Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix

The Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Finnish Spitz and the Irish Setter. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Finnish Spitz is known for being intelligent, happy, and independent. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Finnish Spitz or the Irish Setter? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Finnish Spitz History

The exact origin of the Finnish Spitz is not really known, however, it obviously came from Finland. Similar dogs have been used to hunt game in that area of the world for hundreds of years. The hypothesis is that this type of dog was brought to Finland from Russia thousands of years ago. Like most dogs that migrated with people over time they were good all-purpose hunting dogs. Being that there weren’t really any other influences on them, they developed without a whole lot of influence from other breeds. As people were able to migrate back and forth and move dogs, breeding with other dogs was happening more often. So much cross-breeding occurred that the breed was virtually extinct.
Two fellas from Helsinki - Hugo Sandberg and Hugo Roos - were on a hunting trip and ran into the Spitz. They realized how special they were and they set out to save them. It is still not a common breed, but is the national dog of Finland.

Irish Setter History

I am sure that you can guess where this dog originated. The Irish Setter sometimes known as the Red Setter or Irish Red Setter is a beautiful dog with a pretty red coat. It was more than likely bred in the 1700’s - the result of breeding English Setters, spaniels, pointers, and Gordon Setters. The initial Irish Setter was called a red spaniel. They were often both white and red and not necessarily the intense red coloring you find today. They became a very popular breed in the United States with a dog named Elcho the first to be imported. The American Kennel Club recognized them very early on with a dog named Admiral joining their ranks in 1878. Their popularity soared in the 1960’s and 70’s due to the books and movie titled “Big Red.” Richard Nixon also owned an Irish Setter during this same decade.

Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix Size and Weight

Finnish Spitz
Height: 15 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 15 - 29 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years

Irish Setter
Height: 22 - 26 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 50 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years

Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix Personality

The Finnish Spitz and the Irish Setter are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Finnish Spitz mixed with the Irish Setter might be prone to joint dysplasia, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Finnish Spitz Irish Setter Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Finnish Spitz Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in