The Husky Irish Setter mix is a designer dog that is a cross between a Siberian Husky and an Irish Setter. This mix is a relatively new breed, and not much is known about them yet. However, we know they are intelligent, active dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. They are also very loyal and make great family pets.
All dogs require good socialization, and how they engage with people will be significantly influenced by that. How does this hybrid breed behave and look? Does it resemble the Siberian husky or the Irish setter more? Keep reading to learn more about the Husky Irish Setter mix!
History of the Husky Irish Setter Mix
The Husky Irish Setter mix is a relatively new dog breed, having been around for a few decades. This hybrid breed is a cross between a Siberian Husky and an Irish Setter. The Husky Irish Setter mix combines the best traits of both breeds to create an intelligent, friendly, and energetic dog.
This mixed breed got its fair number of dogs at shelters due to accidental mating. Breeding dogs like this have been more frequent in the past twenty years. The background of both parent breeds will be covered in more detail below.
Siberian Husky History
The medium-sized Siberian Husky is a working dog breed with roots in Russia’s north-eastern Siberia. They were initially bred by the Chukchi people, a nomadic reindeer herding tribe. The Chukchi people bred these dogs for their strength, speed, and endurance, which made them ideal for pulling sleds across vast distances in harsh conditions. Over time, they became increasingly popular as working dogs in Alaska and other Arctic regions.
During the Alaskan gold rush of the late 1800s, prospectors relied heavily on Siberian Huskies to help them transport supplies and equipment to remote mining camps. They quickly gained a reputation for being tough and reliable workers, able to cover great distances in even the most challenging conditions.
In 1925, a team of Siberian Huskies made headlines worldwide when they completed the now-famous “Great Race” from Anchorage to Nome. This event helped to increase the breed’s popularity even further and cemented their reputation as incredible working dogs.
Irish Setter History
The Irish Setter is thought to have originated in Ireland in the 18th century. The breed’s exact origins are unclear, but it is believed to be a cross between the English Setters and the Gordon Setter. The Irish Setter was originally bred for hunting, and it wasn’t until the 19th century that the breed began to be used as a companion animal.Â
Sailors brought over the first recorded Irish Setters in America in the early 1800s. However, it wasn’t until 1876 that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed.
Since then, the Irish Setter has remained a popular breed in America and worldwide. Thanks to its friendly personality and striking appearance, the Irish Setter has become a beloved family pet and show dog. Today, an estimated 60,000 Irish Setters live in homes across America.Â
Siberian Husky vs. Irish Setter: Comparison
Now that we’ve looked at the history of the Siberian Husky and the Irish Setter let’s compare these breeds side-by-side. It will give us a better understanding of what to expect from a Husky Irish Setter mix.
➡Size
Siberian Huskies typically stand at the height of 20 to 23 inches and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, as opposed to Irish Setters, who are bigger, standing at a normal height of 25 to 27 inches and weighing 60 to 70 pounds. It makes the Siberian Husky the smaller of the two breeds.
➡Coat
Another critical difference is the coat type. Siberian Huskies have a thick double coat that sheds year-round. It means that they’re not a good choice for people with allergies. Irish Setters have a single coat that sheds moderately. They’re a better choice for people with allergies but still require regular grooming.
➡Color
The coat color of Siberian Huskies can vary greatly. They can be black and white, brown and white, red and white, or any combination of these colors. Irish Setters are always red, although their shade of red can range from light golden to rich mahogany.
➡Temperament
Regarding temperament, both breeds are known for being friendly and outgoing. However, Siberian Huskies are also known for being independent and headstrong, while Irish Setters are known for being energetic and playful. The Irish Setter is the kind of dog who will be content to curl up on the couch with you. On the other hand, a Siberian Husky is more likely to want to go for a run or hike.
➡Lifespan
The level of care given to the dog is, without a doubt, one of the critical elements in determining how long a dog will live, but there are other aspects, particularly the breed. The average lifespan of a Siberian Husky is 12 to 15 years, while the average lifespan of an Irish Setter is 10 to 15 years.
Husky Irish Setter Mix Breed Details
Now that we’ve looked at the critical differences between Siberian Huskies and Irish Setters, let’s take a closer look at what to expect from a Husky Irish Setter mix.
🦮Appearance
Husky Irish Setter mixes can vary quite a bit in appearance since they are a cross between two very different breeds. However, they will usually have some combination of the following physical traits:
- Medium to large size
- Muscular body
- The thick coat can be either straight or wavy
- Standard coat colors include black, brown, red, and white
- Blue or green eyes
- Ears that are pointed and erect
🦮Behavior
Husky Irish Setter mixes are known for being friendly, energetic, and playful. They are great with children and other pets and love being around people. These dogs are also very loyal and make great family pets. They can be protective of their family and may bark at strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs. They will get along well with other pets and children with proper socialization and training.Â
These dogs need plenty of exercises, so they are not a good fit for families who are frequently away from home or do not have a yard. If you are looking for a calm and relaxed dog, the Husky Irish Setter mix is not for you.
🦮Weather Tolerance
Husky Irish Setter mixes tolerate cold weather and love to play in the snow. They are also fairly tolerant of hot weather but should not be left outside in the heat for extended periods.
🦮Health
Husky Irish Setter mixes are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to specific health conditions. Some of the most common health problems that these dogs can experience include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness. Elbow dysplasia is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint. Both of these conditions are hereditary and can be diagnosed with a simple x-ray.
Eye problems are also common in Husky Irish Setter mixes, particularly cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. These conditions can lead to blindness, so it is vital to have your dog’s eyes checked regularly by a veterinarian.
The best way to ensure that your Husky Irish Setter mix stays healthy is to purchase him from a reputable breeder who can provide you with health clearances for both of his parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
Husky Irish Setter Mix Maintenance and Care
These dogs are a beautiful mix of two popular breeds and make great companions. But before you bring your new pup home, it’s essential to research how to best care for them. Here are some tips on how to care for your Husky Irish Setter mix:
Exercise
As we mentioned, Husky Irish Setters are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercises. A good rule of thumb is to give them at least an hour of exercise daily. It can include walks, runs, hikes, or even games of fetch in the backyard. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a lot of space for your dog to run around, consider taking them to doggy daycare or dog parks where they can burn off some energy.
Mental Stimulation
Husky Irish Setters also need mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise. It can include puzzle toys, training classes, or even games like hide-and-seek. Be sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities to use their brain, so they don’t get bored and destructive.
Training
Teaching this bright dog will be a little tricky. They’ll want to be the dominant one. Therefore, they’ll need someone who can hold them in their place with a solid, powerful hand. The greatest thing you can do to maintain their attention span is to divide the lessons into shorter daily sessions. Although it could have a prey instinct and loves to sprint after and chase tiny prey, you can control this behavior with the proper training. Positive reinforcement yields the most significant results in all canines.
Grooming
Because Husky Irish Setters have both long and short hair, they must be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles. You need to bathe them occasionally as well, although not as often as dogs with shorter hair. Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo, so you don’t dry out their skin and irritate them.
Diet
As with all dogs, it’s essential to feed your Husky Irish Setter a high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level. Puppies need a different diet than adult dogs, so consult with your vet about what food is best for your pup. Adult dogs may also need different amounts of food depending on how active they are, so pay attention to their weight and adjust their food accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Husky Irish Setters friendly with cats?
Husky Irish Setters are generally friendly with cats, although they may chase them if they see them as prey. If you have a cat and are considering getting a Husky Irish Setter, it is crucial to introduce the two animals slowly and carefully so that they can get used to each other.
Are Husky Irish Setters apartment friendly?
Husky Irish Setters are not really good for apartment living. They need a lot of space to run and play, and an apartment simply doesn’t provide that for them. If you live in an apartment and are considering getting a Husky Irish Setter, you will need to ensure that you can give them enough exercise to be happy and healthy.
Do Husky Irish Setters bark a lot?
Husky Irish Setters don’t generally bark a lot, but they may howl like their Husky parent. It may not be your breed if you are looking for a quiet dog. However, a Husky Irish Setter may be a great choice if you don’t mind a little bit of noise.
Can you leave a Husky Irish Setter alone for a long time in a day?
No, you cannot leave a Husky Irish Setter alone for long periods. They are social animals that need companionship and will become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. If you work long hours or are often away from home, a Husky Irish Setter is not the right dog for you.
Can Husky Irish Setters tolerate cold?
Yes, Husky Irish Setters can tolerate cold weather thanks to their husky parent. However, they will still need a warm, comfortable place to sleep inside. If you live in a cold climate, you must ensure that your dog has a warm bed to sleep in to be comfortable and safe.
Final Words
If you are looking for an intelligent, active, and loyal dog, then the Husky Irish Setter mix might be the perfect breed for you. These dogs make great family pets and will bond closely with their owners. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation, so they are not the best choice for first-time dog owners or those with small homes or apartments. If you think you can provide a good home for a Husky Irish Setter mix, then be sure to check out your local shelters or rescue groups!
