Most important facts
- Group
- Crossbreed
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–32 kg
- Lifespan
- 10–13 years
- Coat
- Wavy to curly
- Energy
- High
- Height
- 56–71 cm
- Colours
- Red, apricot or cream
- Shedding
- Light
- Est. feeding cost
- ~£1.31 a day
- Gear to consider
- Slow-feeder bowl, detangling grooming brush, long-line lead for recall training
Typical dry food, adult
About the Irish Doodle
The Irish Doodle is a modern designer cross between the Irish Setter and the Poodle, bred deliberately from the 2000s onwards as part of the wider doodle movement. The aim was to pair the Setter's affectionate exuberance with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. Most are bred with a Standard Poodle parent, giving a medium-to-large dog. It has no Kennel Club recognition, so type varies between litters.
Irish Doodles typically inherit the Irish Setter's warmth and sociability alongside the Poodle's intelligence and trainability, making them affectionate, people-oriented dogs that thrive on company and activity. They tend to be good with children and friendly with other dogs, though the Setter side can bring a boisterous streak in young adults.
This isn't a breed suited to long periods alone. Both parent breeds bond closely with their families. An Irish Doodle left short of company, or of exercise and mental stimulation, can become anxious or destructive. Consistent, reward-based training from puppyhood, including calm feeding routines, helps channel their enthusiasm.
Common health conditions
Things Irish Doodle owners commonly watch for. Guidance, not veterinary advice.
Hip dysplasia
Joint laxity inherited from both the Setter and Poodle side can lead to arthritis. Keep a lean body condition and feed joint-supporting nutrients.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
A deep chest, inherited from both parents, carries a real risk of this emergency. Give two smaller meals, and not one large one. Rest your dog around mealtimes.
Progressive retinal atrophy
An inherited eye condition seen in Irish Setters, causing gradual vision loss starting with night blindness. Choose health-tested parent dogs.
Addison's disease
Standard Poodles carry an elevated risk of this hormonal condition, which can appear in the cross. Watch for lethargy or appetite changes and see a vet promptly.
Feeding a Irish Doodle
Irish Doodles are active, deep-chested dogs, and their needs reflect both parents' stamina alongside a shared bloat risk. Rather than one large meal, feed two smaller measured portions a day from a complete diet suited to their life stage, and avoid strenuous exercise for an hour either side of eating. A moderate-to-high protein formula supports muscle tone without piling on weight.
Because hip dysplasia appears on both sides of this cross, look for foods with joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3s, particularly through growth and into adulthood. The coat, usually more Poodle than Setter, benefits from good omega oils to keep the curl healthy. Monitor body condition regularly, and the Food Finder can match a diet to their size and activity.
Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Irish Doodle needs. The turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.
Typical adult weight
20–32 kg
Est. daily calories
790–1,700 kcal
A broad guide for an average-activity adult in good body condition — not veterinary advice. Real needs vary with age, neutering, activity, health and body condition, so no two Irish Doodles eat exactly the same. Get a personalised estimate or estimate feeding costs.
- Per day
- ~£1.31
- Per month
- ~£40
- Per year
- ~£477
A broad typical monthly budget guide, not a live price quote. Food format, calorie density, pack size and retailer pricing all change the real cost.
Find the right food for your Irish Doodle
Foods ranked to your dog
Answer a few quick questions and the Food Finder ranks foods to your Irish Doodle by score, price, life stage and fit.
Breed at a glance
- Exercise needs8/10
- Appetite7/10
- Trainability7/10
- Good with children8/10
- Shedding2/10
- Tolerates being alone3/10
The good & the worth-knowing
The good
- Affectionate, people-focused temperament that fits well with family life
- Low-shedding coat that's more manageable for allergy-sensitive households
- Intelligent and generally quick to train with consistent, reward-based methods
Worth knowing
- High daily exercise and mental stimulation needs, unsuited to a sedentary lifestyle
- Coat requires regular professional grooming every six to eight weeks to prevent matting
- Prone to inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and bloat
Best matched accessories
All accessoriesThe collections that suit the breed, judged by the same independent standard.
Common owner questions
How much should I feed an Irish Doodle?
Feeding amounts depend on size and activity, not one set figure, as Irish Doodles range from medium to large. Use a complete food's guidelines as a starting point and adjust to body condition, splitting food into two meals a day to reduce bloat risk. The Food Finder can suggest a diet and portion.
Are Irish Doodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but the Poodle-type coat most Irish Doodles inherit sheds very little and produces less loose hair and dander than the Setter parent, easier for some allergy sufferers.
How much exercise does an Irish Doodle need?
Plan for at least an hour to ninety minutes a day, ideally as a couple of walks, with some off-lead running and mental enrichment on top. Both parent breeds were bred for stamina, and this cross rarely thrives as a low-activity companion.
How often does an Irish Doodle need grooming?
Expect a professional groom every six to eight weeks to prevent matting, and brush at home two or three times a week. Grooming sessions are also a good chance to check body condition.