Irish Doodle
The Irish Doodle is a cross between the Irish Setter and the Poodle. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Irish Doodle. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a strikingly beautiful sporting breed known for its elegant, racy outline and rich mahogany or chestnut red coat. Males stand approximately 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 70 pounds, while females measure around 25 inches and fall within a similar weight range. The breed presents a substantial yet refined appearance, with a body that is slightly longer than tall, demonstrating the athletic build necessary for a tireless field companion. The overall impression is one of balance, grace, and aristocratic bearing that has made this breed a favorite among sportsmen and families alike. The head is long and lean with a well-defined stop, featuring a moderately deep muzzle that is fairly square at the end. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and dark brown to medium brown in color, conveying a soft, intelligent expression. The ears are set low and well back on the head, hanging in neat folds close to the cheeks and reaching nearly to the nose when drawn forward. The neck is moderately long, strong but not thick, and arches gracefully into the shoulders. The chest is deep, reaching approximately to the elbows, and is rather narrow to allow freedom of movement. The coat is the Irish Setter's crowning glory, consisting of flat, straight hair of moderate length with beautiful feathering on the ears, chest, belly, backs of the legs, and tail. The rich red color ranges from mahogany to chestnut, with no black shading permitted, though small amounts of white on the chest, throat, or toes are acceptable. The tail is carried nearly level with the back and features a long, silky fringe. The legs are straight with well-muscled upper thighs and moderately bent stifles. The feet are rather small and firm with well-arched toes. Regular grooming is essential to maintain the coat's beautiful appearance and prevent matting of the feathering.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Irish Setters require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and well-behaved. Without adequate outlets for their considerable energy, they can become reckless, destructive, and difficult to manage. The breed excels in various dog sports including field work, agility, and obedience when training is conducted with patience and positive methods. Irish Setters are intelligent but can display an independent streak that some interpret as stubbornness. They respond best to enthusiastic, reward-based training rather than harsh corrections. The breed does not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety, requiring families committed to including their dog in daily activities.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency, known as CLAD, is a serious inherited immune disorder specific to Irish Setters that prevents white blood cells from fighting infection properly. Affected puppies rarely survive past six months without treatment. Hypothyroidism affects many Irish Setters, causing insufficient thyroid hormone production that results in weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Epilepsy, osteochondrosis dissecans affecting joint cartilage, and hypertrophic osteodystrophy in growing puppies are additional concerns. Von Willebrand's disease Type 1, a mild bleeding disorder, and gluten intolerance causing digestive problems have been documented. Regular veterinary care and genetic testing of breeding stock help maintain the breed's health.
Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a medium to large breed distinguished by its elegant carriage, proud bearing, and signature curly coat. Standard Poodles stand over 15 inches at the shoulder, typically measuring between 18 and 24 inches, with males weighing 45 to 70 pounds and females weighing 45 to 60 pounds. The breed presents a square body proportion, appearing approximately the same length as it is tall at the withers. The overall impression is one of an active, intelligent dog that carries itself with an air of distinction and dignity unique to the breed. The head features a moderately rounded skull with a slight but definite stop, and a long, straight muzzle with a fine, chiseled appearance. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set far apart and convey an alert, intelligent expression. Eye color varies with coat color, with dark eyes in black, white, silver, and cream dogs, and amber eyes permitted in brown and apricot individuals. The ears hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level, with long, wide, thickly feathered leather. The neck is well-proportioned, strong, and long enough to permit the head to be carried high with dignity. The Poodle's coat is its most distinctive feature, consisting of dense, harsh, curly hair that grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally. The coat does not molt in the traditional sense, making the breed popular among allergy sufferers, though regular grooming is essential to prevent matting. Acceptable colors include black, white, brown, gray, blue, silver, cream, apricot, red, and cafe au lait, with solid, even coloring preferred. Various clips are permitted, from the elaborate Continental and English Saddle clips seen in show rings to the practical Sporting clip favored by pet owners. The tail is set high, carried up, and may be docked. The feet are oval-shaped with well-arched toes and thick, firm pads.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Standard Poodles are social, friendly dogs that form strong bonds with all family members and typically get along well with children, other dogs, and pets. They may initially appear reserved with strangers but warm up quickly once properly introduced. The breed makes an effective watchdog, alerting families to visitors without excessive barking. Poodles do not tolerate isolation well and may develop separation anxiety if consistently left alone for extended periods. They thrive in homes where they can participate in family activities and receive regular attention, training, and affection from their owners.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Sebaceous adenitis is a serious skin disorder particularly affecting Standard Poodles, where inflammation destroys the sebaceous glands, causing hair loss and secondary skin infections. The condition can be difficult to diagnose and requires ongoing management. Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual vision loss leading to blindness and can be detected through DNA testing and regular eye examinations. Von Willebrand's disease, a bleeding disorder, and epilepsy are additional concerns in the breed. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affects the hip joint differently than dysplasia, causing bone deterioration. Dental problems are more common in Poodles than many breeds, requiring regular dental care to prevent periodontal disease.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Irish Doodle may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Irish Setter and Poodle to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.