Irish Doodle

Irish Doodles are a hybrid dog that is the result of breeding between an Irish Setter and a Poodle.

These beautiful dogs are becoming increasingly popular due to their loving and patient personalities.

Irish Doodles are medium-sized dogs that love nothing more than to play a game of fetch with their owners.

They’re usually a low shedding dog that is sometimes even referred to as a potential hypoallergenic breed.

Irish Doodles can go by a variety of different names but they shouldn’t be confused for a Golden Doodle (cross between Golden Retriever and Poodle).

In this article we’ll take a close look at Irish Doodles to learn more about these wonderful designer dogs.

We’ll break down this article into the following sections:

What is an Irish Doodle?

An Irish Doodle is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle. These canines are often described as a designer dog like Goldendoodles, Sheepadoodles, Cava Poos, Yorkie Poos and more.

These dogs are commonly called an Irish Doodle but they can also go by the following names: Irish Doodle Setter, Irish Poo Setter, Irish Setterdoodle and Irish Setterpoo.

To get a better understanding of the Irish Doodle, we need to learn a little more about the two breeds that were used to create these energetic, friendly and loyal dogs.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters are an evenly balanced breed that were traditionally used as gun dogs during hunting expeditions with their owners.

Their strong sense of smell proved invaluable in hunts for game birds, while they’re sleek build allowed them to streak across fields in pursuit of their targets.

While they served an important function in the fields of Ireland, Irish Setters are considered wonderful family dogs due to their affectionate and gentle personalities.

These graceful dogs love nothing more than a game of fetch with a tennis ball or a stick, providing hours of fun for both children and dogs.

They’re easily identifiable thanks to their “brilliant coat of mahogany or chestnut” that give them an elegant appearance.

Irish Setters have powerful rear legs that make them one of the quickest members of the gun dog variety.

Poodle

Poodles are perhaps best known for their unique coats, which boasts their trademark tight curls.

They’re loved by those with an allergy to dogs because they’re considered one of the more hypoallergenic breeds.

Poodles don’t shed a lot compared to dogs with single or double coats that can shed throughout the year.

While they may look like elegant models that are primed for a doggy catwalk, don’t be fooled by their appearance.

Much like the Irish Setter, they were initially bred to hunt ducks in France and Germany. As you can imagine, Poodles are proficient swimmers.

Poodles are the second most intelligent dogs in the world behind the Border Collie.

Irish Doodle Size

An Irish Doodle is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Standard Poodle.
Given both breeds are medium-sized dogs, that’s what you can expect from an Irish Doodle.

Males will usually grow to a height ranging between 24 and 28 inches and can weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.Females are slightly smaller at around 22 and 26 inches and can weigh between 40 and 60 pounds.

Sonia gave an insight into Rusty’s size.

Irish Doodle appearance and colors

Irish Setters have a flashy red coat but Poodles can be found with black, white, or apricot hair.

The color of an Irish Doodle can vary upon the mother and father of each individual dog.

Irish Doodles pups will usually be either red, apricot, black, while some with have a splash of white.

Guinness has a dark, apricot coat that’s not too dissimilar to a Goldendoodle.

Irish Doodle personality and temperament

Irish Doodles are popular with families due to their loving and patient personalities.

They’re easy going and pleasant dogs that like to interact with people. They’re social dogs!

Indeed. they’re friendly dogs that love to partake in play time with members of the family or other pets.

These docile dogs have a reputation for being patient with children, which makes them ideal for the family home.

However, you should never leave a dog alone with a small child.

Rusty’s mom gave us an insight into her Irish Doodle’s personality.

Here’s how Bubba’s parents describe his personality.

Irish Doodle exercise

Irish Doodles will require a moderate amount of energy to ensure these gorgeous dogs get enough mental and physical stimulation.

The AKC writes that an Irish Setter needs a lot of daily exercise, while the Poodle needs a moderate amount of exercise.

Depending on what traits your Irish Doodle picks up from each parent, they may need walks of varying frequencies.

Given the Poodle’s energy levels, you should at the very least expect a dog that needs around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day to stretch its legs.

Seeing as the Irish Setter and Poodle were both bred to hunt birds, you can expect your Irish Doodle to enjoy a game of fetch with a ball, toy or stick.

Irish Doodles can do well at agility training thanks to the active nature of both parents.

Guinness loves to go for runs and long walks.

Bubba’s parents don’t feel like their Irish Doodle requires a lot of walking.

Irish Doodle barking

If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t bark too much, Irish Doodles could be the breed for you.

They’re usually relatively quiet dogs that aren’t triggered as easily as some other types of canines.

Of course all pooches will bark a moderate amount but generally speaking, they won’t bark as much as other breeds.

Are Irish Doodles smart dogs?

Irish Doodles can be quick learners give the influence of the Poodle genes. The Poodle is the second smartest dog in the world. While Irish Setters aren’t considered to be quite as clever as Poodles, most Irish Doodles attest to the fact that their hybrid dogs are quick to learn new commands.

Bubba, for instance, was quick to master potty training.

Are Irish Doodles easy to train?

We’ve already heard from Bubba but Guinness was also an easy dog to train.

Do Irish Doodles suffer with separation anxiety?

Irish Doodles can suffer with separation anxiety just like any other type of dogs. This condition usually manifests itself when a dog owner is about to leave the home or leaves the home. The result is relentless barking, howling or whining, destructive digging or chewing and much more.

Sonia has experienced this chronic canine condition with her Irish Doodle Rusty.

Do Irish doodles shed?

Poodles are famously low shedding dogs that makes them a big hit with dog lovers who don’t want a trail of fur to be left behind their pups.

Irish Setters, on the other hand, are considered to be moderate shedders that require daily grooming.

So what about Irish Doodles? Well these so-called designer dogs are described as low shedding dogs given the Poodle influence in their breeding.
However, you should still expect these friendly pooches to shed a little.

Here’s what Guinness’ parents had to say about Irish Doodle shedding.

Bubba barely sheds at all.

Are Irish Doodle hypoallergenic?

A question that is regularly asked of most dog breeds is whether they’re hypoallergenic.

The AKC make it clear on their website that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog.

But there are some breeds that are more hypoallergenic than most other dogs. The Poodle is one such breed.

Irish Doodles are considered low shedding dogs, which makes them a potential option for someone looking for a hypoallergenic pet.

However, we must stress that the level of shedding will depend on each individual Irish Doodle and whether their coats are more similar to their Irish Setter or Poodle parent.

While dog hair can be a big trigger for allergies, dander (microscopic pieces of dead skin) and salvia can be just as problematic as fur for those with an allergy to dogs.

Bubba is an example of a hypoallergenic members of the Irish Doodle cross breed.

Irish Doodle grooming

Irish Doodles can come with a variety of different coats: curly to wavy.

Breeders Oakhill Farm Doodles offer advice to Irish Doodle owners on their website:

“Depending on how much brushing you want to do, you can keep your Irish Doodle in a longer or shorter coat.”

It’s recommended that you groom your Irish Doodle at least once every eight weeks to maintain the condition and good health of their coat.

Some Irish Doodles will like to body trim their pup, which means minimal brushing with be required between visits to the groomer.

Bubba’s mom had a warning about the importance of grooming your Irish Doodle.

Are Irish Doodles fussy eaters?

Some Irish Doodles can be fussy eaters for a variety of reasons. If you’re worried, you should speak to your vet or an animal behaviorist. Alternatively, you may want to consider dog food for picky eaters.

Sonia says Rusty isn’t picky at all.

Irish doodle life expectancy

Crosses, hybrids and mixes have a reputation for living longer lives than pure breeds.

Irish Doodles have an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, which is a great life expectancy for a medium-sized dog.

Irish Doodle health problems

They’re considered pretty health dogs – but they’re still susceptible to some conditions despite being a cross breed.

Irish Doodles can suffer from hip dysplasia, which is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that could potentially lead to lameness and arthritis of the joints.

Other general health issues could include bloat, blindness and deafness.

If you’re adopting an Irish Doodle, it’s good practice to enquire about potential health problems their parents may have experienced.

Irish Doodle price

Irish Doodles can cost differing amounts depending on their coat color.

Red Irish Doodles tend to be the cheapest variety, starting at around $1400. Black and Apricot Irish Doodles can cost upwards of $1600.

Of course, the pricing of an Irish Doodle can vary from breeder to breeder, depending on color and size.

Other potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK.

Irish Doodle breeders

If you’re looking for an Irish Doodle breeder, you should look to contact two or three. It’s a good idea to ask to see both parents of your puppy as well as proof of health and vet checks.

Here’s what Guinness’ mom suggested that potential Irish Doodle owners should ask their breeders.

Irish Doodle or Goldendoodle?

Irish Doodles can sometimes be confused for Goldendoodles. There are two different types of designer dogs.

Irish Doodles are a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodles, while Goldendoodles are a mix between a Golden Retrievers and Poodles.

Goldendoodles tend to be bigger than Irish Doodles, while the latter’s coat requires less grooming.

Otherwise they’ve got relatively similar personalities, an almost identical life expectancy and are both considered pretty hypoallergenic dogs.

What is a mini Irish Doodle?

A Mini Irish Doodle is an undersized Irish Doodle. They usually grow to a heigh between 15 and 25 inches, while these dogs will weigh between 20 and 35 pounds.

They’re a smaller package but Mini Irish Doodles will put a larger hole in your pocket. They cost around $500 more than an Irish Doodle.

Mini Irish Doodles are often used as emotional support or therapy dogs due to their small size and living nature.

Irish Doodles to follow on Instagram

If you’re thinking about an Irish Doodle as a pet, you may want to find some members of the designer breed on social media.

There are over 16,000 submissions for #irishdoodlesofinstagram on the photo-sharing app.

While you can check out their photos, you can also send them a direct message to learn more about the breed from people who already own these dogs.

Here are three Irish Doodle accounts that we recommend your follow on Instagram.

• Bubba (@bubba.thedood)

• Guinness (@guinness_irishdoodle)

• Rusty (@rusty_theirishdoodle)

Irish Doodle pros and cons

Pros

Guinness: The pros are that they are very easy to train, they are low shedders, and they are very intelligent. Irish Doodles are also GREAT family pets as they get along exceptionally with children of all ages. Also, Irish Doodles are very loveable as they are kind to everyone they meet including dogs of all sizes and breeds.

Bubba: Bubba is very limber and has an athletic build. We loved this aspect of the breed, as you are less likely to have some health problems down the road.

Rusty: I know everyone says this about their dog but this is a great mix. Very relaxed and happy, intelligent so picks up training really well. Independent but also sticks quite close, so off lead walking is so easy. Great with all family and friends, just loves people. Would highly recommend!

Cons

Guinness: The cons of Irish Doodles are that if they aren’t consistently socialized with other dogs and people they will tend to bark at them as they get exited as it is something they are not used to.

Bubba: Their fur can get matted easily if you do not take care of it properly. I can’t think of another con….. As our Irish Doodle has literally been a breeze to train and is a great family dog.

Irish Doodle pictures

Anything else to consider?

If you see F1 before an Irish Doodle, it means the dog is a first generation cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle.

Some F1 Irish Doodles have been bred using an Irish Doodle and a Poodle. Therefore their genetic make up is 75% Poodle and 25% Irish Setter. These dogs are called f1b Irishdoodle.

In theory, these should be even more hypoallergenic than F1 Irish Doodles because there is a stronger Poodle influence in their genetic make up.

The cycle continues with breeding between two F1 Irish Doodles creating a F2 puppy, while breeding an F1 with an F1B results in a F2B.

In conclusion

If you’re looking for a dog breed that is friendly and outgoing, but obedient and patient, the Irish Doodle could be the breed for you.

These dogs are loving pets that saviour time spent with the dog owners, whether’s going for walks or simply playing fetch in the garden.

Irish Doodles are considered to be low shedding dogs, while some members of this breed are considered suitable for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog if they take after their Poodle parent.

However, these designer dogs don’t come cheap and depending on their color, you can expect to pay between $1400 plus for an Irish Doodle. Mini Irish Doodles cost even more!