As you might have guessed, there is an Irish Setter and a Poodle involved in an Irish Doodle.
Irish Doodles are remarkable designer dogs that make excellent family pets. They inherit the Irish Setter’s hunting and sporting skills and a Poodle’s smartness. While the combined genes from the parent breeds impart high energy to the Irish Doodle, they also make this beautiful poodle mix breed highly trainable.
What is an Irish Doodle?
Irish Doodle dog breed combines two amazing parent breeds – a Standard or Miniature Poodle and an Irish Setter (also called the Red Setter). Irish Doodles are also known as Irish Doodle Setters, Irish Poo Setters, Setterdoodles, and Irish Poos.
Origins of Irish Doodle Setters
No one can pinpoint the exact origins of the Irish Doodle Setter breed. However, it might have originated in the United States around the late 1990s or 2000s. This was the time when ‘Doodle breeds’ (designer dog breeds having one Poodle parent) became popular. This popularity can be attributed to the Doodle’s high trainability and intelligence combined with their low-to-no shedding coat.
To understand the origins and the history of the Irish Doodle, let us consider the history of its parent breeds.
Irish Setters
Also known as Red Setters (on account of their gorgeous red or mahogany coats), Irish Setters hail from Ireland. They were bred to hunt birds and were known for their remarkable ability to sniff out the game from far distances. Irish Setters point or stand in a manner that looks like they are pointing to help hunters flush out the game. Setters are also known for their excellent swimming and retrieving skills.
Poodles
The Poodle’s origins are somewhat murky. Some believe that the breed originated from the French Water Dogs called Barbets. Others believe that Poodles are a German breed since the word ‘Poodle’ comes from the word ‘Pudel’ which is German for Puddle. Poodles also might have been trained as duck hunters. Today, the breed is considered one of the smartest in the world.
The cross between Poodles and Irish Setters results in this remarkable hybrid dog. The Irish Doodle or the Setterpoo might be relatively rare today but given its excellent qualities, a day will surely come when more and more people start demanding more of these beautiful dogs.
The Australian National Kennel Council does not recognise hybrid dogs like Irish Doodles but you can register them with the MDBA (Master Dog Breeders & Associates), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), or North American Purebred Registry, Inc., etc.
Irish Doodle Size – Is an Irish Doodle a Large Dog?
Irish Doodles are medium-sized dogs since most breeders use Standard or Miniature Poodles in their breeding programs. You can expect your fully-grown Irish Doodle to measure between 22-28 inches (55.88 to 71 cm) and weigh between 40-70 lb. (18 to 31 kg). Irish Doodles stop growing between 7-12 months. (Since the breed is not ANKC registered there is no standardisation in the Setterpoo’s sizes.)
The coat of Irish Doodles could be curly, wavy, fleece, long, and dense. Common colours seen in the breed are black, red, apricot, golden, tan, mahogany, brown, black-and-tan, and white.
Do Irish Doodles Shed? Are Irish Doodles Hypoallergenic
Irish Doodles may or may not be hypoallergenic. This is because of their Irish Setter genes – this parent breed sheds quite a lot and isn’t hypoallergenic. Therefore, an Irish Doodle that inherits the Setter parent’s coat could shed, triggering allergies in sensitive people.
The best poodle mix breeders utilise DNA testing of their breeding poodles’ coat traits to ensure that they are breeding with dogs that will produce teddy bear coated, non-shedding puppies.
First-generation Irish Doodles are 50% Irish Setters and 50% Poodles. This means that a first-generation (F1) Setterdoodle could inherit the shedding gene from the Setter parent. The F1-B Irish Doodle is obtained by crossing an Irish Doodle back to the Poodle. Due to this additional Poodle breeding, an F1-B puppy is more likely to be hypoallergenic. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic Irish Doodle, then ask the breeder for an F1-B Doodle.
Do Irish Doodles Need Grooming? Are Irish Doodles High Maintenance?
Irish Doodles can be high-maintenance in a couple of ways. Firstly, their coats need regular grooming as they tend to trap dirt and debris easily. They also have sensitive skin and their long and wavy coats also mat and tangle easily.
Due to this, your pet will need daily brushing. Some pet parents also take their Irish Doodles to professional groomers for special Poodle cuts. (You can always groom an Irish Doodle at home – simply keep the body and legs short and the face and tail long). How often you bathe your Irish Poo depends on how dirty it gets. In general, you can bathe your Doodle once a month.
Irish Doodles can also be considered high-maintenance because of their ‘needy’ natures. As mentioned earlier, they require a lot of playtime and exercise. This is definitely not a dog that you leave in the yard without it experiencing separation anxiety. You must walk your pet at least 2-3 times a day for 30-45 minutes. Like all Doodles, they also love being a part of all family activities and dislike being left alone.
Are Irish Doodles Calm?
“Full of gusto” is what comes to mind when we speak of an Irish Doodle’s nature. This highly energetic dog has a tireless personality and it is sure to keep you active as well! It certainly isn’t a calm dog. So, if you’re looking for a calm dog breed, the Setterpoo isn’t for you!
Due to their exuberant natures, Irish Doodles make excellent companions for kids. They also respond well to commands given their Poodle’s intelligence and high trainability. Despite their stubborn streaks, they are also willing to please their owners.
Irish Doodles also do well with strangers and other pets. This is a great dog for almost every household. Most well-socialised and trained Irish Doodles are even-tempered and have a rollicking personality.
Are Irish Doodles Good with Kids?
As mentioned earlier, Irish Doodles are excellent companion pets for households with children. This is because, the breed is known for its outgoing nature, gentle demeanour, and sweet-loving personality. (In fact, according to PetMD, both the Irish Setter and Poodle breeds also rank in the list of top 10 dog breeds for children).
Since they are playful and energetic, children are better suited for giving the Irish Doodle the love, attention, and exercise the dog needs on a daily basis. This is crucial since the breed hates being alone and loves to have company and regular playtime.
How Smart are Irish Poos?
Irish Poos are extremely smart as both parent breeds are very smart. They have a capacity for learning a wide array of tricks and commands. According to Dr. Stanley Coren – an authority on dog intelligence – Irish Setters rank 35th and the Poodle ranks 2nd in the list of highly intelligent dog breeds. Therefore, there is little doubt that the Irish Poo is incredibly smart as well.
Irish Doodles possess a remarkable degree of both obedience and working intelligence. This means that they are not only capable of understanding the commands and tasks assigned to them but also have the mental ability to respond appropriately to situations in an effective manner.
Are Irish Doodles Easy to Potty Train?
Thankfully, these smart dogs are highly-trainable. However, you need to be very consistent with the training. Stick to a strict feeding and potty schedule. Use positive reinforcement training and tasty treats and soon you’ll have a house-trained puppy on hand.
Do Irish Doodles Like to Swim?
Swimming is an excellent exercise for Irish Doodles. The breed certainly has all the traits that make them excellent swimmers. However, if your Setterdoodle is on the smaller side, it could tire easily while swimming. So always use a doggy vest before letting your pet into the water.
Do Irish Doodles Like to Cuddle?
Yes, these loving and affectionate dogs love to cuddle. And although they are very energetic, they are always up for a snuggle on the sofa or in your bed!
How Much is a Mini Irish Doodle?
Mini Irish Doodles from reputed breeders can cost anywhere between $2000 and $4000. The price is not standardised and can vary from breeder to breeder. It can also vary based on the puppy’s size, lineage, coat colours, health testing and even the location of the breeder.
Always research the breeder well before you buy your Doodle. If needed, visit several breeders to see their kennels and meet their dogs. Avoid buying from puppy mills or backyard breeders as their puppies are kept under appalling conditions and tend to have health and behavioural issues.
What to Feed an Irish Setter Poo? Do Irish Doodles have Sensitive Stomachs?
Some Irish Doodles tend to have sensitive tummies and do well on hypoallergenic food, grain-free food, raw dog food, or special prescription diets. Look for dog food with the first ingredient as real meat – chicken, fish, or turkey are a good choice. Avoid foods with fillers, colours, and preservatives. Your breeder or vet nutritionist can guide you in selecting the best food for your Irish Doodle based on its age, life stage, and activity levels.
How Long Do Irish Doodles Live?
These healthy dogs live for 10-13 years. If you purchase your Irish Doodle from a reputable breeder, chances are they have tested their breeding stock for common genetic issues. This can reduce joint problems and eye-related conditions in the breed. Common health issues seen in Irish Doodles are arthritis, epilepsy, and thyroid-related problems.
Looking to find an Irish Doodle puppy?
The Irish Doodle is a rare poodle mix breed in Australia. If you’re having trouble finding Irish Poo breeders or puppies for sale near you, consider looking for a rescue or other similar poodle mix breeds such as the Standard Schnoodle, Mini or Standard Bordoodle, Labradoodle, Aussiedoodle or Groodle.
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