Are you looking for a dog that has great talent in sports and endless sweetness in the family? Then you're in the right place!
If you love the Golden Retriever and the Setter, this could be the dog for you. And if you prefer the Irish Setter over the English Setter, we've written an article just for him:
Irish Setter and Golden Retriever Cross
But let's return to our dog of the day, the magnificent cross between the Golden Retriever and the English Setter!
Introduction
The cross between a Golden Retriever and an English Setter can give life to a dog with a friendly, playful, and very active character.
The size of the cross depends on the type of Setter used, but generally, we are talking about medium-large dogs.
And while having a strong hunting instinct, they are excellent candidates to become ideal companion dogs for the whole family.
In this article, we will explore the appearance, character, activities, training, diseases, nutrition, grooming, and reasons why you should choose this cross.
Appearance
The cross between a Golden Retriever and an English Setter can produce dogs with a very attractive and distinctive appearance.
Most of these dogs have a medium-long coat, often with a shiny golden or light brown shade.
The coat may also have white or black spots, typical of the Setter, or other colors, such as orange, liver, or yellow.
Or it could be black if the parent is a Gordon Setter, which apart from color has almost the same characteristics as the English Setter.
The body of these dogs is generally slender and muscular, with an average stature of about 55-65 cm for males and 50-60 cm for females. The weight can vary from 25 to 35 kg depending on the size of the parents.
The face of a cross between a Golden Retriever and an English Setter can be long and slender, like the Setter, or broader and sweeter, like the Golden Retriever.
The ears are usually drooping, while the eyes are large and dark, with a lively and attentive look.
In general, crosses between Golden Retrievers and English Setters have an elegant and sporty appearance, with a thick coat and a majestic posture.
Size
Height: 50-65 cm
Weight: 25-35 kg
Character
Both the Golden Retriever and the English Setter are hunting dogs and are known for their intelligence and attention to training.
A cross between these two breeds therefore requires specific and constant training, and a good dose of outdoor activities, to ensure adequate mental and physical stimulation.
In general, this cross is suitable for families with children and active people who love spending time outdoors, and who have the necessary experience to handle an active and intelligent dog.
However, it is not suitable for those living in a very small apartment, or for those who do not have the time or energy to care for a dog of this size and attitude.
They are very loyal dogs, who become particularly attached to one family member. They also have a strong prey instinct and should be tested first with cats and other pets.
Activities
Both the Golden Retriever and the English Setter are active breeds, so the cross between them requires a good amount of daily exercise.
They will enjoy long walks, runs, interactive games, and might also excel in activities like agility and obedience.
This dog is perfect for entertaining the owner in sports activities or simulated hunting, as well as in hunting activities.
We have also written an article on sports activities for the Setter, which may also be useful for your friend. Read here!
Training
This cross is highly adaptable and responds well to positive training, or training in general.
Its intelligence and desire to please the owner make it easy to train.
Early socialization and positive reinforcement will be essential to develop a balanced dog.
To start with basic commands, you can read our guide dedicated to Setter training.
Open when possible.
Diseases
Despite the predisposition to some genetic diseases common to both breeds, a well-selected cross can benefit from better overall health compared to pure breeds.
The cross between a Golden Retriever and an English Setter, however, can inherit some genetic diseases common to both breeds.
Some of the diseases that may occur include:
Hip dysplasia: a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, causing pain and difficulty in movement.
Elbow dysplasia: a malformation of the elbow joints that can cause lameness and pain.
Eye diseases: both breeds can be prone to eye diseases such as cataracts and corneal dystrophy, which can affect the dog's vision.
Heart diseases: some heart diseases, such as dilated cardiomyopathy, can be inherited and can affect the health of the dog's heart.
Skin problems: both the Golden Retriever and the English Setter can be prone to skin problems such as allergies, dermatitis, and skin infections.
It's important to remember that not all crosses between Golden Retrievers and English Setters will develop these diseases, but it's advisable to have regular veterinary check-ups, adopt preventive measures such as proper nutrition and attention to the general health of the dog.
Immediate veterinary checks are important if dogs show symptoms related to the above diseases, to identify and manage these conditions promptly.
You can find here a detailed list of diseases of the Golden Retriever, and one for the English Setter.
Nutrition
The diet of the Golden Retriever and English Setter cross should be balanced and high quality.
It's advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the correct portions and the type of food most suitable for their needs.
This point is particularly important if the dog goes hunting, in which case its caloric needs will increase significantly, and could even double.
Make sure to administer lean animal proteins, vegetables, and carbohydrates, plus the necessary supplements to keep it healthy (omega 3, glucosamine).
Grooming
Grooming this cross requires regular brushing to keep their coat clean and tangle-free.
These dogs have a coat that produces a lot of dead hair, and they might need at least two stripping sessions a year.
If you want to know how to groom your friend, you can take a look at our guide on grooming the English Setter.
Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning may also be necessary to prevent infections.
Why Choose It
There are really many reasons, and these are the main ones:
Balanced temperament: The Golden Retriever and English Setter cross offers a mix of sweetness, affection, and vigilant attention, making them ideal companions for families and single owners.
Versatility in activities: Thanks to the energy and intelligence of both breeds, this cross easily adapts to various activities, such as agility, tracking, and obedience.
Reliability as a family dog: Both the Golden Retriever and the English Setter are known for their love towards children and their protective nature. This cross will be a faithful and protective companion for the whole family.
Beauty of the coat: With its silky and thick coat, the Golden Retriever and English Setter cross will win hearts with its beauty and unique appearance.
Adaptability: This cross can adapt to different types of families and environments. Whether you live in an apartment or a house with a garden, they will be happy to share your life. However, if you live in a rented room, consider a smaller and less active dog, it will make your life less complicated!
In conclusion…
The cross between a Golden Retriever and an English Setter is a fascinating mix that combines loving character, versatility, and beauty.
However, it's always important to remember that each dog is an individual and may exhibit different characteristics.
Before adopting a dog of this breed, it's advisable to do thorough research, consult experts and reliable breeders to ensure the right choice for you and your lifestyle.
Want to know about other Golden Retriever crosses?
Try these:
Belgian Shepherd and Golden Retriever Cross
Irish Setter and Golden Retriever Cross
Spinone and Golden Retriever Cross
But we have many others! You can find them all on Khani.co.uk!
Disclaimer
These dogs are crossbreeds without recognized breed standards, and therefore physical and character traits can vary significantly between individuals. The images in this article represent only one of the infinite possibilities that can originate from this cross, and are therefore not indicative of the future appearance of the puppy.
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