Irish Doodle | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

The Irish Doodle is a mixed breed dog of medium size with a Poodle and an Irish Setter parent. They are loving and gentle, a perfect pup for families with children. This pup is as intelligent as it is cute, thanks to the mix of Poodle and Irish Setter genes. They’re playful and will bring huge amounts of joy and laughter to any loving home.

Origin & History of Irish Doodles

Compared to other members of the Doodle club, the Irish Doodle is a relatively recent addition. However, it is difficult to say exactly where and when this breed originated due to the lack of documentation resulting from a lack of interest in mixed breeds in the past. A rough estimate would be some time in the last 30 years in the United States. Hybrid dog breeds became all the rage after the 1980s when the Labradoodle first arrived on the world stage. Before the arrival of this well-loved Doodle, mixed breeds were very much a result of happy accidents as opposed to intentional breeding, which is probably how we ended up getting the adorable Irish Doodle.

Personality and Temperament

The Irish Doodle is a true family dog. Incredibly loyal and highly affectionate, the Irish Doodle loves with all of their heart. They are very intelligent dogs and are easy to train due to their eager-to-please nature. You would be hard-pressed to find a pup as dedicated to their family as this. They have a gentle temperament and are highly amicable, quickly making friends with other people and animals. However, you can expect your Irish Doodle to be a bit reserved around strangers or environments that they find suspicious due to their protective nature. They’ll be quick to alert you if they feel that any suspicious activity is at play. While you can’t really rely on this adorable pup for any substantial protection, they make great watchdogs. If you wish to get a clear idea of the kind of temperament your Irish Doodle is likely to grow into, it is best to spend some time with the Poodle and Irish Setter parents. Their personalities usually offer a good indication of the kind of dog your Irish Doodle puppy will grow up to be.

Irish Doodle Size

The Irish Setter is a medium-sized dog. However, size variations may occur due to the mixed nature of the breed, depending on which parent the pup takes after. On average, most Irish Doodles weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 pounds and grow about 13 to 15 inches tall. You can expect some Irish Doodles to be larger or smaller than the average due to the lack of set breeding standards.

Irish Doodle Health

Generally, the Irish Doodle enjoys good health due mainly to the hybrid vigor that comes from mixing breeds and bringing in a fresh set of genes into play (as opposed to the inbreeding practices used to get purebred pups). However, there is a chance that your Irish Doodle may suffer from some genetic illnesses that commonly affect their Poodle and Irish Setter parents. These issues include hypothyroidism, bloat, neurological issues such as epilepsy, bone and joint issues such as patellar luxation, skin issues such as canine atopic dermatitis, eye-related issues, and Cushing’s disease. In order to ensure that your pup is in good health, schedule regular visits to the vet’s clinic. A regular exam should be enough to ensure that your Irish Doodle is healthy, and in case any issues do start to develop, they can be caught and treated early on, nipping them in the bud. Make sure to get health clearances of both the parent dogs from the breeder when getting your Irish Setter puppy so that you know your dog has a minimized risk of developing any of these hereditary illnesses.

Irish Doodle Care and Training

When it comes to exercise, the Irish Doodle’s needs are moderate. They will be happy with a short walk or a game of fetch since they don’t need too much vigorous physical stimulation. They’ll love to run around in a fenced yard if you have access to one. Otherwise, they’ll be just as happy playing fetch in the hallway in an urban apartment setting. Training the Irish setter may be relatively difficult, especially for novice dog owners, and it is a good idea to get professional; help if need be. They are sometimes stubborn and resistant to training owing to their Irish Setter genes. They may get bored easily and stop responding. If the Irish Doodle takes after the Poodle parent, this issue is generally minimized thanks to the Poodle’s obedient nature. When it comes to training, you will need to handle your Irish Doodle with a lot of love and patience. Incorporate a lot of positive reinforcements like head pats and treats (occasionally), and steer clear of any harsh punishments like yelling. Once you manage to train your pup, you will have no problems moving forward as they will retain what they have been taught.

Feeding

While the exact dietary needs of your Irish Doodle will vary from one pup to the next, it is a good idea to give them a balance of wet and dry dog food. On average, the Irish Doodle can eat anywhere between 2.5 to 3 cups of dry food in a day. It is best to give your dog their meal by dividing it into two separate meals in a day to prevent bloat. Steer clear of free-feeding as that may lead to unwanted weight gain and other health issues. When devising a diet plan for your dog, be sure to speak to your pup’s veterinarian to ensure that all of the dog’s nutritional needs are being met. These will change as the pup ages, and it is best to speak to a professional before introducing any drastic changes to your dog’s diet.

Coat Color, Types, Shedding

The Irish Doodle’s coat is perfect for allergy sufferers, thanks to their Poodle genes. The coat is low-shedding as well as low-dander, which makes it a good option for people with allergies or anyone who doesn’t like the idea of dog hair all over their house. While these dogs are largely considered hypoallergenic, it is necessary to understand that all dogs can be expected to shed at least a tiny amount. Their coat is usually long and wavy and is usually shaggy in nature.

Irish Doodle Grooming

The Irish Doodle’s coat does not really require too much grooming. Brushing it once a week should be more than enough to prevent any tangle or matted fur. Bathe your dog only when necessary and not more than once a month since regular interaction with soap and water may dry out your Irish Doodle’s skin, leading to irritation. Brush their teeth regularly to prevent ant buildup and maintain good oral health. Trim their nails if they do not wear away naturally.

Deciding on a Irish Doodle

The Irish Doodle is a right fit for you if:

You are looking for a family pet
You want a watchdog
You would like a dog with a low-shedding coat that is better suited for allergy sufferers

The Irish Doodle is not a right fit for you if:

You are a movie dog owner and want a pup that is easy to train
You want a high-energy dog that can be your exercise companion
You want a guard dog that offers some level of protection against threats

Getting a Irish Doodle

How Much is a Irish Doodle Puppy?

With a pup as popular as the Irish Doodle, you can expect a price tag of anywhere between $1000 to $3500, depending on whether you get your pup from a certified breeder as well the traits of the puppy you are interested in.

Irish Doodle Breeders

Rescue and Adoption

When it comes to animals, it is always a good idea to adopt rather than shop! Here is a list of organizations that rescue Irish Doodles (among other breeds):

Carolina Poodle Rescue