Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle

Golden Retrievers are slightly smaller in terms of height, but can be a very similar weight to Irish Setters, giving them a slightly stockier appearance. They will grow to somewhere between 21.5 and 24 inches tall, weighing from 55 to 75 lbs as adults. Females are often smaller than males. So, a Goldendoodle will usually be between 15 and 24 inches tall, weighing from 40 to 75 lbs.

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle Coat and Colors

Doodle mixes are ever growing in popularity, partly thanks to their low shedding coats. But, many people don’t realise that not all Doodle dogs will have low shedding coats. Especially if they are a first generation mix – that is one with two purebred parents. This is because they might also inherit the non-Poodle parent’s coat.

The Goldendoodle, if it takes after the Golden Retriever, can have a thick, double layered coat. It will have straight fur that sheds a lot throughout the year. And, whilst this coat type requires less grooming than the Poodle coat, it is a lot less popular. It will still need regular bathing, especially if your Goldendoodle gets dirty on walks.

The Irish Setter has a medium length, silky coat. Their fur will be flat over their bodies, with some feathering. Irish Setters will shed moderately, so you can expect the same from an Irish Doodle that takes after this parent.

In terms of color, both the Irish Doodle and Goldendoodle come in a wide variety, thanks to the Poodle parent. However, golden shades are most popular in Goldendoodle puppies, and shades of red are most popular for Irish Doodle puppies.

Are Irish Doodles or Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic?

We’ve spoken a little bit about the different types of coat that these two mixed breeds can inherit. But, are either of them hypoallergenic? In short – no. Neither of these mixes are hypoallergenic because in truth there are no hypoallergenic dog breeds. The allergens that trigger allergy symptoms can be found in dog saliva and dog dander. So, even a Doodle with the curly Poodle coat can cause allergy symptoms.

The reason that Poodles tend to trigger fewer allergy symptoms is because their curls catch shedding dander and saliva-coated hairs. But, since they require more grooming, you will still have to get up close to those allergens. Of course, there are ways around this, including going to the groomer and getting another member of the household to maintain your dog’s coat between trips. You can also wash any soft bedding or toys regularly to remove saliva. But, it’s something to bear in mind.

A good way to test if a specific dog sets off your allergies is to spend some time with them before bringing them home.

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle Shedding

Although Poodle coats aren’t necessarily hypoallergenic, they are low shedding. And, the tight curls or corded fur are ideal for catching any loose hairs that do shed. This can create more knots and tangles that need to be brushed out, but it will control the amount of fur left around your house. If your Irish Doodle or Goldendoodle inherit this type of coat, it’s likely they won’t shed visibly either.

However, if they inherit the coat type of their other purebred parent, they will shed visibly. Golden Retrievers can shed heavily, especially during hot months. And Irish Setters will shed moderately. So, the Goldendoodle has the potential to be a much heavier shedder. But, both mixes can also fall somewhere in between their two parents, shedding moderately in hot months and only a little throughout the rest of the year. It will all depend on the traits your puppy inherits.

To increase your likelihood of getting a puppy with a Poodle coat, choose a second or third generation mix. In these later mixes, breeders can choose parents with similar traits, like a Poodle coat, to increase your puppy’s chances of inheriting the same traits. Some breeders will also backcross their mix to a Poodle to increase this chance.

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle Temperament

All three of the purebred dogs that contribute to these mixes have histories as working dogs. The Golden Retriever and Poodle both originate as retrieving dogs. But, the Irish Setter was first used to locate game birds on the hunt. So, their roles differ slightly, but all three roles required energetic, intelligent dogs that would work well alongside humans.

Both the Irish Doodle and Goldendoodle are social, friendly, and clever dogs that require lots of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. These mixes aren’t a great choice if you’re looking for a lapdog – they have lots of energy to burn! To encourage the best possible temperament, both mixes should be thoroughly socialized as puppies. With proper socialization, both Doodle dogs are known to get along well with other pets and young children. But, remember that both can be quite large, playful dogs, so obedience training and calm play is a must, especially around small children.

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle Training and Exercise

Another area in which these two Doodle mixes are very similar are trainability and exercise needs. Both the Irish Doodle and Goldendoodle are intelligent mixes. And, they are very people-oriented, forming strong bonds with their owners and close families. So, they can take very well to training. Positive reward training is the best method for these two mixes, since both can be quite food oriented, and it will build on that already strong bond. Punishment or aversive methods will often weaken this bond and build a level of mistrust.

In terms of exercise needs, both the Irish Doodle and Goldendoodle are high energy. This means they need at least an hour every day to exercise. There are plenty of forms of exercise these mixes will love, but ideally they need the opportunity to really stretch their legs. You could go for a hike, play some retrieving games, go swimming, and more. But, neither mix will suit a low-energy home. A lack of proper exercise can result in unwanted, destructive behaviors.

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle Health

Another important factor that could impact your decision is health. Which breed has the fewest health issues? Of course, we can never predict exactly what issues an individual dog might experience, but every breed suffers from certain hereditary issues that can be passed onto their puppies. Including mixed breed puppies. By choosing a reputable breeder, you can minimize the risk of these problems a little. But, it’s also important to be aware of the most common issues for your breed, so you can recognize early symptoms.

Most Common Poodle Health Issues

The Standard Poodle is used in both mixes. So, here are some of the most common problems that can be passed on through this parent. Bear in mind that Miniature and Toy Poodles have slightly different hereditary issues – so make sure you know which size Poodle is being used.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
• Sebaceous Adenitis
• Addison’s disease
• Autoimmune thyroiditis
• Epilepsy
• Eye issues

Most Common Golden Retriever Health Issues

As well as the most common Poodle health issues, Goldendoodles can be at risk of the following from the Golden Retriever parent.

• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
• Eye issues
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Cancers
• Heart problems
• Hypothyroidism

Most Common Irish Setter Health Problems

For the Irish Doodle, owners must be aware of health issues common in Poodles and Irish Setters. Here are some that can occur in the Irish Setter parent:

• Autoimmune thyroiditis
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
• Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency
• Epilepsy

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle Lifespan

In terms of lifespan, all three purebred parent dogs, the standard Poodle, Golden Retriever, and Irish Setter, have an average lifespan of around 12 years old. And, since studies suggest mixed breed dogs tend to live longer on average than purebred dogs, you can expect both Irish Doodles and Goldendoodles to live into their teens. Especially if you take the time to find a reputable breeder and learn about potential health risks.

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle Puppy Cost

• Doodle breeds are increasingly popular. Which inevitably means their price is increasing with demand. But, it also means that puppy farms and backyard breeders are becoming more common when searching for these breeds. So, it’s really important to do your research before committing to a breeder. Make sure to see evidence of health checks, and visit the dogs in person to be sure they’re being kept in a good environment and receiving all the socialization and care they need at this age.
• Generally, Goldendoodles are a little more expensive than Irish Doodles, as they are slightly more popular. But, the price of both mixed breed puppies will vary depending on demand, coat color, their generation, and more. As a vague rule, Goldendoodles tend to cost anywhere between $1500 and $3000, whilst Irish Doodles are more often around $1000 to $2500. But, remember price isn’t necessarily an indicator of a good breeder. Do plenty of research and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.

Food Needs Comparison

• Both of these breeds are medium-sized. An adult Irish Doodle will reach between 40-70 pounds as an adult, while an adult Goldendoodle will be a little bigger at 50-90 pounds. The range here accounts for size differences in the sex and individual growth of your Doodle.
• For many dry foods, that will mean 2.5-3 cups of food split into two meals each day will keep your adult Doodle well-fed and happy. You’ll need to double-check the feeding recommendations for your dry food of choice. Not all kibble is created equal, after all!
• A premium dry food is recommended for Poodle mix dogs to ensure they get the nutrition they need to grow strong and maintain their health. The best dog foods for a Goldendoodle are dry, and heavy on protein.
• Still, if you’re ever unsure about what to do for feeding your Doodle specifically, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian! They can always help you get on the right track when it comes to food choices and feeding routines.

Which Mixed Breed is Better?

• The Irish Doodle and Goldendoodle mixed breeds share a lot of similar traits. Both are energetic, affectionate dogs that have very high energy levels. Their exact traits will depend entirely on the genes passed down from their parents. So, to get a puppy with specific traits, you may need to find a later generation puppy.
• Irish Doodles can grow to be larger than Goldendoodles, but will usually have a more fine-boned appearance, compared to the slightly stockier Goldendoodle. Irish Doodles will also usually shed a little less than Goldendoodles, and can be cheaper as puppies. But, it will all depend on the traits they inherit, and they may be harder to find than the popular Goldendoodle.
• Both breeds do best in active homes where there is always someone around to keep them company. They usually get along with other pets and young children, but both socialization and training are a must.

Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle – Which Is Your Favorite?

Have you got an Irish Doodle or a Goldendoodle mix dog at home? Which one did you choose? We would love to hear about your experiences with these two lovable mixes!