Introduction
Irish Doodles are a charming hybrid breed created by blending the graceful Irish Setter with either a Miniature or Standard Poodle. Since this delightful mix is relatively new, Irish Doodles aren’t yet officially recognized as a breed and don’t have a standardized appearance. However, by looking at their well-established parent breeds, you can get a clear idea of what to expect when welcoming an Irish Doodle puppy into your home.
Originally bred as skilled bird dogs, Irish Setters are energetic and athletic, known for their sleek, chestnut coats and their irresistibly sweet and playful nature.
Poodles, often mistaken for mere lapdogs, actually boast dense, curly coats that were essential for their original role as water retrievers in chilly conditions. Beyond their striking looks, Poodles are remarkably intelligent, ranking among the smartest dog breeds.
With such impressive parentage, your Irish Doodle will likely be a loving, lively, playful, and sociable companion. Their coat, usually wavy or curly and often sporting beautiful red hues, demands regular grooming and attention to keep it healthy and vibrant.
Caring for an Irish Doodle
Irish Doodles make fantastic family companions, but they may not be the perfect fit for every household.
As descendants of two active working breeds, Irish Doodles have boundless energy and a sharp mind that require engaging outlets. These dogs thrive in active households that can offer both physical exercise and mental stimulation daily. Thanks to their strong hunting instincts, outdoor play should always be supervised, either on a leash or in a securely fenced area, to prevent your pup from following scents into unsafe territory.
Size is an important factor to consider. The adult size of an Irish Doodle depends largely on the Poodle parent’s size. Irish Setters weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, Miniature Poodles between 10 and 15 pounds, and Standard Poodles range from 40 to 70 pounds. Therefore, Irish Doodles with Miniature Poodle parents tend to be smaller than those with Standard Poodle lineage.
Because of their larger size and high energy, Standard Irish Doodles usually require ample space and may not be well-suited to apartment living. Their boisterous nature can unintentionally overwhelm small children. With the Irish Setter’s reputation for retaining puppy-like enthusiasm longer than average, their playful antics might easily knock over little ones during energetic playtime.
Irish Doodle Health Concerns
Both Irish Setters and Poodles enjoy relatively long lifespans—typically 12–15 years and 10–18 years, respectively—and generally good health. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain hereditary health issues that could be passed to their Irish Doodle offspring.
Bloat
Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, causing it to expand dangerously. Sometimes, this escalates into gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, blocking blood flow to vital organs.
GDV is particularly common in large, deep-chested breeds like Standard Poodles and Irish Setters. It is crucial for Irish Doodle owners to recognize these warning signs:
- Attempting to vomit with no result (retching or dry heaving)
- A visibly swollen abdomen
- Sudden restlessness, anxiety, or inability to find a comfortable position
- Excessive panting and drooling
- Collapse or weakness
If your Irish Doodle shows any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a developmental disorder where the hip joint forms improperly, leading to looseness and eventual joint degeneration or arthritis. This condition is particularly frequent in larger breeds like Irish Setters and Poodles. Mild cases may respond to anti-inflammatory medications, but more severe damage can require surgical intervention.
Signs to watch for include:
- Limping or favoring one leg
- Hesitance to rise or jump
- Shifting more weight onto the front legs
- Muscle wasting in the rear legs
- Signs of discomfort or pain in the hips
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Both parent breeds are prone to idiopathic epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures with no identifiable cause.
Seizures typically last a minute or two and may involve loss of consciousness, uncontrollable muscle spasms, and sometimes involuntary urination or defecation. Though there’s no cure, epilepsy can often be managed with lifelong medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye disorder affecting many breeds, including Irish Setters and Poodles. It leads to deterioration of the retina’s photoreceptor cells, resulting in vision loss.
PRA can manifest as early-onset (where puppies fail to develop healthy retinal cells) or late-onset (where degeneration begins later in adulthood). Symptoms include:
- Hesitance to enter dark areas
- Clumsiness or bumping into objects
- Pupils that remain dilated or respond sluggishly to light
- Increased night-time eye reflectivity
- Development of cataracts
Unfortunately, PRA has no cure and will eventually cause blindness.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism emerges when the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones vital to metabolic processes. This condition affects multiple body systems and is particularly common in medium-to-large breeds such as the Irish Setter.
Typical signs include unhealthy weight gain, patchy or slow hair growth, excessive panting, and recurring skin and ear infections. Treatment involves lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Sebaceous Adenitis
Poodles are susceptible to sebaceous adenitis, a chronic skin disease causing inflammation and impaired oil gland function.
In long-coated dogs like Poodles and Irish Doodles, symptoms may include:
- Patchy hair loss
- Unpleasant odors along the hairline
- Small, matted hair clumps
- Dull, coarse, or brittle hair
- Frequent scratching
- White, flaky scales on the skin
- Clusters of lesions, often visible on the head
Treatment depends on severity but may include oral medications and specialized topical shampoos with antibiotics.
Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a hereditary bleeding disorder more common in Poodles. It results from a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for blood clotting.
Affected dogs may experience prolonged or excessive bleeding from the nose, gums, urinary tract, or following trauma or surgery. Veterinary testing for vWD is typically recommended prior to any surgical procedures, including routine spaying or neutering.
What to Feed an Irish Doodle
Because Irish Doodles vary widely in size and needs—especially depending on whether their Poodle parent is Miniature or Standard—dietary recommendations are best tailored individually. Collaborate with your veterinarian to create a nutrition plan balanced for your dog’s age, size, activity level, and health status.
Feeding Schedule
Adult Irish Doodles are best fed twice daily, morning and evening, to help minimize the risk of bloat. If your dog tends to eat too quickly—a known risk factor for bloat—a slow feeder bowl can encourage more measured eating.
Puppies, with their higher metabolic demands, usually benefit from three meals a day, adding a midday feeding. Your vet can help fine-tune the schedule to fit your pup’s unique needs.
Portion Size
While feeding guidelines on dog food packaging provide a rough estimate based on weight, your veterinarian can offer personalized advice by taking into account your dog’s body condition, activity level, and overall health.
Remember, treats add calories and should be included in your dog’s daily caloric intake—especially important for smaller Mini Irish Doodles who may be prone to weight gain.
Nutritional Advice
Feeding an AAFCO-approved dog food ensures your Irish Doodle receives balanced nutrition. However, certain health conditions may call for supplements or prescription diets.
Always consult your vet before introducing supplements or any new foods to your dog’s diet.
Personality and Temperament
Irish Doodles are affectionate, outgoing, and sociable dogs who form strong bonds with humans and other pets. Their energy levels and playful dispositions make them exuberant companions, though their size and spirited nature might be overwhelming for very young children.
Being descendants of active hunting breeds, Irish Doodles crave mental and physical stimulation, along with plenty of human interaction.
Typical Behavior
Irish Doodles need about an hour of exercise every day to remain happy and well-behaved. Without this, they may become bored or anxious, leading to behaviors like excessive barking or chewing.
Their hunter heritage means they have a natural instinct to chase small animals, so always keep outdoor activities on a leash or within a secure fence.
Expect your Irish Doodle to be a loving, lively, playful, and amiable friend.
Training Tips
The early weeks—up to about 16 weeks—are crucial for socialization and learning. Discuss socialization practices with your breeder and continue introducing your puppy to new people, pets, and environments consistently and positively.
While Irish Doodles are smart and eager to please, their Setter influence might bring a streak of stubbornness or prolonged puppy-like antics, requiring patience and understanding.
Positive reinforcement techniques are the most effective training strategy for these intelligent pups.
Fun Activities
Irish Doodles enjoy a variety of stimulating activities, such as:
- Obedience classes
- Jogging alongside you
- Swimming
- Long, exploratory walks
- Hiking adventures
- Agility challenges
- Hunting games
- Lure coursing
Irish Doodle Grooming Guide
Thanks to their Poodle heritage, Irish Doodles tend to shed very little, but their coat still demands consistent, dedicated care.
Their long, wavy to curly fur needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and matting, making grooming sessions the perfect opportunity for bonding.
Irish Doodles may be a suitable choice for some allergy sufferers; however, no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic. Spend time with an Irish Doodle before committing to ensure your allergies won’t be triggered.
Skin Care
Maintaining a clean, well-groomed coat is key to healthy skin. Matted fur traps irritants like burrs and moisture, which can cause discomfort or infections.
Consult your veterinarian about the ideal bathing frequency for your Irish Doodle. Dogs who love swimming and outdoor play might need more frequent baths, but over-bathing can strip natural oils, resulting in dry or itchy skin.
Coat Maintenance
To keep your Irish Doodle’s coat soft and tidy, brush and comb daily. Avoid cutting mats out with scissors, which can cause injury—gently separate tangles using your fingers or a comb after brushing.
Regular professional grooming and shorter haircuts can lighten your home care routine and keep your dog looking their best.
Eye Care
Given the susceptibility of both parent breeds to progressive retinal atrophy, monitor your dog’s eyes for any cloudiness or changes. Keeping the fur trimmed around the eyes helps prevent irritation and promotes eye health.
Ear Care
Irish Doodles have long, furry ears that are prone to infections, particularly if your dog enjoys swimming. Ask your veterinarian about proper ear cleaning techniques and how often to perform them. If you notice redness, foul odor, tenderness, or scratching, it’s time to seek veterinary attention.
Important Considerations for Prospective Irish Doodle Owners
Before bringing an Irish Setter-Poodle mix into your home, reflect on these essential questions:
- Am I prepared to brush and comb a dog’s coat daily?
- Can I afford professional grooming when required?
- Do I spend enough time at home to provide companionship?
- Is my living situation safe for a large, energetic dog, especially if I have small children?
- Can I commit to providing daily physical activity and mental stimulation for a high-energy dog?
- Do I have the patience, dedication, and knowledge to train a dog consistently using positive reinforcement?
- Am I ready financially for veterinary care throughout the dog’s life?
- Can I offer a loving home and long-term commitment to a dog that could live 18 years or more?
Answering each with a confident “Yes!” suggests you are well prepared to welcome an Irish Doodle into your family.
What is the temperament of an Irish Doodle?
Irish Doodles combine the intelligence and eagerness of the Poodle with the playful, friendly nature of the Irish Setter. They typically have lots of energy and affection to give, flourishing in active families with space to run and play.
How big do Irish Doodles get?
Irish Doodle size varies based on their Poodle parent. Irish Setters weigh 60–70 pounds; Miniature Poodles weigh 10–15 pounds, and Standard Poodles weigh 40–70 pounds. Standard Irish Doodles usually weigh 50–70 pounds, while Mini Irish Doodles tend to be roughly half that size.
What is the difference between a Goldendoodle and an Irish Doodle?
Goldendoodles are a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, whereas Irish Doodles result from Irish Setters and Poodles crossed together. Both mixes share Poodle traits but differ in coat texture, color, and underlying breed characteristics.
