Golden Irish

55-80 lbs
21-28"
Unknown
Golden Retriever
Irish Setter

Lively and affectionate, the Golden Irish is a hybrid developed from the affectionate Golden Retriever and the agile Irish Setter. This breed is not known to be a nuisance barker but he does require a family that will work with his high energy level. This intelligent canine is known to be great at agility and as well, he provides excellent companionship. The Golden Irish weighs an average of 55 to 80 pounds and stands between 21 to 28 inches tall. Owners of this beautiful hybrid say that his coat does require a bit of maintenance, but he turns heads wherever he goes.

purpose Purpose
Agility, Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Golden Retriever, Irish Setter

Golden Irish Health

Average Size
Male Golden Irish size stats
Height: 21-28 inches Weight: 55-80 lbs
Female Golden Irish size stats
Height: 21-28 inches Weight: 55-80 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Usually Very Healthy
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Allergies
  • Ectropion
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Allergy Tests
  • Eye examination

Golden Irish Breed History

The Golden Retriever is said to have been developed in Scotland with traits of the Tweed Water Spaniel, Yellow Retriever, Wavy-coated Retriever, Flat-coated Retriever, and the Red Setter making up his lineage. Lord Tweedmouth is often credited as being the main individual for breeding the Golden Retriever to a female Tweed Water Spaniel, although there is some speculation that this breed was present well before the development by the baron began. In 1925, the breed was officially registered with the American Kennel Club as foundation stock but it wasn't until 1932 that it was officially added to the roster of purebred dogs. Today, he excels as a therapy dog, as a search and rescue canine, as an agility champion, and much more. The Irish Setter is thought to have originated sometime in the 18th century and was developed from a combination of English Setters, Spaniels, Pointers, and Gordon Setters. The Irish Setters were first known as the red spaniels and were white and red. It is believed that the Irish Earl of Enniskillen, a viscount, may have been responsible for breeding the first solid red dogs. Jason Hazzard of Timaskea and Sir George Gore, also of County Fermanagh,  both preferred the Irish Setter with the solid red colors. Elcho was the first Irish Setter imported to the United States in 1875. In 1878, the first Irish Setter, named Admiral, was registered by the American Kennel Club. In the 1960s and 1970s, the breed exploded with popularity due to the Irish Setter's presence in the White House during the Nixon administration.

Golden Irish Breed Appearance

The Golden Irish will inherit physical traits from both parent breeds due to the lack of breed standard. Some of the dogs will inherit more Golden Retriever characteristics while others may inherit more Irish Setter characteristics. His coat is always long, silky,  and fine,. Color combinations vary, including red, yellow, light brown, golden brown, and chocolate. His ears are floppy and may have featherings at the end which will require brushing for upkeep. His deep almond-shaped eyes show an air of intelligence and kindness, and his head is often round and wide, though can be more narrow if the Setter genes dominate. His tail is long and carried over his body. His stance is elegant and graceful, though does display the power and agility of the parents.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Golden Irish eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Golden Irish nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Golden Irish coat
Brown
red Golden Irish coat
Red
fawn Golden Irish coat
Fawn
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Golden Irish straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Golden Irish Breed Maintenance

The Golden Irish is not considered a hypoallergenic breed. He will shed moderately. His coat, being fine and long will need a daily brushing. The pin brush works well to smooth the coat and once brushed, a comb can be used to remove any remaining tangles. He shouldn't need bathing often unless he gets into a bit of mud or dirt while in the field or on a run. Check his ears often for moisture accumulation or the presence of dirt. If he is a keen swimmer and gets the opportunity often, he may develop ear problems if they are not kept clean. Avoid costly dental bills by brushing the teeth daily, and trim his nails bi-monthly.

Insuring your Golden Irish puppy as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.

Brushes for Golden Irish
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Golden Irish requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Golden Irish Temperament

The Golden Irish's personality will vary depending on which dominant traits he inherits from his parent breeds.  He is known to be intuitive, lively, and friendly with everyone he meets. He is always up for an outing, especially if it means meeting other dogs or partaking in activities that use his brain as well as his body. He will keep you on the go, so if you are not looking for an active dog, you should shop around a bit more. His hunting and retrieving instincts mean that he likes to have plenty of opportunity for fresh air and exploration every day. His calm disposition once he has had his exercise allows him to be a great companion for the family, including those with children. He loves to learn so go ahead and sign him up for obedience classes.

Golden Irish Activity Requirements

The Golden Irish possesses a high level of energy that will require 60 minutes of activity per day. He has the talent and the energy for agility, obedience trials, field competition, and conformation shows. Give him the chance to shine and he will. He will need at the minimum two long walks per day and if you suggest more, he'll be game. Not meant for apartment or condo living, he will enjoy a home with a yard in which he can romp and play. He does well in any climate.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Golden Irish Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Golden Irish Owner Experiences

Oscar
13 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
swimming
Fetch
Ball
Walking
A rescue from Spain at 7 months old. Now lives with us in UK since 18 months. An absolutely amazing dog. Human like understanding and character. We've had 2 children from when he was 4 and he's been like their older brother. Not a bad bone in his body. Loves rivers and the sea. Is obsessed with 'rescuing' stones from the bottom of riverbeds. Even at 13 he's still running about making younger dogs look old. Would definitely recommend
1 year, 2 months ago
Bodhi
7 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Frisbee
Run
Hike
Wonderful breed, affectionate, smart, funny
1 year, 6 months ago
Kimber
5 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She loves people! Alwayhas to be touching us
4 years, 10 months ago
Copper Boy
6 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Copper Boy and I especially love playtime at our cabin.
4 years, 10 months ago
Piper
1 Year
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Piper is a very fun dog. She is up for anything. Riding in the car with the head out the window or up, out of the sunroof is especially exciting. This dog relishes activity and our company.
3 years, 11 months ago
Buddy Lee Greene
13 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
Kayaking
Hiking
Biking
Walking, Running,
Our dog is the neighborhood favorite! He is good with other dogs, people, and kids. He is smart, intuitive, and well-behaved. He is getting older now but is still active and healthy.
2 years, 7 months ago
Rhys
12 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He still a puppy but we are enjoying all his puppy energy. Still waiting for his next round of shots before we can take him on walks
2 years, 5 months ago
Isabel
12 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Running
Dog Parks
She’s getting older now, overall healthy, just stiff. She’s always been a happy, kind dog! Loves people even more than she loves other dogs! Gets along with everyone and everything! Beautiful coat and not too difficult to take care of!
2 years, 5 months ago
Phoenix
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
Daycare
Work
Dog Parks
swimming
Phoenix is such a energetic and bubbly dog! She’s definitely a Velcro dog where she wants me to be in her sights at all times! All and all she’s the best dog a girl could ever ask!
2 years, 2 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

my dog is 9yrs about 25 lbs over weight she started to pant all the time she drinks lots of water and eats sur gain fish and oatmeal food should i be alarm

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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