The Irish Doodle is a delightful and charming hybrid breed, resulting from a cross between the Irish Setter and the Poodle. This breed showcases the best qualities of its parent breeds and is known for being a fantastic family companion. With their friendly personalities and striking appearances, Irish Doodles are sure to capture the hearts of many.
Intelligent: Irish Doodles inherit the Poodle's intelligence, making them highly trainable and responsive to commands. This trait not only makes them easier to train but also allows them to excel in obedience and agility tasks.
Loyal Companions: This breed forms strong bonds with their families and is known for their loyalty. They thrive on companionship and love spending time with their owners, making them perfect family pets.
Child and Pet-Friendly: Irish Doodles are known for their sociable nature, which makes them wonderful companions for children and other pets. They typically exhibit a gentle demeanour and enjoy being around kids, making them an ideal choice for families.
Low Shedding: Depending on the genetic influence of the Poodle parent, Irish Doodles can have a coat that is low-shedding, which makes them more suitable for individuals with allergies or those who prefer a cleaner home environment
Irish Doodles are a mix between an Irish Setter and a Poodle, which provides them with some delightful traits, but there are also considerations to take into account when deciding to bring one into your home:
Separation Anxiety: Irish Doodles love companionship and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. It is essential to consider how much time you will be able to spend with your new pet.
High Energy Levels: They are energetic dogs that require daily exercise. If your lifestyle is relatively sedentary, an Irish Doodle may not be the best fit, as they thrive on activity and mental stimulation.
Grooming Needs: While they shed minimally, their curly coats can require regular grooming to avoid matting. Be prepared to invest time and possibly money in grooming sessions or learn to groom them yourself.
The Irish Doodle is a relatively modern designer breed, originating in the early 21st century through the intentional crossbreeding of the Irish Setter and the Poodle. This breed combines the characteristics of both parent breeds, aiming for intelligence, a friendly disposition, and a hypoallergenic coat. The Irish Setter, known for its stunning red coat and energetic nature, has a storied past as a hunting companion in Ireland, while the Poodle is renowned for its intelligence and versatility. The union of these two breeds has resulted in a dog that is not only visually appealing but also excels in various roles, from family pets to therapy dogs. The Irish Doodle has rapidly gained popularity for its affectionate nature and vibrant energy.
Irish Doodles are a delightful crossbreed between the Irish Setter and the Poodle, bringing together the charm of both breeds in their appearance.
Irish Doodles are considered medium to large-sized dogs. Typically, they stand between 50-70 cm tall at the shoulder, depending on whether they take after their Poodle or Irish Setter parent more closely.
The weight of an Irish Doodle can range from 25 to 34 kg, with females generally being on the lighter side and males typically being heavier.
Their coat is a striking feature, often showcasing a variety of colours that can include shades of red, brown, black, and even cream. Most commonly, the coats display waves or loose curls, a homage to their Poodle lineage.
Irish Doodles, a delightful mix of the Irish Setter and Poodle, embody a joyful and affectionate disposition. They are known for being eager to please, making them an excellent choice for families and those looking for a loving companion.
While Irish Doodles are friendly and sociable, they typically do not serve well as guard dogs. Their gentle nature means they are more likely to greet strangers with enthusiasm rather than aggression. However, they may alert their owners with a bark if they sense something unusual.
Irish Doodles are not known for excessive barking. They might bark occasionally, particularly when they are excited or playing, but this behaviour is generally not bothersome. Early socialisation and training can help manage any barking tendencies.
Yes, Irish Doodles are relatively easy to train! They are intelligent and enjoy the challenges associated with obedience training. Their eagerness to please makes them responsive to commands, and they often excel when positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praise, are used.
The average lifespan of an Irish Doodle is typically around 10 to 15 years.
Irish Doodles are active dogs and require a good amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Aim for at least 60-90 minutes of exercise each day, which can include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities.
Irish Doodles, being a crossbreed of the Irish Setter and the Poodle, may inherit health issues common to both parent breeds. Some of these include:
Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Eye conditions (such as progressive retinal atrophy)
Allergies
Skin issues
Irish Doodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Aim for at least 1 hour of moderate exercise per day, which can include brisk walks, playtime in a secure area, or engaging in dog sports. They enjoy activities that stimulate both their bodies and minds.
Irish Doodles typically have a wavy or curly coat that can vary in texture. They require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. It's advisable to brush their coat at least once a week and give them a full grooming session (including a bath and clip) every 6 to 8 weeks. Additionally, regular ear cleaning and nail trimming are essential to keep them comfortable.
Training an Irish Doodle should begin early, as they are intelligent and eager to please. Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and play to encourage desired behaviours. Socialisation from a young age is also vital to ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable with various environments and other animals.
As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: roughly £1,000-£2,500 for a well-bred Irish Doodle puppy.
Other costs (Vet, Food etc): approximately £80-£150 per month.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your Irish Doodle puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
Research Breeders Thoroughly: Ensure that you choose a reputable breeder who is ethical and responsible. An ideal breeder should have health clearances for both parent breeds (Irish Setter and Poodle) and be able to provide documentation of these tests.
Temperament Awareness: Irish Doodles are known for their friendly and social nature, but individual puppies can have varying temperaments. Spend time interacting with the puppy to assess its behaviour and ensure it meets your expectations.
Health Testing: Ask about health screenings for common issues in both parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin conditions. A responsible breeder will test for these efficiently and share results with you.
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
Irish Doodle: https://www.irishdoodle.com/index.html
