Irish Doodles have captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere, and it’s not hard to see why!
Let’s look at everything you could want to know about this beautiful hybrid dog.
What is an Irish Doodle?
An Irish Doodle (also known as the Irish Poo Setter or Irish Doodle Setter) is a crossbreed of an Irish Setter and a Poodle. Like all Doodle Dogs, this breed benefits from the best traits of both parent breeds, resulting in an attractive and intelligent companion. These “designer dogs” have become increasingly popular in the past few decades.
These beautiful dogs usually have a striking reddish coat that comes from the Irish Setter parent. Their fur is soft, long, and wavy, giving them an adorable teddy bear-like appearance. While the red coat is quite common, your Irish Doodle might sport a variety of other colours.
History and Origin
Although it’s not recognised by The Kennel Club, the Irish Doodle has managed to capture the hearts of many dog enthusiasts. Their history can be traced back to the early 21st century, but the exact timeframe is not clear.
The Irish Doodle was initially bred as a designer dog for its hunting and retrieving skills. Breeders wanted to create a dog that would inherit its parent breeds’ positive traits while avoiding any possible negatives. With the Irish Doodle, they aimed to achieve the perfect blend of the Irish Setter’s hunting and retrieving abilities and the Poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat.
Today, Irish Doodles are known for their easy-going nature, adaptability as companion dogs, and trainability.
What Does an Irish Doodle Look Like?
As with all mixed-breed dogs, it’s impossible to predict what a puppy will look like before they are born. But Irish Doodles do have some common traits. They are medium to large-sized dogs with curly or wavy coats. They usually have a round head, square muzzle, dark almond or oval eyes, and adorable floppy low-set ears.
How Big Does an Irish Doodle Get?
An Irish Doodle’s size largely depends on the Poodle parent, with adult Irish Doodles ranging in height and weight based on the size of the Poodle parent.
| Irish Doodle Size | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Miniature | 12-17 inches | 20-30 pounds |
| Medium | 18-22 inches | 40-50 pounds |
| Standard | 23-28 inches | 50-70 pounds |
What Colour is an Irish Doodle?
They can come in a variety of colours, including black, white, brown, red and apricot. They usually have long ears, a snout that is not too long, and a tail that is curled.
What is the Temperament of an Irish Doodle?
Irish Doodles have a friendly and sociable nature. These adorable dogs love being around people and other animals, making them an ideal choice if you want a companion that gets along with everyone. They are known to be full of fun which will keep you entertained for hours.
Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, Irish Doodles are quick learners, so try to keep their minds engaged through challenging games and puzzles. Some Irish Doodles may inherit the stubborn trait from their Irish Setter parent, so consistency and patience will be key when training.
Their sensitive side means they respond well to positive reinforcement, praise, and encouragement. Be gentle when training your Irish Doodle, as they can become easily overwhelmed if you’re too harsh.
In terms of energy levels, Irish Doodles are a delightfully active and playful breed. They love running around in the great outdoors, making them the perfect addition to families with an active lifestyle.
To sum it up, here are some key traits to expect from an Irish Doodle:
- Intelligent
- Friendly
- Playful
- Active
- Energetic
- Loving
- Sensitive
- Sociable
So, if you’re looking for a charming and lovable furry friend who has lots of energy to run around, an Irish Doodle may be just the one for you.
Health and Lifespan
Irish Doodles have an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. While this is quite a respectable age for any dog, there are potential health issues that may come with this breed.
One common health problem in Irish Doodles (as with all Doodle Dogs) is hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly, leading to arthritis and pain. To promote healthy hip development and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia:
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
- Avoid over-exercising during their growth period.
- Feed them a balanced diet.
Another potential health issue is bloat, a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with air and twists on itself. To prevent bloat:
- Feed your dog smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
- Avoid rigorous exercise immediately before and after meals.
- Encourage your dog to eat slowly, using food puzzles or slow-feeders.
Eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), can also affect this breed. Regular check-ups with your vet can help detect PRA early, allowing for timely intervention.
Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle for your dog is vital. Ensure they get regular exercise and mental stimulation, along with routine visits to the vet for vaccinations and health checks. By providing your Irish Doodle with the love and care they deserve, you can help keep them happier and healthier throughout their life.
Grooming and Shedding
All Doodle Dogs need regular grooming in order to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. The coat of the Irish Doodle is a unique combination of the Irish Setter’s silky texture and the Poodle’s curly nature, making it relatively easy to groom. Remember to use the following grooming tools for the best results:
Th Irish Doodle’s coat may be curly and non-shedding, meaning they’re hypoallergenic. Nonetheless, regular grooming is necessary to keep them looking and feeling their best. A common grooming style for Irish Doodles is to keep the body and tail short while leaving the face and legs a bit longer.
Keep an eye on their ears since they can be susceptible to infections. Ensure that their ears are clean and dry, especially after bathing or swimming. Don’t let your Irish Doodle air dry after a bath, as their fur is more likely to mat. Instead, gently towel dry them or use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting.
Remember to use a high-quality brush to remove dirt, dander, and dead hair from their coat. This will help prevent matting and keep your Irish Doodle’s coat looking fresh and clean.
Training and Exercise
As a mix of the intelligent Poodle and the eager-to-please Irish Setter, Irish Doodles are generally easy to train. Use positive reinforcement techniques, like treats or praise, to encourage good behaviour.
Engaging in daily exercise is essential for your Irish Doodle’s health and happiness. These dogs have high energy levels and thrive on activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. Here are some activities you can incorporate into your dog’s routine:
- Walks: Take your Irish Doodle for long walks to explore new surroundings and burn off energy.
- Running: Partner up with your pup for a jog to keep both of you fit and strengthen your bond.
- Hiking: Irish Doodles enjoy outdoor adventures, so take them on hikes to stimulate their minds and bodies.
In addition to physical exercise, keep your Irish Doodle engaged with activities that test their intelligence and agility. These dogs excel at advanced training and enjoy learning new tricks. You can also try out dog sports like agility or obedience competitions, providing even more opportunities for mental stimulation.
Remember to always monitor your dog’s energy levels and adjust their activities accordingly. The key to a happy and healthy Irish Doodle is a balance between training, exercise, and rest.
Family and Socialisation
When it comes to your family, the Irish Doodle makes an excellent addition. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, which makes them a great fit for families with children. These loving dogs adore playing and spending time with their human companions, especially younger family members. As with any dog, it’s essential to supervise interactions between children and dogs to ensure everyone’s safety and a positive experience.
When it comes to socialising your Irish Doodle with other dogs, introduce them to various dogs and environments from a young age. This early exposure will help them become confident and well-adjusted adult dogs. Regular visits to local parks, doggy playdates, and enrolling in puppy classes are great ways to foster positive experiences with other dogs. This is the same for all Doodle Dogs. We took our Cavapoo Lola to puppy classes a few days after we brought her home. In hindsight, that was a little too early as she could have done with getting used to us more first. But the socialisation she had with other dogs at an early age has meant that she is now happy and friendly whenever she meets new dogs.
It’s also important to consider how your Irish Doodle will interact with other pets in your home. With their high prey drive inherited from both working dog parents, it’s essential to monitor their interactions with smaller pets like cats, rabbits, or birds. Proper socialisation and training can help manage this natural instinct, allowing Irish Doodles to coexist peacefully with other animals.
As for strangers, exposing your Irish Doodle to various people and environments is vital as early as possible. By introducing them to new faces and situations, you can help develop their confidence and prevent them from becoming overly timid or aggressive. You can take your Irish Doodle for walks in different settings, visit friends and family, or even invite people over to your house to create a well-rounded and friendly dog.
Remember, socialising your Irish Doodle is an ongoing process that should continue throughout their lives. Maintain a consistent routine of meeting new people and dogs so your canine companion stays comfortable in all situations. By investing time and effort into proper socialisation, you can ensure a happy and harmonious relationship with your beloved pet for years to come.
Adaptability and Living Conditions
These dogs are quite versatile in their living conditions. They can adapt well to living in apartments as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
One thing to keep in mind is that Irish Doodles can be prone to separation anxiety. This is a common trait in both Poodles and Irish Setters, so don’t be surprised if your Irish Doodle becomes attached to you and your family members. Separation anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as barking, howling, chewing, or even having accidents indoors when left alone.
To help your Irish Doodle overcome separation anxiety, you can:
- Establish a consistent routine so your dog knows what to expect each day
- Gradually increase the time spent alone, rewarding them for remaining calm and relaxed
- Provide interactive toys or puzzle feeders to keep them entertained while you’re away
- Consider doggy daycare or pet sitters to ensure your dog is never left alone for extended periods
Despite their adaptability, providing your Irish Doodle with an environment that meets their needs is essential. This breed is energetic and needs regular exercise, both physical and mental. Providing enough outdoor space for them to run and play is vital. If you have an apartment or limited outdoor access, plan daily walks and engaging indoor activities to keep your pup happy and healthy.
Breeding and Types
The types of Irish Doodles vary depending on the breeding. Here are the different generations you might encounter:
- F1 Generation: This is a first-generation cross between a purebred Irish Setter and a purebred Poodle. Here, you get a 50-50 mix of both breeds.
- F1B Generation: This involves breeding an F1 Irish Doodle with a purebred Poodle. In this case, the resulting F1B Irish Doodles are typically 75% Poodle and 25% Irish Setter, making them more hypoallergenic and having curlier coats.
- F2 Generation: This is when two F1 Irish Doodles are bred together. The offspring, F2 Irish Doodles, usually have a 50% Poodle and 50% Irish Setter composition, but their coat type and appearance can vary.
- F2B Generation: This results from breeding an F1 Irish Doodle with an F1B Irish Doodle. In this case, the dogs would have a mix of both breeds but in varying percentages.
Good breeders should prioritise the health and well-being of their dogs, ensuring that they receive proper care, regular check-ups, and vaccinations.
How Much Does an Irish Doodle Cost?
The price of an Irish Doodle typically starts at around £750, and some breeders charge up to £2100. Some premium breeders offer additional services, and their prices can range from £1900-£2600. Remember that it’s essential to avoid making exaggerated or false claims when looking for a breeder. Instead, focus on finding a good one that offers a health guarantee and is associated with a reputable kennel club.
Some factors can affect the price of an Irish Doodle, like colour, size, and markings. For example, puppies with white markings can be more expensive than those without any distinct markings.
- Health Guarantee: When searching for a breeder, look for one who offers a health guarantee for your Irish Doodle, as it’s an indication of responsible breeding practices.
- Kennel Club: It’s a good idea to choose a breeder who is a member of a reputable kennel club, as they will likely adhere to higher breeding standards and focus on maintaining breed health and quality.
- Red Coat: If you have your heart set on the beautiful red coat, you may need to pay a little more than if you opt for a brown or another colour variant.
- Brown: A brown coat Irish Doodle might cost a bit less than a red coat; however, this depends on the breeder and the availability of puppies with this specific coat colour.
When it comes to size, miniature Irish Doodles have fewer puppies in a litter, making them more expensive. The price difference can sometimes be as much as £450 more. Finding the perfect Irish Doodle for your family is worth the investment, regardless of the cost. Remember, once you bring your furry friend home, you’ll have them for many years to come, so don’t let the initial cost deter you from finding the perfect pup!
