Irish Setter Otterhound Mix

The Irish Setter Otterhound Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Irish Setter and the Otterhound. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Irish Setter is known for being affectionate, energetic, and lively. 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 Irish Setter or the Otterhound? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Irish Setter Otterhound 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 Irish Setter Otterhound Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Irish Setter Otterhound Mix puppies for sale.

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Irish Setter Otterhound 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.

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.

Otterhound History

The Otterhound comes from an old British dog breed that originates in the United Kingdom; although the specific original are unknown. Currently, there are only about 600 Otterhounds worldwide, which puts this pet into the Vulnerable Native Breed category. The Otterhounds are in the Hound Dog category in the American Kennel Club dog breed group.

Being part of the Hound category, the Otterhound has an extremely sensitive nose, which is what made they such great companions for hunting. They can stay on a 12-hour-old trail. They can follow the scent through water and beyond.

Otterhunting was a past time enjoyed mostly by nobility and is first mentioned in the 12th Century, but it wasn’t for another 200 years that the first time the Otterhound is mentioned by name.

Along with small terriers, the Otterhound was used to hunt alongside banks of ponds and rivers for otters. Working together, the Terrier would flush out the Otterhound, while the Otterhound would go in for the final catch. Right before World War I, there were more than 500 hounds in 24 packs that hunted throughout England for otters.

It seems that the Otterhound came to the United States in 1900, and their first conformation show was in 1907 in Claremont, Oklahoma. The Otterhound Club of America was founded in 1960, and the Otterhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

Irish Setter Otterhound Mix Size and Weight

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

Otterhound
Height: 24 - 27 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 64 - 110 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years

Irish Setter Otterhound Mix Personality

The Irish Setter and the Otterhound might be a little bit spunky. They can be an inquisitive little fella so keep on the lookout for that behavior! All dogs need attention and don't want to be left alone. That's why you have a pet, right? Plan on putting forth effort to socialize her as this will reap dividends in the long run. Please use always use positive reinforcement even though they can have a mind of their own. Enjoy being with your new mixed breed and love the relationship you will have with them.

Irish Setter Otterhound 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 Irish Setter mixed with the Otterhound might be prone to joint dysplasia, cacner, PRA, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Irish Setter Otterhound 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.

Irish Setter Otterhound 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."

Irish Setter Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in