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The post Brusselranian Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The Brusselranian is a mixed dog breed that combines the Brussels Griffon and the Pomeranian dog breeds. As with any mixed breed, it is difficult to predict the exact temperament as the resulting mix might end up more like one parent breed than the other, and the combination can throw up some unexpected results.

However, you can expect a small dog and, because both parents were bred to be companion dogs, you can expect a pup that enjoys spending time with its owner and that doesn’t require too much exercise.

Breed Overview

The Brusselranian is a mixed breed that combines two companion dogs that are known to be cheerful and happy. The resulting breed is a dog that loves spending time with its humans and can struggle if left home alone for too long. They are lively dogs with some energy, but their size means that they don’t require excessive exercise and can certainly adapt to life in an apartment.

The Brusselranian is relatively low maintenance which, when combined with the moderate exercise needs, means the dog can make a good companion for older owners. Its size means that it might not be the best choice for families with very young children, however, because it is very easy for small dogs to get accidentally hurt by young kids.

Brusselranian Puppies

The Brusselranian is a mixed breed dog that brings together the Brussels Griffon and the Pomeranian, which are two popular companion dog breeds. Although both parent breeds are popular, the mixed breed is not well known, yet, and, as such, it can be difficult to find a breeder with litters of Brusselranian puppies.

It is worth looking around, asking local breeders, and even checking on social media. If you have been made aware of the breed by another owner, it is worth asking where they got their dog and speaking to the breeder.

When buying a dog from a breeder, whatever the breed, you should ensure you meet the puppy and its mother before you agree to the purchase. Check the parents had proper health screening conducted.

You can check at local rescues and shelters, although there is no guarantee you will be able to find the specific breed you’re looking for when adopting. Ask as many questions as possible about the dog. The shelter might not be able to provide much information about the dog’s past, and there is no guarantee that the information they have is accurate or entirely reliable.

However, volunteers and shelter owners should have a good idea of the dog’s general character and demeanor, and they will know whether they get along with other dogs. When you get the puppy, start socializing and training as soon as possible.

Brusselranian Dog Breed Origin & History

The Brusselranian is a mixed breed and, as such, has very little history. However, the parent breeds are well known.

The Pomeranian is a Spitz breed, which means it belongs to the same family as breeds including Samoyeds and Alaskan Malamutes. The original Pomeranian weighed around four times the weight of today’s companion breed. The Pomeranian was first introduced to the U.S. at the turn of the 20^th Century, and it was accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1909.

The Brussels Griffon originates from Belgium, as the breed’s name suggests. It was originally bred to hunt rats and other vermin, and while the modern Griffon is rarely used as a working dog, it can retain some of the prey drives of its ancestors.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Brusselranian Dog Breed

The Brusselranian is a clever dog and is considered easy to train, although this does depend on other factors. Start training your dog as soon as you are able, and ensure you start socializing them from as young an age as possible. The breed isn’t particularly prone to mouthing or being overly vocal, but it might have a prey drive stemming from the Brussels Griffon ancestry.

Teaching good recall will be important, especially if you plan to let the dog off the leash anywhere in public. Puppy classes can help teach recall as well as other basic commands. They also help build a bond between you and your new dog and they offer a good opportunity to start socializing.

Good socialization means introducing your dog to new and unusual situations. Walk them on different routes and at different times of the day. While your Brusselranian is still a puppy, ensure they come into contact with young children, cyclists, people in uniforms, and other groups of people.

This will not only get them used to these specific groups but will also help desensitize your young dog to new situations, which can be stressful and anxious times for unsocialized pups.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Brusselranian will be affectionate and loving with family members. It can also get along with strangers, although it may be a little aloof during the first meeting. Its size and relatively modest exercise requirements mean that the breed is good for seniors, but its relatively small size makes it unsuitable for living with very small children, in most cases.

If you do have children and are getting a small dog like this, you will need to teach the kids how to behave respectfully and pleasantly around the dog, so they don’t grab, poke, prod, or accidentally injure the young pup. The breed should get along well with older children and certainly with the adults in the house, however, and is not known for being overly protective so there shouldn’t be any problems with aggression.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?  

This mixed breed can do very well in a house with existing or other new dogs, although gradual and careful introductions are always needed when introducing two more dogs. Similarly, the Brusselranian can also get along well with cats, which may be larger than the dog itself.

Generally, you should never leave a dog alone with smaller pets, and this is especially true of this breed because their prey drive means they will likely give chase to any smaller animal that runs.

Things to Know When Owning a Brusselranian

The Brusselranian is a good family pet although will do better with older children, rather than younger ones that might accidentally hurt it. They can live with other dogs and cats, although proper introductions are necessary, and can adapt to life in an apartment.

The breed is a good choice for a lot of potential owners, but no individual breed is ideal for everybody. Below, we look at details regarding owning one of these dogs so you can determine whether you should take a Brusselranian home.

Food & Diet Requirements

This smell breed has an equally small appetite, usually eating around one cup of dry food per day. If you’re feeding wet or canned food, you will need to weigh your dog and feed according to the guidelines on the packaging. Because this is a small breed, you do need to be extra careful with feeding volumes to ensure you don’t overfeed.

It only takes a small amount of extra food and you run the risk of your little pup putting on extra weight.

You can benefit from buying food that is formulated specifically for smaller dogs. These foods are fully balanced to ensure they meet all your dog’s nutritional requirements, and they will be formulated to meet the specific needs of smaller breeds. They usually also have smaller kibble which means they are easier and safer for small breeds to eat.

If your vet has recommended your dog be put on a specific diet, or that your dog needs to eat more or less than the recommended amount, you should follow these guidelines above all others. This may be necessary if your dog has certain illnesses or if it needs to lose or gain weight to be at a healthy weight for the breed.

You should always provide your dog with free access to safe, clean drinking water, 24 hours a day.

Exercise

The Brusselranian is a small dog but is a lively one. They require ample regular exercise, which means you will need to give your new dog at least 45 minutes of exercise each day. They can benefit from having a little more exercise than this but don’t need anything too strenuous or challenging.

The breed can do well at agility, but its small size means it will struggle with most other forms of canine sports. However, their lively nature means they will enjoy having playtime with family and friends, and even indoor playtime can provide your dog with additional exercise.

Training

The Brusselranian, like any dog breed, needs regular training and socialization. This is a relatively intelligent breed that can pick up commands and learn wanted behaviors in quite a short time. Make training fun and keep it light-hearted and entertaining to make it effective.

Because these dogs thrive on human attention and love humans, they can respond well to verbal praise and physical rewards as training treats, but you can also consider offering healthy treats as rewards. Most dogs respond well to treat-based training, but you need to ensure you don’t overfeed as a result of giving treats.

Treats should only account for a maximum of 10% of your dog’s daily dietary intake, and you should adjust the amount of food you give accordingly.

Grooming

Grooming is an important part of canine care, and it requires regular brushing as well as potentially some trimming of the coat. The Brusselranian is generally considered a low-maintenance breed, although this will depend on which breed’s coat it inherits. The Pomeranian takes a little more care, but the Brussels Griffon’s coat only needs occasional maintenance.

Brush three times a week to prevent the hair from getting matted and to ensure your little pup is comfortable. Professional grooming can help maintain a healthy coat.

You will also need to trim nails roughly every 2 or 3 months, especially if your dog only ever goes out on grass or other soft surfaces. Teeth also need brushing, ideally every day, but at the very least three times a week.

Health and Conditions

The Brusselranian is prone to certain genetic or hereditary conditions. Screening of the parents may reduce the risks of puppies developing these conditions, but owners should look for signs of the conditions and take their dog to the vet if any signs are present.

Like all small breeds, the Brusselranian is more prone to obesity than larger breeds. This is because it only takes a small deviation from an ideal meal size to overfeed the dog.

This breed’s brachycephalic facial features mean that the Brusselranian is prone to complications including respiratory problems and overheating. Dogs with these facial types are also more prone to complications with anesthesia during surgery.

Male vs Female

Although both the male and female of this breed are small, the male Brusselranian will grow to be a little larger and heavier than the female. In terms of character, there are some reports that males can be more playful and affectionate than females, but they are also a little more challenging and can be more difficult to train.

However, this is anecdotal and the individual dog’s character, as well as socialization and training, will be more important when determining your dog’s traits.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Brusselranian

1. The Brussels Griffon Was Bred to Kill Vermin

The Brussels Griffon was originally bred to kill vermin like rats and mice and was used to keep the vermin population under control in barns and farms in Belgium. Today, it is kept as a companion pet, however.

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2. Pomeranians Used to Be Much Larger

Today’s Pomeranian typically grows to a weight of around 6 pounds. However, early Pomeranians weighed closer to 25 pounds. The Brusselranian mixed breed weighs slightly more than a Pomeranian, usually tipping the scales at around 10 pounds.

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3. Brusselranians Are Intelligent Little Dogs

The Brusselranian is considered a smart dog breed that can be trained quite easily and will respond to learned commands and desired behaviors. Start training early, be consistent in your training methods, and use positive reinforcement for the best training results.

Final Thoughts

The Brusselranian is a small companion dog that combines the Brussels Griffon and the Pomeranian breeds. They are small but lively and can adapt to living in an apartment but will need a couple of modest walks a day to provide the required exercise and will benefit from early training and socialization to help ensure they grow up as well-adjusted, well-behaved dogs.

They can be a low-maintenance mixed breed, although if your Brusselranian has the coat of the Pomeranian, it will take more time and effort to ensure it is well looked after.

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Featured Image Credit: (L) Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock | (R) Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

The post Brusselranian Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Frenchton Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The Frenchton or Faux Frenchbo Bulldog is another example of the slew of designer dogs. And we can guarantee you that this dog is a cutie. The breed is a cross between the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier. The combination has lent itself well to the various synonyms for this pooch, and another fun name we’ve seen is the Boston Frenchie. Whatever you call this dog, this one is a keeper. If you think this could be the perfect hybrid for you, read on before making your decision.

Breed Overview

The Frenchton is a small dog that’s adaptable and ideal for apartment dwellers. Novice pet owners will have a willing and eager pup to train and socialize. This dog strikes an excellent balance between active and laid back. They are affectionate animals that readily share the love with anyone they meet.

The parent breeds bring a lot to the mix. The French Bulldog is the most popular breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC), and it’s easy to see why. The Frenchie is a sweetheart that can’t help but melt your heart! Better yet, the Boston Terrier is just as sweet. What else can you say about a pup known affectionately as the American Gentleman? Both are cuddly companion animals that make ideal pets for singles and families.

Frenchton Puppies

Frenchton puppies aren’t easy to find because of the popularity of their parent breeds, particularly the French Bulldog. These dogs are in high demand, which has sadly fueled a significant increase in thefts between 2019 and 2022.¹ Frenchies fetch ridiculously high prices even for pet-quality animals. So, breeders have little motivation to encourage hybrids, meaning any puppies you find will come at a cost.

Of course, that only scratches the surface of what dog ownership runs. The first year is typically the most expensive. A Synchrony study estimated the lifetime cost between $19,893 to $55,132 or $1,270 to $2,803 annually.² However, things happen, and they usually cost money when they do.

We recommend reviewing your budget to ensure you can afford to get a pet before committing to your purchase. You must also factor in the time you must invest in training and socialization. Not unexpectedly, the Frenchton can be stubborn. That’s what comes from being a beloved animal companion used to getting their way—and more!

Frenchton Breed Origin & History

The history of the parent breeds is well-documented. The French Bulldog began as a selectively bred bulldog to reduce the size of the animal. Migrants brought the pup from England to France, where the Parisians and traveling Americans fell in love. The Frenchie arrived across the pond in the late 1800s, and the breed soon joined the ranks of the AKC in 1898.

The Boston Terrier is an all-American dog developed in the city and area of the breed’s namesake. The parent breeds are likely distantly related through the bulldog. That explains the similarities in their skulls with their large foreheads and short muzzles, making them brachycephalic breeds. Enthusiasts encouraged this trait for its greater bite force, an asset for the animal’s unfortunate bull-baiting past.

It’s a different story with the Frenchton. While breeders can register litters, these registries don’t have the same oversight you’ll find in groups like AKC and the United Kennel Club (UKC). That includes documentation of the hybrid’s history. It likely appeared not long after the designer dog sensation started with the Labradoodle in the late 1980s.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Frenchton

The Frenchton is an intelligent animal, but the breed isn’t on par with dogs like the Border Collie. Nevertheless, this dog is easy to train with consistency and positive reinforcement. They score high marks for being friendly and affectionate, which are welcome traits versus the fearfulness and aggression that some animals have. It’s an excellent selling point for this hybrid.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Frenchton has the temperament to make an excellent family pet. They readily share their affection with their humans, which can even extend to strangers. They are also great with kids, with only a moderate tendency for nippiness, but early training can manage this issue. The primary concern is the dog’s safety, though. They aren’t large animals, so supervising playtime with the kids is essential for this pooch.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?  

The Frenchton loves meeting new canine friends. They don’t have the territorial problems and protective qualities that can hamper time with other dogs. But again, safety is of concern, particularly with large dogs that may not welcome this pup’s exuberance. Supervision is necessary.

However, note that the Frenchton has a moderate prey drive and may chase the family cat, even if it’s just for fun.

Things to Know When Owning a Frenchton

We’d be remiss if we didn’t address a glaring issue with the Frenchton. The shape of the animal’s skull may make the dog seem more infant-like, but it comes at a price. Research suggests the short muzzle and skull length are associated with differences in brain development.³ The parent breeds have a greater risk for respiratory conditions, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems.

These issues can affect the dog’s quality of life and lifespan. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has gone so far as to warn against these breeds because of their heightened risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), calling it a “welfare crisis.”⁴ We recommend scheduling a pre-purchase consultation with your vet to address any concerns.

Food & Diet Requirements

You should feed your Frenchton puppy three to four times daily to ensure stable blood sugar. Contact your vet if your pet misses more than one meal. However, you can feed adult dogs twice daily. We suggest establishing a schedule to make monitoring your dog’s food intake more manageable. You should give them a commercial diet suitable for their life stage and size. Always have fresh water available to meet their moisture needs.

The Frenchton has a moderate propensity for weight gain. However, this dog isn’t high-energy, making watching their diet essential. You can adjust your pet’s intake accordingly based on their body condition and weight status. We recommend reserving treats as training aids to avoid overfeeding them, as this hybrid is food-motivated.

Exercise

Daily walks will provide mental stimulation to improve your pet’s well-being. It’s a good time to reinforce their leash manners with reserved treats for this purpose. Another health concern with brachycephalic breeds is exercise intolerance. So, pay close attention to your pooch during exercise for any signs of distress, and ensure anyone walking your pet understands these risks.

Training

It’s almost as if the Frenchton knows they have a good thing as a pampered pet. They don’t have a strong wanderlust potential. Consistency and positive reinforcement are essential. This dog is somewhat sensitive to punishment and harsh words. And how could anyone raise their voice to this cutie? Think of training as a bonding experience. With enough treats and positive reinforcement, they will be well on their way to learning basic commands.

Grooming

The Frenchton has a smooth, short coat, meaning they are relatively easy to care for. They do shed, though, making weekly brushing with a hound glove or curry brush necessary to keep the hair under control. Check your pet’s ears and toenails regularly to ensure they don’t need to be cleaned or clipped. We also recommend getting your dog used to having their teeth brushed because of the animal’s heightened risk for dental disease.

Remember to clean your Frenchton’s facial folds with a wipe to prevent skin issues, which is sometimes a problem with the parent breeds that the hybrid may inherit.

Health and Conditions

The list of health conditions may seem lengthy, but that comes from being a brachycephalic dog. Your vet may recommend more frequent exams and tests to monitor your pet’s health. We recommend following their advice. A medical assessment exists for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). It can help you make informed decisions regarding your pet’s quality of life.

Pre-breeding health screenings exist for many conditions. We suggest only buying from a seller who conducts these tests. You should also request to see the mother and littermates. Don’t bring home your puppy until they are over 8 weeks old, but they should preferably be 12 weeks old.

Male vs. Female

Both the male and female Frenchton will make a delightful pet. The sizes of the two sexes are similar, making it a non-issue. So, when you go to pick out your pet, it all comes down to personal preference.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Frenchton

1. The Boston Terrier Is the State Dog of Massachusetts

The designation is a no-brainer. The state made it official in 1979 with all the fanfare you’d expect from joyous Boston Terrier owners.

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2. The First French Bulldogs Had Two Different Ear Variations

Believe it or not, these dogs started with two different ear variations. The first is the rose ear, but the other variation is the bat ear, which you typically see in the United States, where breeders preferred it over the other.

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3. The Popularity of the Boston Terrier Contributed to the Near Demise of the French Bulldog After World War I

At one time, the Boston Terrier almost displaced the Frenchie. The breed wouldn’t rebound until the 1950s, getting the last laugh when it topped AKC’s popular breed list.

Does the Frenchton Make a Good Pet?

The Frenchton can make an excellent pet in the right home. This dog needs someone who understands the hybrid’s unique needs. We highlighted the main points regarding the hybrid’s parent breeds, health concerns, and daily care. These dogs have a long history as companion animals that cross over to the Frenchton. This pooch needs attention, and they aren’t pets to leave alone. That makes them suitable for active families where something always seems to be happening. Your Frenchton will love the action!

Conclusion

The Frenchton is an adorable pup with the qualities of two lovable breeds. This pooch is adaptable and great for novice pet owners. They are eager to please, which can make training easier. They are naturally friendly and affectionate, which are must-have traits for families. The dog has some health issues you should know about upfront. They apply to any brachycephalic pup, making regular veterinary care necessary.

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Featured Image Credit: Lina Oliveros, Shutterstock

The post Frenchton Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The post Irish Setter German Shepherd Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

There are many interesting hybrids out there these days. We bred dogs into very specific categories just to mix them together later! So, what happens when you cross an Irish Setter and a German Shepherd? You get an athletic, intelligent dog who thrives in the great outdoors!

If you are an adventurer yourself, you will love spending time with these powerful pups. In this article, we will explore more about the breed combination so you know what to expect.

Breed Overview

The beautiful Irish Setter has a distinct appearance, with its beautiful flowing coat and cheerful expressions. German Shepherds are highly popular, very versatile dogs that bring a fierceness to the mix. These gorgeous dogs will be highly trainable and exceptionally loyal.

There is no real way to truly tell how a hybrid will be. They can take on both physical and temperamental characteristics of either parent—so there are many possibilities with this mix.

Irish Setter German Shepherd Puppies

If you have an Irish Setter German Shepherd puppy, you can expect a bundle of energy! These puppies will need quite a bit of exercise very early on. Both the Irish Setter and German Shepherd are highly athletic dogs, meaning that you’re going to have to have a lot to keep them busy.

These dogs will benefit from interactive games, scavenger hunts, chew toys, and the works! The more you buy your puppy toys to try, the better you will be able to pin down exactly what their interests are.

You will need to make sure to socialize them appropriately with other people and new situations. The more they’re acclimated, the better they will tolerate others. These dogs can be trained to do just about anything!

They will have an adventurous spirit and love to be out in the great outdoors. These types of dogs are highly intelligent, capable of learning a variety of concepts.

It’s important to know that you may not find this dog available through a breeder. They are likely the result of an accidental litter or backyard breeding, so you may find one through a rescue or shelter. In this case, it is important to make sure the dog is healthy or that you’re aware of any health conditions before bringing them home.

Irish Setter German Shepherd Origin & History

The German Shepherd is one of the most revered dog breeds of all time. These lovely dogs came to be in Germany in the 1800s. These dogs are multipurpose—excellent for herding, helping, and guarding. These dogs are highly revered today for their versatility.

As the name implies, the Irish Setter was developed in Ireland in the early 18^th century. Along with many other hunting breeds at this time, these pups were developed to be an all-purpose dog capable of harnessing the abilities of pointers, spaniels, and bird dogs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Irish Setter German Shepherd

The Irish Setter German Shepherd mix should have a wonderful temperament! However, a lot is based on genetics. Because these animals don’t have proper veterinary testing, it is hard to secure the overall genetics that ensure temperament.

Many times, these dogs will be the result of accidental breeding, and some owners of these litters might not even have any idea what the other parent is like. However, Irish Setters tend to be extremely cheerful, bubbly dogs that never meet a stranger.

German Shepherds, on the other hand, can be more aloof and selective about those they get close to. They also make exceptional guard dogs, perfect for families who want a little more home protection.

This particular dog breed combination can be very tricky. They have to have a secure fenced-in area to play. Since they are fantastic jumpers, they can easily get out of enclosures, so it’s important to secure the perimeter.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Irish Setter German Shepherd mix can make a wonderful addition to the right family. These dogs are a large breed, so we recommend them for children aged 6 and older. When they are very young, they have boisterous energy, so they can easily knock down or bowl over a young child.

However, these dogs tend to be very protective and good with children and their own family. Proper socialization is incredibly important with this type of hybrid. German Shepherds can be incredibly selective about the strangers that they accept, so it is very crucial to involve them in a variety of settings early on.

The better acclimated they are to new faces, the sharper their judgment will be in the situation. Because of the breed, they do not do very well with people who have sedentary lifestyles.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?  

Most of the time, an Irish Setter German Shepherd mix will love having another canine buddy around. So if you’re introducing the puppy to a situation where there are already pets, they will likely acclimate very well.

If you plan to add a new puppy later, it is a good idea to make sure that they are used to other dogs, understanding how they respond to newcomers. When it comes to smaller animals, you have to understand that both of these dog breeds are very prey driven.

Even if they aren’t aggressive with their prey drive, they can still hurt smaller animals if they play too rough or are able to catch one. For this reason, direct supervision is always necessary, even if you think they’re best friends with the family cat.

Things to Know When Owning a Irish Setter German Shepherd

Food & Diet Requirements

Because of the breed combination, these dogs are very likely to have a voracious appetite. As puppies, they will require a high protein recipe that provides much-needed ingredients like DHA, chondroitin, and glucosamine to ensure proper development.

Because this is going to be a very hardy dog with a high activity level, it is important to replenish the calories and nutrients they lose on a daily basis. You can select a trusted dry kibble to sustain their adult bodies. You can also add wet food to enhance the taste of dry food.

More and more families are turning towards fresh, raw, or homemade food options. We highly recommend clearing any raw or homemade recipe you plan to use with your vet so you can ensure you are giving your animal the best diet possible. But there are tons of fresh, human-grade dog food subscriptions you can sign up for if you have the budget.

Feeding a dog of this size can get pretty expensive, even if you’re only buying middle of the road types of dog food. So, just remember that your budget is important. You can still purchase dog food with a friendly price tag while giving them the utmost nutritional quality.

Exercise

It is going to be a crucial thing to have your dog exercise appropriately. These dogs are extremely high energy. They will absolutely thrive when they’re active. In fact, you could argue that it is what they require the most.

These dogs will enjoy all kinds of different environments, from indoor dog parks, outdoor dog parks, hiking trails, creek beds, lakes, rivers, and every landmark in between. If you’re the kind of person with an adventurous outdoor spirit, this is likely a fantastic breed combination for you.

Both parent breeds shine their brightest when they are in their natural environment. These dogs absolutely love traipsing around in nature, making them excellent buddies for people who like to travel or enjoy the outdoors.

On average, these dogs will require 1–2 hours of exercise per day. It is incredibly important to promote healthy exercise once your dog is spayed or neutered. Both dogs tend to gain a little bit of weight or over eat, leading to weight gain and eventually obesity.

You won’t want a physically fit, athletic dog like this to gain unnecessary weight as it can contribute to potential health issues down the line.

Training

The Irish Setter German Shepherd mix will certainly be eager to learn. These dogs thrive on soaking in new tasks and are the perfect dogs to do the job. Because these dogs will likely be a little more docile than their intense German Shepherd parents, they might even be more eager to please and easy to train.

Regardless of your experience level, training is non-negotiable. These dogs require a firm hand and strong direction, needing the guidance of an alpha. If you don’t assert this role, they can easily think that they have to fulfill it, meaning they will do what they think is best and not necessarily what you want them to do.

Consider this breed combination one that will definitely think for themselves. If you don’t have a firm understanding of both parent breeds and experience with dogs in general, you will be in over your head.

Not only do these dogs need basic obedience training, they could really stand to be extensively trained in more categories that are specialized. This breed could make an extremely fantastic service animal if they have the correct training.

If you don’t feel confident enough to do it on your own, it’s best to seek the help of a professional. There are tons of trainers who are very familiar with both of these breeds and can work with them accordingly.

Plus, professional training gives you a chance to learn right alongside your dog. Actual rates vary so make sure to get recommendations and price out different options to figure out what works with your goals and budget.

Grooming

Grooming will be a top priority when you own this type of hybrid. The Irish Setter has long flowing hair that sheds profusely year-round, and the German Shepherd has a thick, dense double coat that does the same.

Luckily, this isn’t the type of dog that will require any fancy expensive haircuts, but they will still require quite a bit of care. These breeds aren’t super prone to any type of allergies, so you won’t have to worry too much about the products you use on their skin.

However, for health, we still recommend buying hypoallergenic shampoos to keep the chemicals away. This dog will require toothbrushing, ear cleaning, and nail clipping, the same as any other canine. You will need to start daily brushing very early, so they can get acclimated with the process.

Health and Conditions

All in all, these dogs should be incredibly healthy. An Irish Setter was built to live life in the most rugged conditions and a German Shepherd is extremely hardy. However, both parent breeds can have a select number of genetic health issues that come along with them.

It is important to know the possibilities, especially since genetic testing has likely not been performed during the pregnancy or pre-planned before the birth. Here is a list of health issues that could affect this breed.

Male vs Female

If you are looking for a definitive personality differentiation between the male and female Irish Setter German Shepherd mix, you might be sad to find there really isn’t one. Since both breeds are pretty different in terms of overall characteristics, your puppy could take on traits of either parent.

So if you were relying on sex alone to define their personality, it’s definitely not a good way to do it. However, there are certain challenges that come along with the male versus female.

For example, many veterinarians will recommend that you get your dog fixed before they reach the age of sexual maturity. Doing so will prevent a lot of unwanted behaviors, such as heat cycles, bleeding, aloofness, destructive tendencies, territorial tendencies, and the list goes on.

Males are pretty well known for being slightly more aloof, they might tend to run off, or they might even become aggressive if they are not neutered. Females, on the other hand, will go into cyclic heat, where they can become pregnant.

During these cycles, they will bleed, just like a human woman, so you will have to put measures in place to make sure that it’s not getting all over your furniture and fabrics. Apart from the differences between sexes based on sexual maturity factors, they’re really aren’t many characteristic differences based on sex alone.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Irish Setter German Shepherd

1. Outside exercise is non-negotiable for this hybrid.

We’ve made it pretty clear in the article; exercise is absolutely essential to the happiness and livelihood of your Irish Setter German Shepherd mix. These dogs will enjoy so many fun games, adventures, and puzzles. Anytime they can put their mind and nose to work, you can bet they will thrive!

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2. Both parent breeds can have separation anxiety.

These dogs require high levels of mental stimulation. If they are alone for long periods of time or they don’t have enough to keep them busy, they can easily develop separation anxiety and bad behaviors.

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3. Both parent breeds can be challenging to reason with.

These dogs can be downright stubborn! An Irish Setter is notorious for being one of the most stubborn dog breeds. The German Shepherd might be a hit or miss in this category. Keep in mind, this dog might give you a run for your money, but proper training will lead to a well-developed, mannerly pooch in no time.

Final Thoughts

Now you understand more about an Irish Setter German Shepherd mix. If you love having a highly trainable, physically capable dog companion by your side, this combination is likely to check all the boxes of what you think makes a breed great.

These dogs won’t match the lifestyle of all people, so make sure you are an experienced owner with knowledge of both breeds.

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Featured Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

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