The springer spaniel Irish setter mix dog is a hybrid of the Irish setter and the English springer spaniel. Both dogs possess similar yet different traits. So, you’re likely to wonder, how does this unique dog look? Will it act like a springer spaniel or Irish setter? To answer your burning questions, he’s all you need to know about springer spaniel Irish setters.
What is the Springer Spaniel Irish Setter Mix?
The springer spaniel Irish setter mix hails from hunting dogs, the Irish setter and the English springer spaniel. It’s a medium-sized dog standing between 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder, weighing 40 to 50 pounds. Most crossbreed canines split between the two parent breeds, but for this mix, it’s not.
Although the Irish setter springer spaniel is medium-sized, they’re smaller than average. After all, Irish setters are large, with some reaching 26 inches max height from the shoulder! However, since the other parent breed is the English springer spaniel, this mix is more miniature.
But even if it takes after the springer spaniel parent, it still fits in the “medium” dog category thanks to its Irish setter bloodline.
Size aside, this mix has a medium-length coat that sheds occasionally. And this dog’s coat hues mostly take after its springer spaniel parent, meaning it often has a white coat with large brown spots. With this, aspiring owners don’t need to worry about tedious maintenance and grooming. At most, you only need to brush your springer spaniel Irish setter once or twice a week.
Meanwhile, regarding temperament, this crossbreed is like its two parent breeds — fun and loving! It’s family-oriented and often likes spending more time with humans than animals. And considering the Irish setter and springer spaniel were initially bred to hunt, their crossbreed is the same.
Most likely, this mix will be happier with something to do. So, you can see why the Irish setter springer spaniels love playing! But as active as these dogs can be, they’re vulnerable to joint dysplasia. However, you don’t need to worry much, as this Irish setter and English springer spaniel crossbreed can live between 12 and 14 years!
Irish Setter and Springer Spaniel History
It isn’t easy to find a decent read on hybrid dog breeds since there’s not much history. And like most Irish setter mixes, its crossbreed with the English springer spaniel only became common in the past few years. I’ve summarized the history of these parent breeds for a better understanding of this unique crossbreed:
The English Springer Spaniel History
Springer Spaniels hail from Spain and have been around for centuries.
The English springer spaniel is a breed meant to meet the specific needs of English hunters. It’s an old breed that helped hunters hunt small birds before guns got invented. And it helped English hunters with their falconers, making it a reliable flushing dog.
The Irish Setter History
The Irish setter hails from Ireland and has been around since the 1700s. And it likely comes from the result of breeding different dogs, ranging from the English setter to the cocker spaniel.Â
Initially, this breed’s name was the “red spaniel,” thanks to its luscious reddish coat. But this didn’t last long as time passed, as this breed often had white or red coats, not the initial intense red.
Irish setters only recently rose in popularity outside of Ireland, becoming mainstream between the 1960s and the 1970s. After an Irish setter named “Echo” came to the United States, it marked the breed’s global fame. But do mind that the AKC already recognized the Irish setter in the late 1870s.
Springer Spaniel vs. Irish Setter (Similarities and Differences)
The Similarities
English springer spaniels and Irish setters have the same breed group of gun dogs. But both have varying sub-groups, as springer spaniels are part of the “flushing dog group.” Meanwhile, Irish setters are with the “setters dog group. Still, both breeds have the same objective of working and hunting.
Since these two breeds were initially bred for hunting, it’s only natural for both to have excellent temperaments. But as easy as they are to train, remember to be strict and discipline the dogs when needed. After all, springer spaniels and Irish setters are intelligent and may take advantage of you.Â
Aside from that, when you don’t train these two breeds well, expect aggressive behavior. And this can lead to destructive habits!
Finally, the two breeds boast similar lifespans, living as long as 15 years.Â
The Differences
Although the English springer spaniel and Irish setter have many similarities, each dog has unique traits. Most notable is their coat hues, with English springer spaniels often having white to cream coats with large brown spots. Unlike the Irish setter, English springer spaniels can be parti-color.
Irish setters often have red coats with varying intensities. Although they usually come in one solid color, nowadays, Irish setters can have markings on their paws or stomach.
Regarding height and weight, Irish setters are larger than springer spaniels. Their max size stands at 26 inches at the shoulder, while the springer spaniel is at 22 inches! Moreover, Irish setters can weigh up to 70 pounds, while springer spaniels only at 55.Â
What To Expect When Caring For a Springer Spaniel Irish Setter Mix?
Caring for an English springer spaniel and Irish setter has upsides and downsides. But what happens when you get a crossbreed of the two? Here’s all you must know about taking care of a springer spaniel Irish setter mix:
🩺 Health and Wellness
Generally, English springer spaniel Irish setter mixes are healthy dogs. They have great longevity, with most living up to 15 years. But all dogs can develop health issues, with some being more prone to illnesses than others.Â
To keep your dog healthy, here are medical conditions to watch out for in an Irish setter springer spaniel crossbreed:
✅ Joint Dysplasia (Canine Hip Dysplasia)Â
Joint dysplasia or canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is the unusual growth of a dog’s hip joint. Although not fatal, this can lead to arthritis in a springer spaniel Irish setter mix.Â
But unfortunately, there’s no cure for CHD, and the best you can do for your crossbreed is to adjust their routine. Strive to make your Irish setter springer spaniel’s days more comfortable and safe.
✅ Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
 Irish setters are prone to eye issues, carrying this to their crossbreed with springer spaniels. This mix’s most common eye condition is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It’s a degenerative eye disorder that may lead to blindness in the long run as it interferes with the photoreceptors.
Luckily, PRA is noticeable before your Irish setter springer spaniel shows signs of blindness. And the worst-case scenario, your dog losing its eyesight due to PRA, won’t change much of its quality of life. After all, they mainly use their other senses, particularly smell and taste.
There’s no cure for this eye condition, so the best thing you can do for your springer spaniel Irish setter crossbreed is to make their routine more comfortable and safe.
✅ Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is common in springer spaniels and Irish setters. Hence, you can expect their crossbreed to have the same issue. It can cause the following symptoms:
- Dark patches on the skin
- Sudden hair loss
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
- Epilepsy
It’s treatable, and you only need to change your Irish setter springer spaniel mix’s diet. But some veterinarians may prescribe medication for faster recovery.
✅ Otitis Externa
Since the Irish setter springer spaniel crossbreed has large and floppy ears, otitis externa can be a concern. It’s a common disorder of the ear canal in canines. And it happens when the cell layer lining the dog’s external canal swells up. Here are symptoms to pay attention to:
- Sudden head shaking
- Emitting a foul odor
- Redness on the dog’s skin
- Swelling
- Constant scratching
- Sudden discharge of fluids
- Scaly skin
You can treat your Irish setter springer spaniel’s otitis externa with topical therapy. But systemic anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial therapy might be necessary for severe cases.
✅ Phosphofructokinase (PFK) DeficiencyÂ
Phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency in Irish setter springer spaniels is an inherited disorder causing premature hemolysis with a decreased tolerance for exercise. Dogs with PFK can showcase symptoms of mild anemia and acute hemolysis. And it often gets triggered by intense activity or barking.
PFK deficiency can be fatal to the springer spaniel Irish setter crossbreed, and IV therapy is necessary. Or, for more severe cases, your dog may need a blood transfusion. But to cure this condition, your crossbreed will need a bone marrow transplant. And this is expensive, and not all vets offer the surgery.
✅ Retinal DysplasiaÂ
 The last common medical condition for the springer spaniel Irish setter crossbreed is retinal dysplasia (RD). It’s abnormal development in the dog’s retina and has no treatment.Â
🦴 Nutrition (Diet)
Since the Irish setter springer spaniel crossbreed is vulnerable to joint dysplasia, it needs some supplements in its diet. Aside from the dog’s regular kibble, you must add fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine to its diet. And you can give this to your springer spaniel Irish setter through raw foods.
Picking the best diet is subjective for each Irish setter springer spaniel mix. Consult a vet if you’re struggling to determine a healthy diet for your crossbreed.
But for a general sense, Irish setter springer spaniel mixes should only eat between 1.5 and 2.5 cups of kibble daily.
Regardless of the diet, never overfeed your crossbreed! After all, it can exacerbate your Irish setter springer spaniel’s health issues further!
✂️ Grooming
Grooming for Irish setter springer spaniel mixes isn’t as tedious as the other crossbreeds. After all, this mix takes after the English springer spaniel’s coat more, which isn’t as long and thick as the Irish setter’s. Still, you must brush the dog’s fur once or twice a week to keep it tangle-free.Â
As tempting as it is to cut your Irish setter springer spaniel’s fur shorter, don’t do it. After all, this crossbreed has sensitive skin like its parent breeds. So, please stick to the brushing — you only need to do it weekly!
When it comes to bathing and cutting nails, doing it every 2 to 3 months should do it for this mix. And don’t forget about their ears, as the springer spaniel Irish setter has sensitive ears.Â
I recommend introducing this crossbreed to grooming early to make it easier for you both later on.
🏃 Exercise
Since the Irish setter springer spaniel is energetic, you must let it exercise often. So, bring your crossbreed canine for long walks and hikes to keep it happy and tired. If not, you’ll be dealing with a frustrated dog with a bunch of pent-up energy. And this will likely lead to destructive behavior.
🏋️ Training
The Irish setter springer spaniel mix is intelligent and easy to train. It listens well, but you have to make it understand that you’re in charge of it, not the other way around. After all, this crossbreed often wants to be alpha, so don’t cave in and be firm. Only this way you’ll be able to train this crossbreed well.
Break your springer spaniel Irish setter’s training sessions into increments. That way, you’ll be able to help it stay focused. But as frustrating as it might be, never shout or punish the dog, as this can only set back its progress.
Instead, practice positive reinforcement and remember to praise your Irish setter springer spaniel when it does well. After all, this crossbreed is a clever dog who loves to please humans and often loves taking on challenges.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will a springer spaniel Irish setter mix live?
A: When well cared for, an English springer spaniel and Irish setter mix can live up to 14 years. Generally, this hybrid dog can live for a long time, most lasting at least 12 years. So, if you’re looking for an Irish setter mix that can accompany you for a long time, go with this hybrid.
Q: Are Irish setter springer spaniel mixed dogs well-behaved?
A: Irish setter springer spaniel dogs are well-behaved and affectionate. After all, the Irish setter and English springer spaniel breeds are naturally calm. Hence, they make excellent family dogs, providing unbounded love to their owner.
Q: Is an Irish setter dog a spaniel?
A: Irish setters are direct descendants of the “setting” spaniel. Although they aren’t “spaniel” dogs, they’re related to the breed. They were initially bred in Ireland to help with hunting birds.
Q: Is it okay to leave an Irish setter springer spaniel mix alone?
A: Irish setters and English springer spaniels are anxious dogs and can’t be left alone for a long time. Both breeds are vulnerable to separation anxiety and may act out, leading to disruptive antics.Â
Q: Are springer spaniel Irish setter mixed dogs easy to train?
A: An springer spaniel Irish setter is easy to train but needs some discipline as they’re playful. Contrary to popular belief, Irish setters tend to be intelligent dogs, no matter their mix. But you need to be wary of your Irish setter springer spaniel and prevent it from taking advantage of you.Â
Final Words
It’s best to learn about the springer spaniel Irish setter mix early on if you want to adopt or buy one. Many aspiring dog owners often get these mixed dogs without knowing what it takes to care for them long-term. And this can lead to frequent illnesses or shortened lifespans. So, please familiarize yourself with its health, needs, and preferences for a healthy and happy dog.
