Irish Doodle
An elegant, friendly cross of the playful Irish Setter and the clever Poodle. Affectionate, biddable and often low-shedding, but energetic and needing regular grooming and exercise.
Irish Doodle scorecard
Overview
The Irish Doodle is a designer crossbreed created by mating an Irish Setter with a Poodle (most often a Standard or Miniature Poodle). The aim of the cross is to blend the warm, fun-loving nature of the Irish Setter with the cleverness and low-shedding coat associated with the Poodle. The result is usually a medium-to-large, athletic dog with a wavy or curly coat that often comes in rich red and apricot shades inherited from the Setter side.
It is important to be clear about what an Irish Doodle is and is not. It is not a breed recognised by The Kennel Club or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI); there is no official breed standard, no breed registry and no guaranteed type. Because it is a first-generation cross of two very different breeds, individual puppies — even within the same litter — can vary widely in size, coat, colour and temperament. Anyone choosing an Irish Doodle should expect a unique individual rather than a predictable, standardised dog, and should research both parent breeds carefully before committing.
Good to know — a Irish Doodle needs plenty of space and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Irish Doodle has no long pedigree history of its own. Like most 'doodle' crosses, it emerged in the wake of the Labradoodle, which the Australian breeder Wally Conron is widely credited with creating in the late 1980s as an attempt at a lower-shedding guide dog. The popularity of Poodle crosses then expanded to many other parent breeds, the Irish Setter among them, largely from the 1990s and 2000s onward.
To understand the Irish Doodle you have to look to its parents. The Irish Setter is a Kennel Club–recognised gundog, developed in Ireland as a bird-finding setter and prized for its glamorous red coat, exuberance and friendly disposition. The Poodle, despite its association with French show rings, originated as a water-retrieving gundog (its name derives from the German 'Pudel', to splash) and is one of the most trainable breeds in the world. Crossing two working gundogs produces a dog that is typically energetic, people-focused and biddable, but the cross itself remains a modern, commercially driven creation rather than an established breed.
Temperament & family fit
Irish Doodles are generally affectionate, sociable and people-loving dogs that tend to bond closely with their families. Both parent breeds are companionable rather than aloof: the Irish Setter is famously friendly and playful, and the Poodle is intelligent and eager to be involved in everything the family does. This combination usually produces a gentle, outgoing dog that is good with children and often gets on well with other dogs.
That said, temperament is never guaranteed in a crossbreed. The Irish Setter can be exuberant, easily distracted and slow to mature, sometimes retaining a giddy, puppyish streak for years, while the Poodle is sharp, sensitive and quick to pick up on household tension. An Irish Doodle is likely to be bright and busy, can be prone to boredom-related mischief if under-stimulated, and many dislike being left alone for long periods. Early, ongoing socialisation and plenty of mental engagement help bring out the best, most settled side of the cross.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Irish Doodles usually respond very well to training, inheriting genuine intelligence and a desire to please from both sides. Reward-based, positive methods work best; both parent breeds are sensitive and can shut down or become anxious in response to harsh handling. Short, varied, upbeat sessions tend to keep this clever dog motivated.
The main training challenges are exuberance and distractibility, particularly while young, as the Setter influence can make for a bouncy, scent-driven dog that struggles to focus outdoors. Recall and impulse control deserve early, consistent attention, ideally starting in puppyhood and continuing into adulthood. Because the cross is so smart, it benefits enormously from ongoing 'jobs' such as scent work, trick training or canine sports to channel that brainpower constructively.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Irish Doodle typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat type varies between individuals, from loosely wavy to tight and curly, and this directly affects grooming needs. Many Irish Doodles have a low-shedding coat, but 'low-shedding' and 'hypoallergenic' are marketing descriptions, not guarantees — no dog is truly hypoallergenic, and coats that do not shed freely tend to trap loose hair and mat instead. Most need brushing several times a week and professional clipping every six to ten weeks to stay comfortable and tangle-free. Ears (inherited long from the Setter) should be checked and kept clean, as drop ears can predispose to infections.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Irish Doodle
Feed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's size, age and activity level, following the manufacturer's guidelines as a starting point and adjusting to keep the dog in lean body condition. Larger Irish Doodles benefit from large-breed puppy food during growth to support steady, controlled development. As both parent breeds can be enthusiastic about food and prone to weight gain if under-exercised, portion control and limited treats are important. Because deep-chested dogs can be at higher risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), splitting the daily ration into two meals and avoiding heavy exercise immediately around mealtimes is a sensible precaution.
A large breed
An adult Irish Doodle typically weighs 18–32 kg, so a healthy Irish Doodle eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 11–15 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Irish Doodles sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Irish Doodle weigh?
Adult 18–32 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 2.1–3.7 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3.3–5.9 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 6.7–11.9 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 13.4–23.8 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 18–32 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Irish Doodle
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Irish Doodle's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Irish Doodle health & costs
Before bringing a Irish Doodle home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a crossbreed, the Irish Doodle is not covered by a breed-specific health scheme, and it can inherit the health problems of both parent breeds. Crossbreeding may reduce the chance of some inherited conditions through greater genetic diversity, but it does not eliminate risk, and a puppy can still inherit disorders from either side. Responsible breeders should health-test the parent dogs, and prospective owners should ask to see the results.
From the Poodle side, concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other eye conditions, epilepsy and, in larger Poodles, the risk of bloat. From the Irish Setter side, concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, certain hereditary conditions screened by Kennel Club and breed schemes, and again bloat in this deep-chested breed. Relevant DNA tests and hip and eye screening of the parents are the key tools for reducing risk in a litter.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a malformation of the hip joint that can cause pain, lameness and arthritis; ask whether both parents have been hip scored under the BVA/Kennel Club scheme.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited, progressive degeneration of the retina leading to blindness; DNA testing of parents can identify carriers in both Poodles and Irish Setters.
- Bloat / gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) — a sudden, life-threatening twisting of the stomach seen in deep-chested dogs; feeding smaller meals and knowing the warning signs is important.
- Epilepsy — inherited seizure disorders are recognised in Poodles and can be passed to crosses; usually managed long-term with veterinary medication.
- Ear infections — long, hairy drop ears can trap moisture and wax, predisposing to recurrent otitis externa that needs regular checking and cleaning.
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy and coat changes, recognised in both parent breeds and manageable with daily medication.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Irish Doodle; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Irish Doodle puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Irish Doodle
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Affectionate, gentle and very trainable
- Often low-shedding wavy coat
Things to consider
- Coat needs regular grooming to avoid matting
- Needs plenty of exercise and company
Compare the Irish Doodle
See how the Irish Doodle measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Irish Doodle
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Labradoodle
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Cavapoo
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Cavapoochon
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Similar temperament
Labradoodle
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Goldendoodle
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Double Doodle
A multi-generation doodle blending Golden Retriever, Labrador and Poodle lines. Friendly, sociable and family-oriented, usually low-shedding with a coat that needs regular grooming. Coat type and size vary considerably depending on which lines they take after.
Australian Labradoodle
A purpose-developed type combining Labrador, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel lines, bred for a consistent low-shedding fleece coat and gentle temperament. More predictable than a first-generation doodle, but coat and size still vary depending on the lines.
Similar size, different type
Labrador Retriever
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Golden Retriever
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German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
Greyhound
The ultimate couch potato — despite their racing reputation, retired greyhounds need surprisingly little exercise.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Irish Doodle?
An Irish Doodle is a designer crossbreed created by mating an Irish Setter with a Poodle, most often a Standard or Miniature Poodle. The aim is to blend the Setter's warm, fun-loving nature with the Poodle's cleverness and low-shedding coat. It is not recognised by The Kennel Club or the FCI, so there is no official standard or guaranteed type.
How big does an Irish Doodle get?
The Irish Doodle is usually a medium-to-large, athletic dog, standing around 43–66 cm tall and weighing roughly 18–32 kg. Because it is a first-generation cross of two very different-sized breeds, individuals — even within the same litter — can vary widely in size, coat, colour and temperament, so expect a unique dog rather than a predictable one.
What is an Irish Doodle's temperament like?
Irish Doodles are generally affectionate, sociable and people-loving, bonding closely with their families and often good with children and other dogs. The Setter can be exuberant, easily distracted and slow to mature, while the Poodle is sharp and sensitive. They are bright and busy, can be prone to boredom-related mischief and many dislike being left alone for long.
Are Irish Doodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and 'low-shedding' and 'hypoallergenic' are marketing descriptions rather than guarantees. Coat type varies from loosely wavy to tight and curly. Many Irish Doodles do shed little, but coats that do not shed freely tend to trap loose hair and mat instead, so they still need regular brushing and clipping.
Are Irish Doodles easy to train?
Yes, they usually respond very well to training, inheriting genuine intelligence and a desire to please from both sides. Reward-based, positive methods work best, as both parents are sensitive and can shut down under harsh handling. The main challenges are exuberance and distractibility while young, so recall and impulse control deserve early, consistent attention.
How much exercise does an Irish Doodle need?
This is an active dog that needs meaningful daily exercise, typically well over an hour for an adult, split across walks, free running and play. Both parent breeds were bred to work in the field all day, so the cross has good stamina. Mental exercise matters just as much; puzzle feeders, training games and sniffing help prevent boredom-related behaviour.
How often does an Irish Doodle need grooming?
Most need brushing several times a week and professional clipping every six to ten weeks to stay comfortable and tangle-free, as coats that don't shed freely tend to mat. The ears, inherited long from the Setter, should be checked and kept clean, as drop ears can predispose to infections. Routine nail and dental care should also be maintained.
What health issues are Irish Doodles prone to?
As a crossbreed there is no breed-specific health scheme, and it can inherit problems from both parents. From the Poodle side, concerns include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions, and epilepsy. From the Setter side, concerns include hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Deep-chested dogs also carry a bloat risk; ask to see parents' health tests.
Are Irish Doodles good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Irish Doodles tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Irish Doodle need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Irish Doodle needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Irish Doodles shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Irish Doodles easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Irish Doodles are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Irish Doodles bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Irish Doodles good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Irish Doodles suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Irish Doodle really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Irish Setter breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — Poodle (Standard) breed information and health schemes: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- The Kennel Club — advice on crossbreeds and choosing a healthy puppy: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/
- PDSA — dog breeds and everyday care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs
- Blue Cross — dog breeds and care advice, including crossbreeds: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- RVC VetCompass — dog health research programme: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
Recommended for your Irish Doodle
Matched to a Irish Doodle's size and their typical need for regular coat care, enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit.
Bugalugs Hemp Oil for Dogs & Cats – 50ml
A natural, UK-made hemp seed oil supplement rich in Omega-3, -6, and -9 to support calmness, joint mobility, and a healthy, glossy coat.
£13.99
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Soft Mesh Recovery Cone Collar
A soft, breathable mesh recovery cone that stops licking and biting of wounds after surgery. Lightweight and adjustable, it's a comfy alternative to a hard E-collar for dogs and cats.
From£11.99
Bugalugs Scottish Salmon Oil for Dogs & Cats 500ml
A 100% natural daily supplement rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 from high-quality Scottish salmon — supports skin, coat, joints, and brain health.
£13.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.