Please enjoy this guide and overview for new and existing owners of Irish Doodle Dogs.

Irish Doodles are an elegant and lovely mix of the Irish Setter and the Poodle

History of Irish Doodle Dogs

Originating from Ireland, the Irish Setter was primarily bred as a bird dog. It was also referred to as the “Red Setter” due to its stunning mahogany coat. The breed’s main task was to locate and point out upland game birds. With their keen sense of smell, agility, and boundless energy, they excelled in the fields, making them a favorite among hunters. Beyond their work abilities, the Setter’s flowing, luscious red coat and dignified stance made them a standout, gradually winning hearts not just in their homeland but across continents.

In the 19th century, the Irish Setter’s popularity grew in America and other parts of the world, not only as hunting dogs but also as beloved family companions. Their affectionate nature, combined with their playful energy, made them ideal household pets, while their striking appearance guaranteed a second glance at dog shows.

As with many pure breeds, dog enthusiasts began to explore ways to merge the Setter’s characteristics with those of other renowned breeds. And given the surge in designer breeds in the 20th century, it was only a matter of time before the Irish Setter’s charm was paired with the Poodle’s esteemed traits.

The driving force behind breeding the Irish Setter with a Poodle was multi-layered. Poodles, celebrated for their hypoallergenic coats and high intelligence, seemed an apt choice to complement the Setter’s vivacity and aesthetic appeal. With the desire for hypoallergenic pets growing and the rising demand for unique breeds, the Irish Doodle emerged as an exquisite blend of beauty, brains, and low-shedding qualities.

Selecting an Irish Doodle Dog

Both novice and experienced dog owners can benefit from understanding what makes the Irish Doodle stand out from other doodle varieties.

Irish Doodles generally inherit the playful, affectionate nature of the Irish Setter and the sharp intelligence of the Poodle. They are family-friendly and can bond well with children and other pets. Training should be started early, given their energetic nature.

If you’re considering getting an Irish Doodle puppy, make sure to select a reputable breeder who conducts genetic testing and prioritizes the health and temperament of the pups. Ask to see health clearances for both parent breeds.

Irish Doodle’s coats, often in shades of red, require regular grooming. Brushing them a few times a week will prevent tangles and matting. They are considered low-shedding, but remember, ‘low-shedding’ doesn’t mean ‘no grooming.’

They are an active breed, thanks to their hunting and working dog lineage. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are crucial. If they don’t receive adequate exercise, they might resort to unwanted behaviors like digging or chewing.

Their intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, but they can sometimes display a stubborn streak. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are paramount.

Due to their gentle nature, intelligence, and eagerness to please, Irish Doodles are increasingly being trained as therapy and service dogs.

Size and Lifespan of Irish Doodles

The size of an Irish Doodle largely depends on the Poodle parent. Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The most common Irish Doodle is a cross between the Irish Setter and the Standard Poodle, resulting in a medium-to-large dog.

Standard Irish Doodle: Between 22 and 28 inches at the shoulder. Typically, it weighs between 40 and 70 pounds.

Miniature Irish Doodle: Ranges from 15-20 inches if bred with a Miniature Poodle. It can weigh between 20 and 40 pounds.

An Irish Doodle typically lives between 12 and 15 years. This is a general range, and individual lifespans can vary based on factors like genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care.

Benefits of Pet Insurance

Health and Maintenance of Irish Doodle Dogs

Health Concerns:

1. Hip Dysplasia: Like many larger breeds, the Irish Doodle can be prone to hip dysplasia. This is a hereditary condition where the thigh bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint correctly. Regular check-ups and maintaining an ideal weight can help manage or prevent this issue.
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is an inherited eye disorder that both Irish Setters and Poodles can be predisposed to. It’s essential to have regular eye check-ups and ensure that the breeding parents are screened for this condition.
3. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): Bloat is a severe condition that affects deep-chested breeds like the Irish Doodle. Owners should be educated on the signs of bloat and understand the importance of feeding multiple smaller meals a day rather than one large meal.
4. Epilepsy: Some Irish Setters have been known to develop epilepsy. While it’s not certain the Irish Doodle will inherit this, being watchful for signs of seizures is wise.
5. Ear Infections: Due to their Poodle genetics, Irish Doodles can have floppy ears, making them more susceptible to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning can help prevent this.

Required Vaccines for Doodle Dogs

Maintenance:

1. Coat Care: The Irish Doodle typically inherits the curly to wavy coat of the Poodle, which requires regular grooming.
   • Brushing: To prevent matting and tangles, brush the coat at least 2-3 times a week.
   • Trimming: Depending on the coat’s length, trimming might be necessary every 8–12 weeks. Focus on areas like the ears, around the eyes, and the paws.
   • Bathing: Bathe your Irish Doodle once a month or as needed. Over-bathing can strip the coat of essential oils.
2. Dental Care: Regularly brush their teeth to prevent gum disease and tartar buildup. Using dog-specific toothpaste and brushes can make this easier.
3. Nail Trimming: Depending on activity levels, their nails might need trimming every 3–4 weeks. If you hear them clicking on the floor, they’re too long.
4. Diet: Irish Doodles are energetic dogs, so they require a high-quality, protein-rich diet. Ensure the food is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
5. Exercise: This breed is relatively active. Daily walks, combined with play sessions or fetch games, can keep them happy and healthy. Always ensure they have a safe space to run around and exercise.
6. Training: Start training early. Irish Doodles can be intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easier to train. However, consistent and positive reinforcement methods work best.
7. Socialization: Introduce your Irish Doodle to various people, animals, and environments when they’re young. This will help them grow into well-rounded and confident adults.

Personality and Behavioral Traits of Irish Doodles

1. Friendly & Affectionate

Irish Doodles inherit the amiable nature of the Irish Setter and the sociable Poodle demeanor. They are known for forming close bonds with their families and tend to thrive on human interaction. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions.

2. Energetic & Playful

Irish Doodles have a zest for life and a lot of energy. They love a game of fetch or a walk in the park. Both the Poodle and the Irish Setter are known for their love of water. As a result, many Irish Doodles also inherit this love and can be excellent swimmers.

3. Intelligent & Trainable

Drawing from the Poodle’s renowned intelligence, the Irish Doodle is a quick learner. However, they might occasionally exhibit a streak of independence or stubbornness. Consistent training from a young age, combined with positive reinforcement techniques, ensures they are well-behaved.

4. Gentle with Children

Irish Doodles, with their gentle temperament, tend to get along very well with children. However, because of their energy, they might unintentionally knock over smaller children during play. Supervision is recommended during interactions.

5. Social with Other Animals

If socialized early, Irish Doodles generally play well with other pets, be it dogs or cats. Their friendly nature often shines through in multi-pet households.

6. Adaptable to Living Spaces

While they would love a yard to run around, their adaptable nature means they can also adjust to apartment living as long as they get their daily dose of exercise. Without sufficient physical activity, they can become restless or develop behavioral issues.

7. Sensitive & Empathetic

Irish Doodles are quite perceptive to the emotions of their human counterparts. They can sense when you’re down and might try to comfort you with their presence. This sensitivity means they respond poorly to harsh training methods or scoldings.

8. Watchful but not Aggressive

While they might alert you to a stranger’s presence, they are by no means guard dogs. Their friendly disposition generally overrules any protective instincts. However, early socialization is key to prevent them from becoming overly wary of strangers.

9. Potential for Separation Anxiety

Because of their affectionate and bonding nature, some Irish Doodles might experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. It’s crucial to train them from a young age to be comfortable with short separations, gradually increasing the duration.

Interactions in Various Environments:

• Urban Settings: In bustling city environments, their sociable nature can make them eager to greet strangers. However, their energy might require owners to find parks or open spaces for daily exercise.
• Rural Areas: They thrive in open spaces, taking every opportunity to explore, sniff, and play. An ideal setting for their zest for life.
• With Elderly: While they are gentle and can be great companions for the elderly, their energy might be overwhelming for some. It’s essential to match the dog’s energy and training level with the individual’s capabilities.

Therapy and Service Dogs: Due to their gentle nature, intelligence, and eagerness to please, Irish Doodles are increasingly being trained as therapy and service dogs.

12 Tips for Socializing Doodle Dogs

Free online workshop to help train your Irish Doodle to behave like a well trained service dog

Nutrition and Diet for Irish Doodles

Ensuring that your Irish Doodle has a balanced and appropriate diet is crucial for its overall health and well-being. While there are general guidelines to follow for any dog breed, let’s focus on the specific dietary needs and tips for an Irish Doodle:

1. Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet for an Irish Doodle should consist of high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Look for dog foods that list meat (like chicken, beef, or fish) as the first ingredient.

2. Caloric Needs

An average adult Irish Doodle may require 1000 to 1600 calories per day because of their high activity level. Be sure and monitor their weight.

3. Potential Allergies

Some Irish Setters are known to have food sensitivities. This trait can sometimes be passed down to Irish Doodles. Ear infections, itching, or stomach problems may indicate the need for a grain- free or hypoallergenic diet.

4. Size-Specific Food

Considering the variance in size for doodle breeds, ensure that the kibble size is appropriate for your Irish Doodle. Smaller kibbles are easier for mini or medium-sized Irish Doodles to chew, while larger kibbles are suitable for standard-sized ones.

5. Puppy Nutrition

Irish Doodle puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adults. Choose a high-quality puppy formula that supports rapid growth, ensuring healthy bone and muscle development.

6. Healthy Treats

While training or rewarding your Irish Doodle, opt for healthy treats. Lean meats, fruits like blueberries or apples (without seeds), and vegetables such as carrots can be great choices. Avoid grapes, chocolates, and other toxic foods.

7. Maintain Hydration

Ensure your Irish Doodle has access to fresh water at all times, especially after play sessions or walks. They tend to be active and require consistent hydration.

8. Avoid Overfeeding

Given their affectionate nature, Irish Doodles might look at you with those puppy eyes for extra treats or table scraps. Be mindful not to overfeed, as obesity can lead to numerous health issues.

9. Supplements

While a balanced diet should cover most nutritional needs, some Irish Doodles might benefit from supplements, especially if they have specific health concerns. Consult with your vet before introducing any supplements.

10. Regular Check-ins

Considering the potential for food sensitivities, it’s beneficial to have regular check-ins with your veterinarian to discuss dietary needs and make adjustments as necessary.

Free Homemade Dog Food Recipes

The Irish Doodle’s size, activity level, and potential breed-specific sensitivities all affect its dietary needs. Providing a balanced and appropriate diet ensures your doodle remains healthy, energetic, and happy throughout its life.

Cost to Purchase an Irish Doodle and Annual Costs

According to reputable breeders, the cost of an Irish Doodle puppy typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. However, prices can go higher if the puppy is from a superior lineage or comes with additional training or certifications.

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In total, after the initial purchase, you might expect to spend anywhere from $2,200 to $5,700 or more each year on your Irish Doodle, depending on various factors like your location, the dog’s health, and the choices you make regarding care, training, and lifestyle.

List of Items needed for preparing for a Doodle Dog

Grooming for an Irish Doodle Dog

Typical Appearance: No two Irish Doodles are exactly alike! Because they’re a mix of two breeds, their appearance can vary widely, even within the same litter. This means your Irish Doodle is truly unique! Generally, they have a curly or wavy coat, a solid build, and a gentle demeanor.

Coat Colors: Irish Doodles can come in a variety of red shades. From deep mahogany to light apricot, the richness and diversity of their coat color can be a sight to behold. Occasionally, they may also come in black, although this is rare.

Grooming Needs: The wavy to curly coat of the Irish Doodle requires regular attention to keep it in top condition and free of mats.

1. Brushing: To prevent tangling and matting, brush your Irish Doodle at least 2-3 times a week using a slicker brush or a metal comb. If your dog has a curlier coat, you might need to brush more frequently.
2. Bathing: Bathe your Irish Doodle once a month or as needed. Always use a mild dog shampoo to maintain the natural oils in their skin and coat.
3. Haircuts: Depending on your preference and your dog’s specific coat type, you might opt for a haircut every 8–12 weeks. Many owners choose the “teddy bear” cut, which keeps the hair at a manageable length while preserving the dog’s adorable appearance.

Ear Care: Irish Doodles can be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture.

1. Check their ears weekly for signs of redness, itching, or an unusual odor.
2. Clean them using a vet-recommended ear solution and a cotton ball. Avoid using Q-tips, as they can push debris further into the ear.
3. Make sure their ears are thoroughly dry after baths or swimming.

Eye Care:

1. Regularly inspect your Irish Doodle’s eyes for any signs of redness, cloudiness, or irritation.
2. Using a damp cloth, gently wipe away any discharge from the corners of the eyes.
3. If you notice excessive tearing, it could be an indication of an eye problem, and you should consult your vet.

Nail Care:

1. Trim your Irish Doodle’s nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s a sign they’re too long.
2. Use a dog nail clipper or grinder, being careful to avoid cutting into the quick (a vein that runs into the nail). If unsure, just trim the tips or consult a professional groomer.

Regular grooming not only ensures that your Irish Doodle looks its best but also provides an opportunity to check for signs of health issues. Always reward your dog after grooming sessions to create a positive association.

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