The Irish Doodle is a purposeful canine crossbreed, commonly referred to as a designer dog. They are a hybrid of two dogs—Irish Setters and Poodles—that were bred for hunting and retrieving abilities. Both of these breeds are normally clever, sensitive, active dogs who like to be around people.
In this ultimate guide to Irish Doodle, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
Contents Overview
What is a Irish Doodle?
Due to the beauty of their deep mahogany coats and their excitement as bird dogs, Irish Setters gained popularity quickly after being developed as gundogs in their native Ireland.
They have a lot of energy and are amiable, naughty, and curious. This outgoing family friend has the ability to excel in a variety of canine sports and activities.
This dog bed is suggested by DogTime to ensure that your medium-sized Irish Setter has a restful night’s sleep. For your long-haired dog, you should also purchase this dog brush and massager!
Origin and History of Irish Doodle
It is not unexpected that this handsome redhead hails from Ireland, a country known for its exquisite and lovely canines. The Irish Setter appears to have originated there in the 18th century and was likely created by crossing Gordon Setters, English Setters, and spaniels.
Original Irish Setters were occasionally referred to as red spaniels, perhaps a hint to their background, or modder rhu, which is Gaelic for “red dog.” Instead of the solid dark red we see today, they were frequently white and red. Some of the so-called “shower of hail” canines had red coats with little white dots all over them.
The craze for solid red canines may have been originated by the Irish Earl of Enniskillen. He wouldn’t have any other kind in his kennels by 1812. Jason Hazzard of Timaskea in County Fermanagh and Sir St. George Gore were two other Irish breeders of the era who favoured the red dogs.
The first Irish Setter imported to the country was a dog by the name of Elcho. He arrived in 1875 and quickly rose to fame in both the field and the show ring. Admiral was the first Irish Setter to be registered with the American Kennel Club in 1878.
They immediately rose to prominence in America as one of the most well-liked breeds and a favourite in the show ring. 760 Irish Setters won conformation titles between 1874 and 1948, but only five won field titles.
Some original breed enthusiasts were alarmed by this, and in 1940 the magazine Field and Stream urged for the revival of the breed as a working dog. Two varieties are commonly seen today: the larger, heavier show dog and the lighter, more svelte field dog.
Due to the Big Red-themed literature and movies, as well as King Timahoe, an Irish Setter who lived in the White House during the Nixon administration, the popularity of the Irish Setter skyrocketed in the 1960s and 1970s. The AKC currently recognises 155 breeds and varieties, with the Irish Setter coming in at number 68.
Appearance and Size
Their ears are somewhat below the level of the eye and dangle down to the sides of their face. They have medium to dark brown eyes that can be either almond or oval in form. The Irish Doodle’s coat can differ slightly from dog to dog in terms of its texture and colour.
Irish Setters typically weigh 70 pounds and are 27 inches tall at the shoulder for males, while females are 25 inches and weigh 60 pounds.
Coat and Grooming Needs
One of the qualities that contribute to the Irish Setter’s status as one of the most attractive dog breeds is his gorgeous coat. The burnished mahogany or rich chestnut red coat is short and fine on the head and forelegs, medium-length and straight on the remainder of the body, and long, silky feathered on the ears, the backs of the forelegs and thighs, and the tail.
There is also a fringe of hair on the belly and chest. Irish Setters are trimmed in the show ring to draw attention to the slender head, neat neck, and to display the foot’s natural form.
To keep your Irish Setter’s coat lustrous and tangle-free, brush him at least once every other day. When he’s been out in the field or on a walk, always look for burrs and other trash. As long as you keep him well-brushed, he shouldn’t require a bath more than a few times per year, unless he rolls in something smelly.
But if you want, and if you want to show him, you must, you can bathe him more frequently. To stop his skin and coat from drying out, use a shampoo designed for dogs.
Ear infections are common in all breeds with pendant, or hanging, ears. Weekly inspection and cleaning of your Irish Setter’s ears with a cotton ball wet with a cleanser suggested by your veterinarian are recommended.
Never insert anything, including cotton swabs, into the ear canal since doing so could harm it. If the inside of your Irish Setter’s ear smells unpleasant, seems red or painful, or if he constantly shakes his head or scratches at his ears, he may have an ear infection.
At least twice or three times a week, brush your Irish Setter’s teeth to get rid of tartar accumulation and the bacteria that live there. Even better than twice-daily brushing is prevention of foul breath and gum disease.
If your dog doesn’t naturally wear down his nails, you should trim them once or twice a month. They are too lengthy if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Short, carefully trimmed nails maintain the feet in good shape and guard against scratches on your legs when your Irish Setter rushes up to welcome you.
When your Irish Setter is a puppy, start exposing him to brushing and inspection. Dogs are sensitive when it comes to their feet, so handle his paws frequently and examine his lips and ears.
Lay the framework for simple veterinarian checks and other handling when he’s an adult by making grooming a rewarding experience full with praise and rewards.
While grooming, keep an eye out for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms including redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, or eyes, as well as on the feet. Clear eyes without any redness or discharge are ideal. You can identify any health issues early on thanks to your thorough weekly exam.
Personality and Temperament
The Irish Setter is an amiable, playful dog who is always up for having a good time. He can be naughty and won’t hesitate to raid your knickers drawer or prance into the living room while visitors are there, holding a leopard-print thong between his teeth.
Irish Setters are friendly and outgoing dogs. They aren’t actually guard dogs, although they have been known to intervene and defend their owners when necessary. However, they make great watchdogs and will bark to alert you to any guests or trespassers. Irish Setters take a long time to grow, and they frequently never lose their puppy-like eagerness.
Numerous elements, including training, socialization, and inheritance, have an impact on temperament. Puppies with good dispositions are interested and playful, approachable, and want to be cuddled. Select a puppy that is in the midst of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or cowering in a corner.
Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable around you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult.
Irish Setters need early socialization, or being exposed to a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences when they’re young, just like every other breed of dog. In order to guarantee that your Irish Setter puppy develops into a well-rounded adult, socialization is important.
He should start by enrolling in a kindergarten class for puppies. Regularly hosting guests, taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly shops, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will all help him hone his social skills.
Irish Doodles are extremely devoted and affectionate dogs. Due to their high intelligence and desire to please their owners, this mixed breed may be simpler to teach than other types. Due to their characteristics, Irish Poo Setters make a perfect addition to any household, even those with children. They may be excellent playmates for kids and are quite kind and patient with them.
Although this breed makes a great companion dog, they perform poorly when left alone for extended periods of time. This breed is more likely than others to experience separation anxiety, and they may also act destructively or exhibit other undesirable behaviours.
Training and Exercise Needs
Training an Irish Doodle is not that difficult. To master various orders and remember what they have learned, they will need to practise and repeat them frequently. It’s also suggested to start training the dog while it’s a puppy because it will make training go more smoothly.
If you’ve never owned this breed of dog, it might be helpful to enlist the help of a more seasoned trainer in an obedience training course. These dogs are more amenable to training than some other breeds since they are highly intelligent and eager to please.
Additionally, you should begin socialising your Irish doodle at a very young age. Bring your dog along to several sites so they can meet various people and other pets. When they are fully grown, this will help them understand what to expect in various situations and improve their temperament.
However, you should hold off on taking your puppy far and wide until they have received all of their vaccinations.
Working dogs like Irish Setters pass on a lot of their need for exercise to Irish Doodles. Due to their high level of activity, this breed requires a lot of daily exercise. Plan to offer your dog plenty of opportunities to run around in a fenced-in yard and multiple lengthy walks.
To provide additional activities, you can also make time to play with him or her indoors or outside. Make sure your dog has enough of toys in the house for independent playtime when they need to burn off some energy.
Irish Doodle Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Irish Doodle puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Irish Doodle puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Irish Doodle puppy. Ask if there are any Irish Doodle pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for Irish Doodle
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Irish Doodle:
- As soon as you bring your Irish Doodle home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Irish Doodle getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Irish Doodle can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
Not all Irish Doodles will have all (or even any) of these health problems, but being aware of the warning signs will help you take your dog to the clinic when necessary. Make a vet appointment as soon as you get your dog home for a checkup, regardless of whether you bought it from a breeder or adopted it from a rescue.
One issue that Standard Irish Doodles could experience is bloat. Larger dogs with deeper chests are more susceptible to bloat. The dog cannot discharge the air that swells up and twists in its stomach. They’ll noticeably develop a bulge in their stomach. If you suspect that your pet has bloat, you should take them right away to the vet because it is a serious and potentially fatal condition.
This breed may also be affected by hip dysplasia. The hip bone does not develop properly as a result of this genetic condition. The pet has pain and finds it challenging to move because the hip and thigh bones rub against one another. Surgery is frequently necessary to treat hip dysplasia.
The third issue with this breed is hypoid neuroticism, sometimes known as Addison’s disease. The condition causes the adrenal glands of canines to produce fewer hormones. Lethargy, vomiting, weight loss, increased urination, and diarrhea may result from this. Take your dog to the vet if you think they may have Addison’s disease so they can run some tests and decide on the best course of action.
To summaries, a few typical health issues that Irish Doodles could experience are as follows:
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Addison’s disease
Choosing the Right Irish Doodle for You
If you’re interested in getting a Irish Doodle, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Irish Doodle:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Irish Doodle might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Irish Doodle is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is an Irish Doodle a good family dog?
Yes, Irish Doodles are very good with kids. They are playful, but also very patient and affectionate. This breed is also very loyal and devoted to the members of their family.
What is the personality of an Irish Doodle?
They are extremely intelligent and they love to learn, making them an exceptionally trainable animal, in fact, some may take after the Irish Setter and once they learn something you will be hard pressed to get them to unlearn it.
Do Irish Doodles shed a lot?
Irish Doodles, like their Poodle parents, shed very little and produce minimal dander. As such, they’ve earned a reputation as hypoallergenic dogs. While the AKC states that no dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, these dogs often do well with allergy sufferers.
Is an Irish Doodle a large dog?
The average size for female Irish Doodles is about 40 to 65 pounds; male Irish Doodles generally weigh between 50 to 75 pounds. Height-wise, Irish Doodles are medium-sized dogs that can measure anywhere from 24 to 26 inches tall.
Are Doodles kid friendly?
Overall, doodles of all types and breeds can interact well with kids / children provided they have been well-socialized and well-trained. However, we find the standard sized working-breed-doodles and sporting-breed-doodles to be the most natural fit with young kids!