Have you ever wanted the beautiful markings of a German Shepherd but in a more affable and friendly dog? The Irish Shepherd is that and more in one complete package!
Crossing a German Shepherd with an Irish Setter results in an Irish Shepherd, a dog with a majestic appearance and the capabilities for almost any task.
Continue reading to learn more about this unique mixed breed, especially if you need an exercise buddy!
Table of Contents
Irish Setter, Irish Shepherd, and German Shepherd Comparison Table
| Irish Setter | Irish Shepherd | German Shepherd | |
| Height | 25-27 inches | 26-27 inches | 22-26 inches |
| Weight | 60-70 pounds | 60-80 pounds | 50-90 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-13 years | 7-10 years |
| Colors | Chestnut Mahogany Red |
Black and cream Black and red Chestnut Mahogany Red |
Black Black and cream Black and red Black and silver Blue Gray Liver Sable |
| Coat Type | Silky coat with medium length | Double coat with medium length | Double coat with medium length |
| Affection Levels | Very loving | Very loving | Very loving |
| Shedding Level | Average shedding | High shedding | High shedding |
| Temperament | Very playful Average protectiveness |
Very playful Pretty protective |
Pretty playful Very protective |
| Health Issues | Bloat Hip dysplasia Eye conditions Thyroid disorders Ear infections |
Bloat Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Ear infections |
Bloat Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia |
| Trainability | Pretty easy to train | Pretty easy to train | Very easy to train |
| Exercise | Very high exercise needs | Very high exercise needs | Very high exercise needs |
| Friendliness to People | Very open to strangers | Pretty open to strangers | Alright with strangers |
| Friendliness to Dogs | Very good with other dogs | Pretty good with other dogs | Alright with other dogs |
| Drooling Levels | Some drooling | Some drooling | Some drooling |
| Mental Stimulation | High mental stimulation required | High mental stimulation required | Very high mental stimulation required |
| Barking Level | Average barking | Average barking | Average barking |
About Irish Setters
You might not instantly recognize the name or sight of an Irish Setter, but the breed has been charming the hearts of humankind for over 200 years. They are most famous for being exceptional family dogs, getting along swimmingly with other pets and small children with ease and enthusiasm.
Aside from their tame nature, their notable characteristics include their genteel coating that speaks of the overlooked, impressive figure of the sporting dog. Some go as far as claiming Irish Setters are the most beautiful breed known to the world.
The silky fur is more than for show, though, it helped Irish Setters establish themselves as trusted bird hunting companions no matter the weather conditions of the Emerald Isle.
It didn’t get in the way of work either as Irish Setters dash to and fro with almost unparalleled amounts of grace and speed.
These days the Irish Setter is mostly an entertainer for the family with few issues. However, an Irish Setter demands a respectable chunk of time dedicated to playing and other forms of exercise.
If this need is not consistently met, the breed may act out due to boredom, despite even the best training practices.
About German Shepherds
German Shepherds are one of the few truly world-famous breeds and top practically every list of dog breeds in terms of popularity or working ability. It’s easy to see why when you consider everything the breed has going for it:
- Excellent sight, hearing, and sense of smell even among other breeds
- Highly appealing coat and colors
- Extensive work history across a wide array of fields
- Intense loyalty and affection for its owner
Even as a show dog, the German Shepherd stands out from the crowd thanks to its unique “pose”.
While most dogs feature a “square” stance with both front and rear legs sitting parallel underneath the body, the German Shepherd flaunts a single, extended rear leg as if to say that it is a cut above the rest.
Unfortunately, the breed isn’t without its flaws. The most significant problem most people encounter is the double-edged sword which is the fierce loyalty of a German Shepherd.
Because a German Shepherd can be extremely dedicated to a single owner or caretaker, the dog can also become frustratingly anxious when separated from its chosen person.
This separation anxiety can result in some destructive behaviors, and if a German Shepherd’s master is not around, they can be less sociable to strangers and family members alike.
Proper socialization and training can remedy most of this issue but it is best to be with your German Shepherd as much as possible.
About Irish Shepherds
The Irish Setter and German Shepherd mix is a match made in heaven as it aims to fix the few problematic aspects of the German Shepherd while retaining many of the favorite aspects of the Irish Setter.
Irish Shepherds have a dignified nature for showing off to guests while being approachable and loving, even with complete strangers.
Are Irish Shepherds Good Guard Dogs?
The short answer is: probably not.
These dogs want nothing more than to play with loved ones and are constantly looking to add more people to that list. The breed doesn’t even bark much as far as intimidating potential evildoers.
If an Irish Shepherd senses something it deems to be a threat, it may bark a few times to alert someone and be done.
The protective and vigilant nature of the German Shepherd genes might kick in, but don’t count on it to stop any home invasions or burglaries.
What Will My Irish Shepherd Look Like?
As with all mixed breeds, designer dogs, hybrids, or whatever name you call them, it is difficult to predict their appearance accurately.
Guessing what an Irish Shepherd will look like is made even more difficult by adding short-haired versus “long-haired” German Shepherds.
Thankfully, both breeds have relatively similar coat types as well as a limited pool of colors. Your Irish Shepherd will look, more likely than not, a particularly fluffy German Shepherd and may or may not have the classic black-brown markings.
However, it is also probable that an Irish Setter’s floppy ears will supplant the erect ears of the German Shepherd parent in an Irish Shepherd.
How Much Exercise Does An Irish Shepherd Really Need?
If you have to ask this question, an Irish Shepherd is not the breed for you. Both the Irish Setter and the German Shepherd are highly active breeds, so their offspring will be no different.
It is strongly recommended to try and engage Irish Shepherds in at least 2 hours of rigorous exercise each day.
This means that a simple 5K run might not be enough to tire out these overgrown puppies. Instead, opt for playtime that engages more of their muscles, such as tug-of-war.
You can also use exercise as an opportunity for training and mental stimulation by rewarding your Irish Shepherd during games like fetch.
A large, fenced-in backyard is best when living with an Irish Shepherd so they can explore and play alone if need be. A giant exercise wheel might help in a small apartment but should not be the only solution.
Conclusion
Irish Shepherds are wonderful family pets when you’ve done your research and are prepared to invest enough time into their training, socialization, and exercise.
When all is said and done at the end of the day, an Irish Shepherd’s dream is to jump into the lap of its favorite person and wind down with the family.