IRISH DOODLE: dog breed facts, personality, and all you need to KNOW

Considering getting an Irish Doodle dog? Read on to find out everything you need to know about their temperament, personality, and more.

Irish Doodles, Cockapoos, Labradoodles, Cavapoos – in recent years, designer dogs that end with ‘oo’ and ‘oodle’ have become more popular than ever.

If you have an Irish Doodle, you’ll know that they are great family dogs with a generally sweet nature and maybe a little needy, too.

If you’re thinking of getting an Irish Doodle, read on to find out more about them and why they make a great choice for joining the family.

Ireland Before You Die’s fun facts about the Irish Doodle:

• Irish Doodles are designer dogs. They are a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle.
• Irish Doodles are hypoallergenic. They are a great dog for those with allergies (and those who hate dog hair all over the house).
• These high-energy dogs have sweet and calm natures, making them a great family dog.
• The life expectancy of an Irish Doodle is generally between ten and 15 years.
• Irish Doodles are some of the most cuddly and loyal dogs around!

Irish Doodles – where did they come from?

Perhaps not as well known as their close relatives, Labradoodles and Cockapoos, the Irish Doodle is an adorable little dog that is a mix of Poodle and Irish Setter.

They first came about in the United States, like many other designer dogs, in the 1980s or 90s.

These dogs have the combined characteristics of their parent breeds – intelligence from the Poodle and athleticism from the Irish Setter. So, let’s take a closer look at the dogs they come from.

Poodles – one half of an Irish Doodle

While the Irish Doodle is a relatively new breed on the block, their parent breeds have a lot more history that we can unpack.

When you think of a Poodle, you might think of a pristine, well-groomed, curly pooch in a best-in-show competition, and you’d be right!

However, behind the blue ribbons and funky hairdos is a very intelligent dog with a generally even temperament and friendly nature. 

While Poodles deal well with instruction and adapt well to given circumstances, they generally do not deal well with being left alone. This is one trait you will find that bleeds into those of an Irish Doodle, as they can be quite needy.

CHECK OUT: Ireland Before You Die’s list of the most popular dog breeds in Ireland.

Irish Setter – the traits and personality 

Irish Setters are known for being handsome in appearance with their long, smooth, flowing auburn locks.

They are known as the silly rogues of the dog world. They are lively, lanky, and have great personalities, including mischievous qualities.

As Irish Setters are a member of the ‘Gundog’ breed group, they are also very athletic and have a natural prey drive. As such, their training requires much patience and persistence.

LEARN MORE: The Ireland Before You Die guide to native Irish dog breeds.

Traits and personality of an Irish Doodle – what to expect from an Irish Doodle

Thanks to being the product of two great dog breeds, Irish Doodles are playful, intelligent, and entertaining doggy companions for anyone. 

Generally, Irish Doodles have a great temperament and get on great with other animals and kids, provided they have adequate attention and stimulation.

One thing that Irish Doodle owners often say is that when Irish Doodles get bored, they can become anxious and destructive. However, due to their parent breeds, they are known for taking a shine to training with ease.

Care and exercise – what kind of maintenance do they need?

Irish Doodles have a lot of agility are generally full of beans, which means they require lots of regular exercise and interactive play with their humans. Pups might also require some obedience training.

This breed of dog can get bored very easily, and need physical and mental stimulation. So they are not recommended for those who work long hours and don’t have adequate time to train, walk, and entertain them.

In terms of care and grooming, they take a good deal of maintenance, so this is something to consider, as it’s an added cost every six weeks or so to get them groomed.

One of their most stunning features is their luscious locks, which can be prone to matting if not taken care of properly. Ensure regular brushing and trips to the groomers to keep their coats healthy and tidy.

Concerns in this breed – common and potentials health concerns 

Like all dog breeds, Irish Doodles come with the possibility of certain major and minor health conditions. Major concerns that often occur in this breed are hip dysplasia, bloating, and eye diseases.

More minor but common health issues include epilepsy, skin diseases, and colour dilutions alopecia. Occasional diagnoses include osteosarcoma, von Willebrand’s disease, and Addison’s disease.

We are by no means vets, but it’s important to point out common concerns for anyone considering taking on a new pet. 

VISIT IRELAND: Check out the best dog-friendly hotels according to IB4UD.

Other notable mentions

Adopting: When taking on a new pet, always look for dogs that need homes in shelters instead of seeking out breeders.

Coat colour: While most Irish Doodles are reddish in colour, they can also have a black or fair coat, depending on the parents. 

Size: Again, depending on the size of the Poodle/Setter parents, they can vary in size. 

Your questions answered about the Irish Doodle

If you still have questions, we have you covered! In this section, we’ve compiled some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions and popular questions that have been asked online about this topic.

Is an Irish Doodle a good family dog?

Yes! Irish Doodles are great family dogs. Much like Cockapoos or Golden Doodles, they are friendly, gentle, and very playful. 

However, they require a lot of attention, especially when they are young, so it isn’t recommended to take on a young Irish Doodle if you have newborns or toddlers.

What breeds make an Irish Doodle?

An Irish Doodle is an intentionally hybrid dog that is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle.

Do Irish Doodles shed a lot?

No, that’s why they make great dogs for those with allergies. If they do shed, it’s very minimal and can be easily prevented with regular brushing.