Some may ask why we have chosen to breed a Golden Retriever, Irish Setter hybrid (cross) puppy and the B.I.G. Golden Retrievers have been noted as one of the most gentle family dog breeds. For years, they have been a popular choice for those with young children, those that are older, and everyone in between. Their popularity has been demonstrated by many breeders who cross their breeds with the Go
lden, i.e. Irish-Golden, Golden-Lab, Golden-etc. Many want to capture that sweet nature. The genetic health of the Golden and Bernese Mountain Dog has suffered somewhat over the years. There are two ways to alleviate this condition which is caused by the inbreeding of purebred dogs. First, testing for known genetic issues and using purebred parents that pass these tests to produce future generations of healthy Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Second, is to outcross to similar breeds (similar breeds help retain more Golden or Bernese characteristics) in an attempt to reduce the genetic mutations that cause genetic disease. For example, the Golden and Bernese breeds are plagued with poor hips which leads to Canine Hip Dysplasia. The Irish has a mild susceptibility to poor hips. By crossing these three breeds, one can expect puppies with healthier hips. The very best combination to producing healthy puppies is to test for common diseases and outcrossing to another breed. At Sunshine Acres, we first crossed the Irish to the Golden almost 20 years ago to produce what we believe is an outstanding outcross. The Irish breed has moderate energy levels, are loyal, friendly, and happy. The Golden is gentle, friendly, moderate to low energy levels, and smart. The Irish coat is red, majestic, beautiful. The Golden coat is thick, heavy shedding, great color tones. Mix the two breeds together and you end up with a dog that is healthy, has a great personality, is even tempered, and sheds less than the Golden. Just what were were looking for:). After almost 20 years of raising this beautiful cross, we continue to be very pleased with their good health and sweet natures. Always looking for opportunities to improve genetic diversity, in 2021 we added the Bernese Mountain Dog to our Irish Golden mix. With gorgeous, silky black coats and tri color markings, this calm, confident, alert breed is an exceptional choice for families with children. Adding their always sweet, friendly nature and sturdy size to our Irish Golden hybrid mix has produced beautiful, sweet natured B.I.G. puppies, our name for the Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever mix. They are BIG on compassion, BIG on loving life, and BIG on their relationship with you. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about our Irish Golden or B.I.G puppies. Or go to our website to learn more. Schedule an appointment to meet one of our sweet puppies via a FaceTime or zoom call. We look forward to hearing from you.
