because both parent breeds excel at this parameter.
Canine researcher Stanley Coren, who studied the intelligence of 138 breeds, ranked goldens fourth and red setters 35th.
Both parent breeds quickly memorize commands and have a high obedience rate. They are rarely stubborn, which isn’t surprising given that they have a hunting heritage, and a stubborn dog is a hunter’s worst nightmare.
These dogs also have excellent problem-solving skills. Although obedient, they can quickly assess the situation and act without command when needed.
Canine IQ also depends on emotional intelligence. Red setters and golden retrievers can effectively communicate their needs to the owner and read human emotions from tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language.
Because the golden retriever red setter mix has immense brainpower, it needs plenty of mental stimulation, or it may get bored and become mischievous.
Such a high IQ enables these dogs to assist people with disabilities in performing daily tasks, working with police, and serving as therapy pets. Naturally, they also make fantastic all-purpose hunting dogs.
Health
Golden retrievers and red setters have a similar health problem list, so their cross is also at high risk of inheriting particular diseases or developing them throughout their lifetime.
Both parent breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia, affecting joint mobility. The condition results from excessive exercise in puppyhood and is widespread among all large dogs.
Progressive retinal atrophy is another condition commonly affecting these breeds. It can cause partial or complete blindness and cannot be predicted or prevented.
Red setters and golden retrievers are susceptible to epilepsy that is usually inherited, but the first episodes only occur between one and five years of age.
Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is another condition to be aware of. Unfortunately, both parent breeds are prone to cancer, which is the most common cause of death among golden retrievers.
Like all dogs with drop ears, these breeds are at high risk of ear infections. Owners must establish an ear cleaning routine to prevent infections.
Grooming
Golden retrievers and red setters are notorious shedders because of their dense undercoats. They shed year-round but have intense shedding periods twice a year when they blow out their undercoat to adapt to the changing climate.
The golden retriever red setter mix grooming involves daily brushing with a slicker brush to untangle the fur. A de-shedding tool will help remove dead hairs stuck in the undercoat and prevent matting during seasonal shedding periods.
Bathing frequency depends on a dog’s lifestyle. Dogs swimming in stagnant water or rolling in mud need to be bathed more often than those spending most of their time in a clean backyard.
Bathing should be more frequent during seasonal shedding phases. Golden retriever red setter mix doesn’t need haircuts, and shaving can damage its undercoat. However, these dogs will benefit from feather trimming.
Feather trimming keeps the coat neat and prevents tangling, but the coat grows out fast, so you might want to learn to do it at home if you decide to buy this dog.
Additionally, the golden retriever red setter mix needs regular claw trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning.
Exercise Needs
Golden retrievers are high-energy dogs that need at least an hour of exercise daily, but they cannot compare with red setters. These dogs have immense stamina and are bursting with energy, so two hours of walking is the bare minimum.
The golden retriever red setter mix also needs at least two hours of walking daily, but the ideal exercise duration is three to four hours. They will appreciate vigorous activities such as playing fetch, swimming, and free running.
Puppies don’t need as much physical activity. In fact, excessive exercise can cause hip dysplasia, so owners should be mindful of the walking session length.
Physical activity is crucial for senior dogs, but its duration depends on a particular dog’s health state.
Life Expectancy
Golden retriever red setter mix lifespan is 10-15 years, depending on a dog’s genetics, lifestyle, and health state. Dogs with inherited medical conditions tend to pass away sooner, even if the condition itself isn’t life-threatening.
By providing your dog with enough physical activity and feeding it a healthy diet, you can significantly prolong its lifespan. Keeping vaccinations up to date is also crucial.
Large dogs rarely live over 15 years, but there are known cases of golden retrievers living for over two decades.
However, the average breed’s lifespan is 10-12 years because of its susceptibility to cancer. So, the golden retriever red setter mix has better health and a longer lifespan than golden retrievers.
Behavior Problems
Both parent breeds are prone to separation anxiety because they are social dogs that form strong bonds with their owners, so their mix is also at risk. Usually, separation anxiety occurs in under-socialized dogs.
A lack of socialization can also make a golden retriever red setter mix anxious about unfamiliar situations, dogs, people, and environments. Some of these dogs have noise phobias.
Many red setters and golden retrievers pull on the leash and jump on people, so their cross is also likely to have this habit. Fortunately, timely training resolves the issue.
These dogs need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation, but not every owner can ensure that. An under-stimulated or under-exercised golden retriever red setter mix may engage in destructive behavior.
Although barking isn’t common for these breeds, excessive vocalization may be caused by boredom or anxiety.
Rarity
The golden retriever red setter mix comes from some of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. But despite the wide availability of parent breeds, their cross is relatively rare.
The demand for this cross isn’t very high, and many breeders find it easier to sell a purebred red setter of a golden retriever. You might need to spend some time searching for a puppy.
Price
The golden retriever red setter mix is on the expensive side because of its relative rarity and the high cost of parent breeds. The golden retriever red setter mix prices start at $700 and can exceed $1,500.
A puppy’s price depends on its lineage, temperament, appearance, breeder’s reputation, and location. Rescue and fixed adult dogs typically cost less than puppies.
Health clearances can also add to the puppy’s price, but they are always worth it because they are a guarantee of a dog’s health.