What is an Irish Doodle?
The Irish Doodle is a hybrid dog breed created by mixing an Irish Setter with a Poodle (either Standard or Miniature). This affectionate and intelligent breed, known as the Irish Doodle, is celebrated for its loving nature, making it an excellent family pet.
Irish Doodles, sometimes referred to as Irish Doodle Setters, Irish Poo Setters, Irish Setter Poos, or Setter Doodles, inherit the best qualities from their parent breeds. Irish Doodles are affectionate, playful, and intelligent dogs that thrive in a family environment. An Irish Doodle can be a wonderful addition to any household.
Irish Doodle Size and Weight
The size of an Irish Doodle varies based on whether it is bred with a Standard or Miniature Poodle, making them versatile companions.
Irish Doodles come in different sizes depending on whether they are bred with a Standard Poodle or a Miniature Poodle:
When considering an Irish Doodle, it’s important to remember their unique characteristics and needs.
- Male Standard Irish Doodles: 50–70 lbs | 24–28 inches tall
- Female Standard Irish Doodles: 40–60 lbs | 22–26 inches tall
- Miniature Irish Doodles: 25–35 lbs | 12–17 inches tall
Both male and female Irish Doodles exhibit unique traits, adding to the charm of this hybrid breed.
Common Health Issues in Irish Doodles
Like all dog breeds, Irish Doodles are prone to certain health concerns, including:
Be mindful of the health issues that can affect Irish Doodles, including common concerns that may arise in hybrid breeds.
- Bloat – A life-threatening condition that affects deep-chested dogs.
- Hip Dysplasia – A genetic condition affecting the hip joints.
- Addison’s Disease – A disorder affecting hormone production.
Regular vet check-ups and a well-balanced diet can help prevent or manage these conditions.
Life span of Irish Doodle
Irish Doodles typically have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Proper care for your Irish Doodle will ensure they live a long, healthy life.
Is Irish Doodle hypoallergenic?
Yes, Irish Doodles are considered hypoallergenic due to their Poodle lineage, which gives them a low-shedding coat. However, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic—they still produce dander and saliva, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Irish Doodle Temperament and Behavior
Many people choose an Irish Doodle because they are considered hypoallergenic, making them suitable for allergy sufferers.
Irish Doodles are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and intelligence. Their eagerness to please makes them easier to train than some other breeds. They are gentle and loving with children, making them excellent family pets.
However, due to their strong attachment to their owners, they are prone to separation anxiety and may develop destructive behaviors if left alone for too long.
Training an Irish Doodle can be a rewarding experience due to their intelligence and eagerness to please.
Irish Doodles and Children
If you’re looking for a family-friendly dog, the Irish Doodle is a fantastic choice! Their gentle, playful, and affectionate nature makes them an ideal companion for children. However, it’s still essential to supervise interactions between young kids and dogs to prevent accidental injuries.
How to Care for an Irish Doodle
Best Dog Food for Irish Doodles
Choosing the right food for your Irish Doodle is essential for their health and well-being.
Because Irish Doodles can be prone to bloat, grain-free dog food is often a good choice. Dry kibble that expands when wet may increase the risk, so some owners prefer wet or raw food diets.
- Standard Irish Doodles: Should eat large-breed dog food.
- Miniature Irish Doodles: Should eat small-breed dog food.
A dog’s diet should be adjusted based on their age, activity level, and metabolism. If unsure, consult a veterinarian for feeding recommendations.
Grooming and Maintenance
Irish Doodles have a non-shedding coat, which means regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangles.
- Daily brushing is recommended.
- Occasional trimming may be needed.
- Teeth brushing several times a week prevents dental disease.
- Nail trimming ensures they don’t experience pain or discomfort.
Ensure your Irish Doodle receives the grooming they need to maintain their coat and overall health.
Training an Irish Doodle
Irish Doodles are highly trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
- Start training from a young age for the best results.
- Use repetition and positive rewards to reinforce commands.
- Socialization with people and pets helps prevent anxiety.
Exercise Needs
Irish Doodles have a high energy level and require plenty of daily exercise.
- Multiple long walks each day.
- Playtime in a fenced backyard.
- Indoor and outdoor activities to keep them engaged.
Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors due to pent-up energy.
Fun facts
They Have Popular and Intelligent Parents
Irish Doodles inherit wonderful traits from their parent breeds:
- Poodles are widely used in hybrid breeding because of their hypoallergenic coats and intelligence. Their curly fur traps dander, making them low-shedding dogs.
- Irish Setters are known for their energy, grace, and stunning red coats. They are affectionate, lively, and make excellent family companions.
By combining these two incredible breeds, the Irish Doodle is both smart and affectionate, making them a joy to train and live with.
Providing an Irish Doodle with ample exercise will benefit their physical and mental health.
They Are Extremely Friendly and Gentle
One of the biggest reasons why people love Irish Doodles is their gentle and friendly nature. If socialized from a young age, they get along with kids, other pets, and even strangers. Their eagerness to please and intelligence make them more responsive than some other breeds.
They Have a Lifespan of 10 to 15 Years
Thanks to the longevity of the Standard Poodle, the Irish Doodle enjoys a relatively long lifespan. With proper care, good nutrition, and regular vet check-ups, they typically live between 10 to 15 years.
They Are Easily Identifiable
Irish Doodles are easy to recognize, thanks to their teddy bear-like appearance. Most have a soft, wavy coat and are commonly brown, though they can come in other colors as well. Their adorable looks make them irresistible!
They Might Be Hypoallergenic
One of the reasons why Poodle mixes are so popular is their hypoallergenic coat, meaning they shed less and produce less dander. However, Irish Doodles still require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s softness and to prevent tangles. Regular ear and teeth cleaning is also essential for their overall health.
They Are an International Hybrid Designer Dog
Since the Irish Doodle is a hybrid breed, their personality and temperament can vary. Some may take after the Irish Setter, while others might resemble the Poodle more closely.
Breeders aim to create a sweet-tempered, intelligent, and trainable family dog by mixing these two breeds. However, as with any mixed breed, variations in behavior and characteristics are expected.
They Make Great Running Partners
Irish Doodles are well-suited for active households. They require at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, along with mental stimulation through training and brain games.
Despite their medium size, they have plenty of energy and can be excellent running or hiking companions. Just make sure to feed them a high-quality diet that meets their daily nutritional needs, especially in terms of protein and fats.
They Are Highly Trainable
Thanks to their Poodle intelligence and the Irish Setter’s eagerness to please, Irish Doodles are highly trainable. They respond best to positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
Repetition and consistency are key! Give your Irish Doodle plenty of chances to learn, and you’ll be rewarded with a well-behaved companion.
They Have a High Price Tag
If you’re thinking about getting an Irish Doodle, be prepared for a high price tag. Their cost ranges between $500 to $3,500, depending on the breeder and location.
As their popularity grows, expect the price to increase even further in the future.
They Absolutely Love Their Family
Perhaps the most heartwarming fact about Irish Doodles is their love for people—especially their family. They adore children, are gentle with grandparents, and can even get along with other animals when raised together.
However, their strong attachment to people means they don’t like being left alone for long periods. If left alone too often, they may develop separation anxiety, leading to behaviors like whining, chewing, digging, or destructive behavior.
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