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Irish Setter Poodle Mixes are generally medium to large in size, with adults weighing between 40-70 pounds and standing between 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a thick, curly coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
As a hybrid breed, the Irish Setter Poodle Mix can inherit the best qualities from both parent breeds, making them an excellent choice for families and individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion.
What Is an Irish Setter Poodle Mix?
The Irish Setter Poodle mix, also known as an Irish Doodle, is a relatively new addition to the designer dog world.
This breed is a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle, making it a unique and exciting combination.
Their coat is one of their most notable traits, and it's usually a deep red color, making it an excellent choice for individuals who suffer from allergies.
Their coat is typically curly or wavy and can come in a variety of colors, such as red, black, brown, and cream.
Take a look at this: Red Setter vs Irish Setter
The Irish Doodle is available in three sizes – Miniature, Toy, and Standard – making it a great option for families of all sizes.
The Miniature Irish Doodle is a smaller version of the breed and is perfect for those who live in smaller homes or apartments.
The Standard Irish Doodle is a larger version of the breed and is great for families who have more space to accommodate a larger dog.
Both sizes of the Irish Doodle have a friendly and outgoing personality, making them great family pets.
The Irish Doodle is a highly energetic dog with a tireless personality, so it's sure to keep you active.
Their Irish Setter heritage as a hunting dog means they were bred to be active and love to run and play.
This breed is not for everyone, especially those looking for a calm dog, as they can be quite energetic and lively.
Additional reading: Irish Setter Doodle Puppies
Physical Characteristics
The Irish Setter Poodle mix is a unique and lovable breed, and understanding its physical characteristics can help you prepare for life with one. The Mini Irish Setterdoodle, a smaller version of this mix, weighs between 20 to 30 pounds and stands between 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their coat is truly one of a kind, with options ranging from curly to wavy and from long to short. Many Irish Setterpoos inherit the Poodle's curly, allergy-friendly coat.
The coat can come in a variety of colors, including red, black, white, brown, cream, and parti-colored.
Worth a look: Irish Setter Coat
What Does the Setter Look Like?
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The Irish Setter is a beautiful breed with some amazing physical characteristics. The Irish Doodle, a cross between the Poodle and the Irish Setter, inherits these traits from its parent breeds.
The Irish Doodle has a small or medium to large-sized body with a long and lean build, making it an elegant and athletic companion. They have a strong, muscular body with fairly long limbs, a deep chest, and a graceful posture.
Their broad head features long ears that hang down, and their skull may be dome-shaped like the Setter parents. The eyes are almond-shaped and come in shades of brown or hazel, giving them an alert but affectionate expression.
In terms of size, the Irish Doodle can vary, but their athletic build makes them a joy to watch in action. With proper exercise and care, they can thrive as a happy and healthy companion.
Coat Types and Colors
The Irish Doodle's coat is truly one of its unique features. It's curly or wavy, and can be either long or short.
Since many Irish Setterpoos have more of the Poodle in them, their coats are likely to be curly and allergy-friendly.
The Irish Doodle's coat can come in a variety of colors, including red, black, white, brown, and cream.
One of the most striking coat colors is parti-colored, which features a mix of different colors.
Here's a breakdown of the Irish Doodle's possible coat colors:
- Red;
- Black;
- White;
- Brown;
- Cream; and
- Parti-colored.
How Big Does the Mini Get?
The Mini Irish Doodle is a relatively small breed, weighing between 20 to 30 pounds.
They stand between 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a compact companion.
Temperament and Training
Irish Doodles are known for being friendly, outgoing, and affectionate dogs. They love to be around people and enjoy being the center of attention.
Their playful Poodle side often leads to goofy moments, showcasing their energetic and lively nature. This breed is generally good-natured and adaptable, making them a great addition to many families.
Irish Doodles are highly intelligent and quick learners, inheriting their intelligence from their Irish Setter and Poodle lineage. They excel in various training scenarios and can learn commands with ease.
Temperament and Training
Irish Doodles are known for being friendly, outgoing, and affectionate, making them a joy to be around.
Their intelligence and versatility make them highly trainable, and they excel in various activities such as obedience, agility, and therapy work. They're also natural problem-solvers, able to master complex tricks and behaviors.
Irish Doodles are highly energetic dogs that love to be around people and enjoy being the center of attention. They're not typically considered lap dogs due to their medium to large size, but they have a strong desire to be close to their owners.
Their intelligent and empathetic nature makes them well-suited for social interactions and introductions, and they tend to be welcoming towards strangers. They may be initially reserved or alert, but they quickly warm up once they sense no threat.
Consistency is key when training an Irish Doodle, especially when it comes to potty training. Stick to a strict feeding and potty schedule, and use positive reinforcement training with tasty treats.
Their exceptional intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, and they excel in mastering complex tricks and behaviors. With patience and consistency, you can help your Irish Doodle become a well-behaved and loyal companion.
On a similar theme: Irish Setter Training
Are Good Family Dogs?
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Irish Doodles are often hailed as excellent companions for families, and their temperament makes them well-suited for households with children.
They tend to get along famously with children of all ages, and their friendly and affectionate nature makes them natural playmates for youngsters.
Their patient disposition often resonates well with older children, making them a great match for families with kids of various ages.
Irish Doodles are generally gentle, which makes them a good match for families with young children.
Active families are the perfect fit for an Irish Doodle, as they enjoy lots of exercise and company.
While Irish Doodles may not fit the traditional definition of a “lap dog” due to their medium to large size, they certainly have a penchant for sitting close to their owners.
Irish Doodles excel in forming strong emotional connections with their families, and their affectionate nature is a testament to their love for human companionship.
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These friendly canines tend to be welcoming towards strangers, warming up quickly once they sense that the newcomer poses no threat.
Irish Doodles are loving and affectionate dogs that love to cuddle, and they're always up for a snuggle on the sofa or in your bed.
Their friendly character, ability to get along with other pets, and gentle nature make them a great addition to many families.
Are Aggressive?
Irish doodles are generally known for their friendly and affable nature, but like any breed, individual temperament can vary.
Fear is a common trigger for aggression in Irish doodles. They may become aggressive if they feel threatened or scared, often triggered by a new person or animal in the house, a loud noise, or a sudden movement.
Pain can also cause aggression in Irish doodles. An Irish doodle in pain may become aggressive to protect themselves or out of frustration.
Resource guarding is another potential cause of aggression in Irish doodles. They may become aggressive if they feel their food, toys, or belongings are being threatened.
Lack of socialization can contribute to aggression in Irish doodles. If your Irish doodle isn’t adequately socialized from a young age, it may be more prone to aggression toward other dogs and people.
If you notice any signs of aggression in your Irish doodle, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist to rule out any medical causes and develop a plan to address the behavior.
Here are some common causes of aggression in Irish doodles:
- Fear
- Pain
- Resource Guarding
- Lack of Socialization
Good with Other Animals?
Irish doodles are famous for their amiable nature, and this extends to their interactions with other animals, including dogs, cats, and other small pets.
They are usually friendly with other dogs and tend to enjoy canine companionship, often thriving in multi-dog households.
However, due to their hunting instincts inherited from the Irish setter, some Irish doodles may display an instinct to chase smaller animals.
With proper socialization and training, your Irish doodle should be able to get along with other animals and live happily in a multi-pet household.
Worth a look: Poodle Hybrids Hypoallergenic
Are Good Watchdogs?
Irish Doodles can be effective watchdogs due to their alert and perceptive nature inherited from the Irish setter lineage.
Their keen awareness allows them to detect changes in their environment quickly, making them reliable watchdogs in a household setting.
Irish Doodles possess protective instincts and bravery, offering an added layer of security with their alertness.
Their reliability as watchdogs is a result of their ability to quickly respond to potential threats, making them a great addition to families who want an extra layer of security.
Grooming and Care
Grooming an Irish Setter Poodle mix requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their thick, wavy coat.
You'll want to brush your Irish Doodle at least once a week to keep their coat in good condition, using a slicker brush or a comb designed for longer, wavy coats.
Aim for daily brushing, especially if your Irish Doodle has a wavy and sleek coat like an Irish Setter, as they tend to shed more.
Taking your Irish Doodle to a professional groomer every 6-8 weeks for a thorough grooming session is also a good idea, which includes trimming, shaping, and a bath if necessary.
Some Irish Doodles may require more frequent grooming, depending on their coat type, with those resembling Poodle coats needing regular brushing multiple times a week.
Irish Doodles with long and wavy coats may need to be trimmed by a groomer every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat in good shape.
Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:
Remember, individual needs may vary, so it's essential to tailor care to your specific Irish Doodle's personality and lifestyle.
Health and Nutrition
Irish Setter Poodles are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, which affects many medium to large dogs, and hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
Some common health issues in Irish Setter Poodles include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand's Disease, and Addison's Disease. Research has shown that Poodles are at a higher risk of developing Addison's Disease.
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Irish Setter Poodles may also inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain eye conditions. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate these risks.
A balanced diet is essential for Irish Setter Poodles, with a diet rich in protein (25 to 30% composition), vitamins, and minerals recommended to keep them healthy and active. Look for dog food with the first ingredient as real meat, such as chicken, fish, or turkey.
Some Irish Setter Poodles have sensitive tummies and do well on hypoallergenic food, grain-free food, or special prescription diets. Your breeder or vet nutritionist can guide you in selecting the best food for your Irish Setter Poodle based on its age, life stage, and activity levels.
Health Issues in Setterpoo
Irish Setterpoos, like all dogs, are susceptible to certain health issues. These can be inherited from their parent breeds, including hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip doesn't develop properly.
Hip dysplasia is a common issue in medium to large dogs. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help mitigate this risk.
Irish Setterpoos may also inherit elbow dysplasia, a condition that affects the elbow joint. This can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
Some Irish Setterpoos may develop eye conditions, which can be inherited from their parent breeds.
Irish Setterpoos are also prone to certain bleeding disorders, such as Von Willebrand's Disease. This condition affects the protein required for proper blood clotting.
In addition to these inherited conditions, Irish Setterpoos may also develop common health issues like allergies, skin and ear infections, obesity, and dental issues.
Here are some common health issues that affect Irish Setterpoos:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Von Willebrand's Disease
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Epilepsy
- Arthritis
- Canine leucocyte deficiency
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
- Allergies
- Skin and ear infections
- Obesity
- Dental issues
Feeding a Setter Puppy
Irish Doodles, being a cross between an Irish Setter and a Poodle, tend to have sensitive tummies and do well on hypoallergenic food.
A diet rich in protein is essential for Irish Doodles, with a recommended composition of 25 to 30% protein.
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High-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs is a must, and it's best to avoid feeding them table scraps or human food that can cause digestive issues.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule and appropriate amount of food for your puppy, as it will vary depending on their age, size, activity level, and overall health.
A good starting point is to feed 2-3 cups of food per day, but this can be adjusted based on individual needs.
Here's a rough guide to the recommended daily intake for Irish Doodle puppies:
Remember to choose a dog food with the first ingredient as real meat, such as chicken, fish, or turkey, and avoid foods with fillers, colours, and preservatives.
Do Dogs Like Swimming?
Dogs like swimming, but it's essential to introduce them to water gradually to ensure a positive experience. Many Irish Doodles enjoy swimming due to their ancestry.
The Poodle is a type of water dog and is usually an excellent swimmer. Irish Doodles can inherit this trait from their Poodle parent.
Explore further: Portuguese Water Dog and Poodle
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Some Irish Doodles may not be natural swimmers, but with patience and proper introduction, they can learn to enjoy the water. Always keep an eye out to make sure that the water and weather conditions are safe for swimming.
Irish Setters were bred with Irish physical traits required for varied terrain in Ireland, including boggy and marshy areas.
General Information
The Irish setter poodle mix, also known as the Irish doodle, is a 21st-century international designer crossbreed.
This crossbreed is born from the union of an Irish setter and a poodle, two breeds that have been around for centuries.
The Irish setter was originally bred in Ireland for bird hunting, while the poodle originated in Germany and was renowned for its water retrieval skills.
The Irish doodle inherits the playful, energetic, and friendly temperament from both its parents, making it a great companion for families.
They are relatively easy to train and can adapt to different conditions, which is why they've become a popular choice for families in the last couple of decades.
Their wavy, often hypoallergenic coat is a combination of the elegance of the Irish setter and the intelligence of the poodle.
Sources
- https://pawsafe.com/blogs/dog-breeds/irish-doodle
- https://dogacademy.org/breeds/irish-doodle
- https://raggydogs.com.au/blog/irish-doodle-the-complete-guide-to-the-irish-setter-poodle-mix-breed/
- https://premierpups.com/dog-breeds/mini-irish-doodle
- https://www.buckeyepuppies.com/breeds/irish-doodle/puppy
- https://dogsofsf.com/archives/17858
- https://www.letsgoireland.com/irish-doodle/
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