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Irish Doodle
Looking for an Irish Doodle?
Introduction
The Irish Doodle is the result of crossbreeding the Poodle with the Irish Setter. The resulting breed inherits the best features of its parent breeds. Although its popularity has grown over the years, the Irish Doodle is not yet recognised by the Kennel Club.
This spirited Poodle mix not only has an adorable teddy bear-like appearance but also an endearing personality. Friendly and extroverted, he is a people- and animal-loving dog. Since the Irish Doodle frequently craves attention, he cannot be left alone for long periods.
The Irish Doodle easily gets bored and distracted which makes him challenging to train. As an athletic dog, he requires moderate exercise. The amount of shedding the Irish Doodles coat depends on his fur type. If he inherited the Poodle’s coat, only minimal shedding will occur. Having the Irish Setter’s coat type will cause him to shed moderately.
History
What are Irish Doodles?
The Irish Doodle has various nicknames such as Irish Poo Setter, Irish Setter Doodle, the Irish Doodle Setter, and Irish Setterpoo. The origins of this designer breed are not well-documented but there are speculations that the Irish Doodle dog was first developed about 30 years ago in the United States. This hybrid was created through crossbreeding the Irish Setter and Poodle.
To know more about the Irish Doodle, let’s take a look at the parent breeds. The origins of the Irish Setter can be traced back to Ireland in the 1700s. During this time, he was used primarily as a hunting dog.
He is trained to look for birds and maintain his position. This is to prevent him from getting in the line of fire and accidentally shot. When the 1800s came, he became highly valuable not only in Ireland but all over the British Isles.
The coat colours of the Irish Setter used to come in either yellow and white or red and white. This changed during the mid-1800s where the stunning deep red coats became the norm for the breed.
The Poodle is one of the ancient dog breeds in the world. He is thought to have existed as early as the 15th century. His country of origin is Germany, although, for some time, many believed the breed originated in France.
The Poodle started as a waterfowl retriever before becoming a family companion. There are three variations of this breed: the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle, and the Toy Poodle.
When breeding this poodle mix breed, the Irish Setter is commonly crossed with the Standard Poodle. However, Miniature and Toy Poodles can be used as well. The result of this crossbreeding is cute and adorable Mini Irish Doodles. Interested in getting an Irish Doodle? Find one that suits you here.
Appearance and Grooming
Appearance
What does an Irish Doodle look like?
The Irish Doodle can either be small or large. Mini Irish Doodles grow about 38 to 64 cm tall and weigh between 9 to 16 kg. Standard Irish Doodles can grow anywhere from 38 to 69 cm and weigh 15 to 25 kg.
He has a square body with a slightly slim and refined head. His ears are placed a bit lower than eye level and droop beside his face. His muzzle is long which can be straight and elegant similar to the Poodle or square and strong like the Irish Setter. He has medium-dark brown eyes that are almond or oval-shaped.
The coat type and colour of the Irish Doodle may vary. It depends on the strongest parent gene that each puppy inherits. Those who take after the Poodle will have a single layer coat that is often soft and curly. This coat type may have a solid colouring with golden chests.
Meanwhile, Irish Doodle puppies that have strong Irish Setter genes will have a double coat. It consists of a soft, thick undercoat and a shiny, flat hair. The coat colours are usually different shades of dark red.
Some Irish Doodle puppies with this coat possess huge patches of colour over white. It is observed that most puppies often inherit the Poodle’s coat.
Groom
Do Irish Doodles shed?
The Irish Doodle sheds his coat just like all dogs, however, the amount of shedding is determined through his coat type. If he has a Poodle's coat, there will only be minimal shedding. Whereas, if he has an Irish Setter's coat, the shedding will be more moderate.
You have the option to trim or leave your dog’s coat as it is. If you decide to let it grow out, daily brushing is a must to get rid of dead and loose hairs. This will also remove and prevent tangles and mats.
If you go for clipping his hair, you may brush his coat at least 2 to 3 times a week. Bathing your Irish Doodle should only be done when he's very stinky or dirty. Avoid too many baths as it can dry his coat and skin, which can lead to skin problems.
How to care for Irish Doodles?
This designer breed has droopy ears which makes him more vulnerable to ear infections than other dog breeds. Weekly ear cleaning should be incorporated into his grooming routine. Be sure to check for signs of ear infections such as redness and irritation.
Do not allow his nails to grow too long. They may crack or split and cause him pain. Trim it at least once a month. Periodontal disease is a prevalent health problem in dogs. Protect his teeth and gums by brushing his teeth every day. If this proves to be challenging, twice or three times a week will suffice.
Temperament and Intelligence
Temperament
Are Irish Doodles good family dogs?
Several dog enthusiasts attest that Irish Doodles are clown dogs. They love to perform tricks, do silly antics, and entertain their human companions. Needless to say, they are very attached to their owners. Being sociable dogs, they get along well with humans and pets.
Their gregariousness also has its drawbacks. Irish Doodle dogs cannot be left alone throughout the day because they easily miss the presence of their family. Therefore, if you are planning to get this breed, at least one member of the family should be left at home to keep him company.
Irish Doodles are quite playful and spirited which makes them great playmates for children. Although they are dogs with a sweet disposition, supervision is always necessary. Sometimes Irish Doodles get too excited and might unintentionally knock down small children.
This also prevents children from being rough with them during playtime. Irish Doodles, especially those of the smaller varieties, have delicate bodies. Harsh handling can easily break their bones. Thus, children must understand the importance of gently handling their pets.
Irish Doodles can be great buddies with their fellow pets. Just make sure to give them ample amounts of time to get accustomed to each other. Socialise them at an early age and follow a proper introduction. It may take a few weeks or months for them to get along, but with patience and consistency in introducing both pets, they can co-exist harmoniously.
Do Irish Doodles bark a lot?
Irish Doodle dogs rarely bark but once they perceive that there is a threat, they will bark to alert their owners. Whilst they are not the most suitable choice for a guard dog, they are decent watchdogs. To ensure that your Irish Doodle grows up to be confident and capable of this task, socialise him during puppyhood. Get him accustomed to various sights, scents, sounds, environments, people, and animals so that he can distinguish threats from normal situations.
Intelligence
Are Irish Doodles easy to train?
The Irish Doodle dogs can be quite challenging to train because of their Irish Setter trait. They can be very unpredictable and prone to boredom. Thus, you need a resolute commitment when it comes to training him. Always practice patience, firmness, and consistency.
Never opt for punishment or cruel methods since it will only lead him to lose his trust in you. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage him. Praise him, offer him treats, or let him play his favourite toy as a reward for his hard work.
Nutrition and Feeding
Nutrition
What should an Irish Doodle eat?
The best option you can offer to your Irish Doodle is premium-quality dog food. Whilst it is more expensive than ordinary dog food, it has the right nutritional content that he needs. You may ask the vet for help in listing down high-quality dog food that fits his breed, age, size, and energy levels.
Stay away from commercial dog foods because they tend to have low nutrients and minerals which can cause deficiencies. These types of foods often contain preservatives and additives that may be harmful to your dog. Be sure to always provide your Irish Doodle with fresh water to prevent dehydration.
Feeding
How much should I feed an Irish Doodle?
Mini Irish Doodle puppies age 2 to 3 months need at least ½ to 1 cup of food a day. When they turn 4 to 5 months old, give them 2/3 to 1 1/3 cups of dog food daily. Feed ½ to 1 ½ cups of food to 6 to 8-month-old puppies.
Two to three-month-old Standard Irish Doodle puppies need at least ½ to 1 ¼ cups of food every day. Upon reaching 4 to 5 months of age, they should eat 1 1/8 to 2 cups of food daily. Once they become 6 to 8-month-old puppies, their daily food intake should be ¾ to 1 1/3.
Each meal of Irish Doodle puppies must be divided into 3 smaller portions. This promotes smooth digestion. Nine months to 1-year-old Irish Doodle puppies need the same amount of food as adults.
Full-grown Irish Doodles require at least 2 to 3 cups of dog food every day. Be sure to split this into 2 smaller servings to prevent overeating.
Health and Exercise
Health
How long do Irish Doodles live?
The Irish Doodle’s lifespan is 10 to 13 years. Designer breeds are known to be hardier and tend to live longer than their parent breeds. However, how you care for your dog is one of the most important factors that will prolong his life. Sufficient amounts of exercise, proper grooming, a healthy and balanced diet, and a peaceful and relaxing home will increase his longevity.
What are the common health problems in Irish Doodles?
The Irish Doodle is healthier than the Poodle and Irish Setter, however, this hybrid is still prone to various health problems including:
- Epilepsy
- Cushing’s disease
- Bloat
- Addison’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Patellar luxation
- Von Willebrand disease
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Eye problems
- Panosteitis
- Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
- Canine atopic dermatitis
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Sebaceous adenitis
Bringing your Irish Doodle to the vet for regular check-ups is a great way to keep him in good shape. It’s also a way to get an early diagnosis if he’s suffering from any of these health issues and a suitable treatment plan can be created.
Exercise
Are Irish Doodles hyper?
The Irish Doodle takes after the Irish Setter when it comes to energy levels. He is a highly active dog breed. Keep him busy to prevent him from getting bored. Lack of exercise and mental stimulation will lead him to develop destructive behaviours like destroying furniture. To wear him out, spare about 1 to 2 hours of exercise.
Take them out for long walks, jogs, or hikes. Going for a swim on the beach or lake is another activity he may enjoy. You can also play fun games like Frisbee, hide-and-seek, and obstacle course. Let him freely run around your backyard if you have one. Just make sure the enclosures are secured to prevent him from escaping.
Be warned that the Irish Doodle is prone to developing skeletal disorders. Thus, avoid excessive exercise during his puppyhood. Only walk your Irish Doodle puppy for about 5 minutes until they are fully grown. Do not allow him to run up and down the stairs and jump on the bed.
Cost of Ownership
If you are keen on caring for an Irish Doodle, be ready to pay £1000-£1300 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. Feeding and making sure your dog stays healthy are all part of raising it. High quality dog food and treats can set you back £40-£50 a month. You would also need to spend on dog accessories such as leads, collars, bowls, crates, beds, and toys. The combined initial cost for these things is estimated at £200.
Moreover, you may have to consider paying for pet insurance to offset medical bills in case your dog suddenly falls ill or gets into an accident. Depending on where you live, your dog’s size and weight, and its health and age, a time-limited cover can cost £21 a month while a lifetime one can cost up to £30 a month. Generally, insurance companies do not cover routine veterinary consultations, initial vaccinations, boosters, and neutering or spaying, so you may also have to spend an additional £1000 annually for these services.
On average, the minimum cost to care for an Ibizan Hound is £60-£100 per month depending on your pet insurance premium. Lastly, this estimate does not include the rates for other services such as walking and grooming.
Irish Doodle Breed Highlights
- The Irish Doodle is an outgoing dog that loves to entertain his human companions with his funny antics.
- He is a light to moderate shedder depending on the coat type he inherits.
- He is a people and pet-friendly dog provided that he is properly socialised.
- He can be challenging to train but responds well to positive reinforcement.
- He is a very active dog that has high exercise needs.
Are you sure the Irish Doodle is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
Dog Breed Selector Quiz
Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
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