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Do you want a dog with the personality of an Irish Setter but the non-shedding coat of a Poodle?
If yes, the Irish Doodle might be the perfect pup for you.
Today, we’re diving into what makes the Irish Doodle so special, including reasons why you might not want to get one.
Irish Doodle breed quick facts
| Weight | 40 to 65 pounds |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches |
| Lifespan | 10 to 13 years |
| Color | Black, red, apricot |
| Coat | Curly, wavy, or straight |
| Temperament | Intelligent, loyal, affectionate |
| Other names | Irish Poo Setter, Irish Doodle, Setter Poodle mix |
What is an Irish Doodle?
An Irish Doodle is a a cross between a purebred Irish Setter and a purebred Standard Poodle. These does are often referred to as hybrid dogs and designer dogs which is just another way of saying they’re a mixed breed. You may also hear people referring to an Irish Doodle as an Irish Setterdoodle, Irish Doodle Setter, Irish Setterpoo, or Irish Poo Setter.
As Irish Doodles aren’t purebred dogs, they aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. They are, however, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.
An Irish Doodle often takes after its Poodle parent, meaning their coats are low to non-shedding.
Irish Doodles inherit a fun mix of qualities from the parents, giving each dog a unique personality and dashing looks that you’ll fall in love with almost instantly.
An adult Irish Doodle is usually about 2 feet tall. On the other hand, a Mini Irish Doodle, which is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Miniature Poodle, is much smaller.
Appearance
Coat
With mixed dogs, it’s hard to predict the coats with 100% certainty, but typically, an Irish Doodle will have a thick, smooth, and mostly wavy coat.
And thanks to their Poodle parent, their coats are low-shedding.
You might also meet an Irish Doodle with a curly coat (similar to the Poodle’s) or straight hair like the Irish Setter, but in most cases, they’re coats are wavy.
Colors
Irish Setters come in three distinct colors, according to the AKC: chestnut, mahogany, and red.
Poodles, on the other hand, come in a variety of colors like red, apricot, white, black, cafe au lait, and more. Not only that, Poodles can have solid or multi-colored coats.
With all the variety, it’s no surprise that Irish Doodles can also sport many different coats. However, breeders tend to breed Irish Doodles to be either red, cream, or brown, to be inline with their Irish Setter parents.
That being said, you can still find Irish Doodles sporting black coats, multi-colored coats, and more.
Irish Doodles come in a wide variety of colors, some of which are more common than the other shades, based on the father and the mother dogs.
The price of Irish Doodles will also vary depending on the coat color.
The most common colors of Irish Doodle dogs are red, apricot, and black, but that’s not all. Some come with white markings on the face and chest (also known as parti and tuxedo coat patterns).
Height and Weight
When it comes to Irish Doodles, there are two sizes to choose from: the Standard Irish Doodle and the Mini Irish Doodle.
Let’s start by talking about the bigger Standard Irish Doodles.
Typically, male Irish Doodles are 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 50 to 70 pounds. Meanwhile, females usually stand around 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 60 pounds.
On the other hand, Mini Irish Doodles are much smaller as they have a Mini/Toy Poodle parent.
As a result, both male and female Mini Irish Doodles stand about 12 to 17 inches tall and weigh between 25 to 35 pounds.
Personality and temperament
One of the main reasons people love Irish Doodles is not their cute looks but their incredible personality. To understand the personality of an Irish Doodle, let’s learn a little about each parent breed.
Irish Setter
Originally bred for bird hunting, Irish Setters make fantastic hunting dogs. These intelligent and outgoing dogs are eager to please and get along well with both children and adults. They’re high-energy pups who thrive in active families and love to play. But be warned, without enough exercise and stimulation, they can become destructive and chew or dig up things.
Thankfully, Irish Setters are generally friendly with people and other dogs. However, as natural hunters, they may not do well around small animals like cats. While they have great watchdog instincts, they aren’t typically aggressive enough to be effective guard dogs.
Moreover, Irish Setters are known for their mischievous nature which adds an element of amusement to their personality.
Standard Poodle
Similar to Irish Setters, Poodles were also initially bred to be hunting dogs, specifically for hunting waterfowl. These intelligent dogs are skilled at swimming and retrieving, which makes them a popular choice among hunters.
Poodles are also known for their playful and energetic personalities. They’re gentle, affectionate, and are suitable for families of all ages.
While they possess watchdog tendencies, they aren’t typically aggressive and may not be suitable as guard dogs. Instead, they’ll alert you to any unusual sounds or visitors.
Poodles are highly athletic and full of energy, always eager to learn new tricks and commands. Their eagerness to please their owners makes them perfect pets for first-time dog owners and families with young children.
Irish Doodle
An Irish Doodle inherits the best qualities from both parent breeds. Let’s dig into the personality and temperament of this designer dog.
Affectionate
Irish Doodles are well-known for their warm and loving personalities and are always eager to show affection to their owners. Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them great companions for families and individuals alike.
Loyal
Irish Doodles are incredibly loyal to their owners, and are known to form strong bonds with their families. They are protective of their loved ones, and will go to great lengths to keep them safe.
Playful
With their high energy levels, Irish Doodles are always ready to play and have fun. They love to run and jump, and will keep their owners entertained with their silly antics and playful behavior.
Alert
Like both parent breeds, Irish Doodles make great watchdogs. They are quick to pick up on changes in their environment and will alert their owners to any potential dangers.
Their alertness also makes them ideal candidates to be medical service dogs, just like Barney the Irish Doodle, who acts as a diabetic alert dog for a judge in the US. Barney reminds his human to check his sugar levels and take insulin to help him manage his condition.
Intelligent
Irish Doodle dogs are not only affectionate and loyal but also highly intelligent, which makes training them a breeze.
Their energetic and playful personalities also make them great candidates for activities such as agility training and dog sports. With their combination of smarts and athleticism, Irish Doodles are the perfect companion for active families and individuals.
Gentle
Thanks to its gentle and loving nature, an Irish Doodle Setter also gets along with other dogs. Keep in mind that an Irish Doodle might not get along with cats or smaller animals due to the prey drive of an Irish Setter.
Exercise needs
Irish Doodles need to have a moderately active life to be mentally and physically stimulated. Both parent breeds are high energy and you can expect the Irish Doodle to be the same.
An adult Irish Doodle dog will likely need anywhere from 60 minutes to 2 hours of exercise each day, which can include walks, runs, fetch, jogs, and trips to a private dog park.
On top of physical exercise, an Irish Doodle also needs mental enrichment. Think things like treat puzzles, K9 nose work, and daily training.
Engaging an Irish Doodle in mentally enriching tasks will tire them out and keep them feeling fulfilled and happy.
Grooming
Like all Poodle mix dogs, Irish Doodles have high-maintenance coats that require daily grooming.
If you want to keep your Irish Doodle’s hair long, you should aim to spend 30 minutes per day, or every other day, brushing and combing it to prevent tangles and mats. On top of brushing, there’s plenty of other at-home grooming you can do for your Doodle, like ear cleanings and nail trimmings.
Additionally, you’ll need regular trips to the groomer every six to eight weeks to trim their coats, bathe them, and keep them looking their best!
Cost
Irish Doodle puppies cost anywhere from $1,250 to $3,200. Their price varies depending on where you live, the demand, and the coat colors of the puppies.
Where to buy an Irish Doodle
There are two ways to bring home an Irish Doodle:
Rescues
One of the best ways to find yourself an Irish Doodle is with the help of Doodle rescue agencies. Believe it or not, you can find lots of Poodle mix dogs in shelters, and the Irish Doodle is no exception!
Not to mention, opting to rescue an Irish Setterpoo can have its perks. While puppies are super cute, there’s no denying how exhausting they can be. When you adopt, you get to skip the puppy stage. However, keep in mind that dogs in shelters still need training and might have other behavioral issues that need work.
Before considering purchasing from a breeder, it’s worth checking out local shelters to see if there’s an Irish Setterdoodle waiting for their forever home.
Reputable breeder
If your local shelter or rescue agency doesn’t have an Irish Doodle available for adoption, you can reach out to reputable breeder in your area.
To ensure the health of your Irish Doodle puppy, it is crucial to only purchase from a breeder who can provide proof of recommended health tests for the parents.
Avoid puppy mills and pet stores, as they often compromise the living conditions of puppies.
Be wary of red flags like extremely low prices, no papers or test reports, no given location or access to parent dogs, and sick puppies in the litter.
A reputable breeder will allow you to visit their property and provide the necessary papers and reports.
Remember that a low price might indicate potential health issues, and if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Health issues
Irish Doodles, like many other dog breeds, are susceptible to certain health conditions.
One of the most common health issues in Irish Doodles is hip dysplasia, which can cause difficulty in movement. Bloat is another condition that can be life-threatening, and it’s important to avoid letting your dog run around after meals to prevent it.
Additionally, Irish Doodles can be prone to von Willebrand’s disease, a bleeding disorder that can affect blood clotting.
Eye disorders, such as progressive retinal atrophy, can also occur in Irish Doodles. Another potential health issue is Addison’s disease, an immune-induced adrenal tissue destruction that can cause lethargy, weakness, and vomiting.
It’s important to be aware of these health conditions and take steps to prevent them, such as providing proper exercise and diet, regular check-ups with a veterinarian, and breeding from healthy parents.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of an Irish Doodle is 10 to 13 years, however, this can depend on genetics, lifestyle, and the overall health of your Irish Doodle.
Why you shouldn’t get an Irish Doodle
Although Irish Doodles can make great pets, they might not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some things to consider before getting an Irish Doodle:
- Energy: Irish Doodles are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation. If you don’t have the time or energy to provide them with enough exercise and playtime, this breed may not be the best fit for you.
- Coat maintenance: Irish Doodles have thick, curly coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. If you don’t have the time or inclination to groom your dog regularly, this breed may not be the best choice for you.
- Allergies: Although Irish Doodles are generally considered “hypoallergenic”, there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed. If you or someone in your household has severe allergies, it’s best to speak with an allergist to determine if a dog is an option. Dog allergies aren’t caused by hair/fur, and are caused by proteins in the dog’s dead skin cells, urine, and saliva. Thus, a low-shedding dog isn’t the solution to your allergies.
- Training: Irish Doodles are intelligent and eager to please, but they can also be stubborn at times. If you’re not willing to put in the time and effort to train your dog, this breed may not be the best fit for you.
Getting a dog is a big commitment and should not be taken lightly. It’s important to do your research and consider your lifestyle and needs before bringing a new pet into your home.
Final Words
The Irish Doodle is a wonderful hybrid dog that combines the best traits of two beloved breeds: the Irish Setter and the Poodle.
They are loyal, affectionate, playful, alert, and intelligent. These dogs are great for families, especially those with children, and they also make good pets for singles or seniors.
However, owning an Irish Doodle requires a commitment of time, energy, and resources. These dogs need regular exercise, grooming, and socialization to thrive. Prospective owners should carefully consider their lifestyle and ability to meet the needs of an Irish Doodle before bringing one into their home.
Overall, if you are willing to put in the effort and time, the Irish Doodle can make a fantastic companion and an excellent addition to your family!
Do you have an Irish Doodle? Tell us what they’re like in the comments below!
FAQs
Irish Doodles are typically low-shedding dogs. However, as they have an Irish Setter parent there’s no guarantee they won’t shed.
Yes, Irish Doodles are excellent family dogs specifically for active families who can give this high-energy dog enough exercise and stimulation throughout the day.
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About the Author:
Dana owns a Sheepadoodle and a rescue merle Labradoodle. Her first dog growing up was a white Toy Poodle and she’s loved dogs ever since. She has years of experience fostering dogs and has helped find homes for a variety of different breeds, both large and small! After seeing so many dogs end up unwanted and in shelters, she began blogging about different dog breeds (specifically Doodle dogs, since that’s what she knows best) to help people make informed choices when adding a new member to their family.
When Dana’s not brushing her Doodles’ hair (it takes a lot of time for two!) you can find her playing nose work games and fetch with her two amazing pups.
Learn more about her here.