Irish Troodle: Irish Terrier & Standard Poodle Mix

Irish Troodle: Irish Terrier & Standard Poodle Mix

Height: 15 – 24 inches
Weight: 35 – 65 pounds
Lifespan: 10 – 14 years
Colors: Silver, blue, silver, red, black, brown, cream
Suitable for: Active families, pet owners looking for a low-shedding dog, people looking for a companion dog
Temperament: Loving, obedient, alert, intelligent, easy to train

The Irish Troodle is a relatively new dog breed that brings together the spirited, protectiveness of the Irish Terrier and the energic and intelligent traits of the Standard Poodle. These curly, shaggy-haired dogs are affectionate, smart, trainable family-friendly pooches. The Irish Troodle is a relatively new breed so we have to look at the parent breeds to determine what it may look like, their temperament, and their overall traits as a pet.

Irish Troodle Dog Breed Health, Temperament
Irish Troodle Dog Breed Health, Temperament

While many think of Poodles as being fancy dogs with perfectly coiffed fur, the history of this dog reveals it has a long history as a working dog. They have been guard dogs, hunting dogs, circus performers, military dogs, and retriever dogs. Poodles may have a reputation as being haughty, but they are actually very playful and loving with their owners. Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and have tons of energy.

Irish Troodle | Dog Breed Facts and Information
Irish Troodle | Dog Breed Facts and Information

Irish Terriers were bred to be hard workers, chasing down vermin or acting as guard dogs. They are very loyal to their owners and do well with children. They are intelligent and relatively easy to train. They can be dominant with other dogs so proper socialization is important. Bringing together the Poodle and the Irish Terrier will result in a loving, obedient, and trainable dog.

Irish Troodle | Dog Breed Information and Pictures
Irish Troodle | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

What is a Irish Troodle?

The feisty Irish Troodle brings together the protective, playful nature of the Irish Terrier and the smart, energetic traits of the Poodle for an affectionate pooch who gets along well with kids and other animals however be aware that the terrier in him will have him chasing smaller animals and the family cat if not properly socialized.

The feisty Irish Troodle brings together the playful Irish Terrier and the energetic Poodle.

Origin

The Irish Troodle is considered a Designer Dog which matches two or more different pure-bred dogs and is a practice that began back in the 1980s and 90s. The goal of mixing breeds is to produce puppies that carry the desired traits of both parent breeds – which is typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or even a gentler form of a popular breed.

Pedigree

The Irish Troodle’s mixed lineage means he isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds have been members of this elite club for more than a century; the Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Irish Terrier became a member of the “terrier” group in 1885.

How easy are Irish Troodle to train?

The Irish Troodles are intelligent dogs and will enjoy learning new tricks and commands during training. They are obedient dogs but have short attention spans. Your pet may get bored and become distracted during training, so you will need to make training fun with lots of interesting activities to keep your pet interested. They can be stubborn so be prepared to be patient and consistent in your commands during training. Some Irish Troodles show dominance tendencies from an early age, and you will need to be prepared to train this trait into submission. Positive reinforcement works well with Irish Troodles so be ready with lots of treats and verbal praise during your training sessions.

Diet and Nutrition

Although your Irish Troodle is fairly active he has a tendency to gain weight easily so his food should be a top-quality kibble that is low in fillers (carbs) that may cause him to overeat to feel full. Because obesity can lead to joint issues later in life, don’t plan to free-feed this dog but provide him with 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day. With the Poodle side of this pooch being prone to digestive issues, look for a low-fat food.

The Irish Troodle is an obedient dog who is known to listen to commands and should train fairly quickly.

How would you describe the temperament of Irish Troodle?

The Irish Troodle is a fun-loving dog who craves human companionship and interactive playtime. Mental stimulation is important with this dog to help prevent destructive behaviors such as continual barking and chewing. While he gets along well with kids and other dogs, he can be prone to chasing smaller animals and this coupled with a bit of a stubborn streak means that early socialization and obedience training will be needed. His alert, protective nature makes him a great potential watchdog.

Weight

Your Irish Troodle will weigh weight between 50 and 60 pounds when fully grown.

How healthy are Irish Troodle?

Irish Troodles are a relatively new designer dog breed so there isn’t much in the way of a history of medical conditions that are known to affect this specific dog. Owners looking to get an Irish Troodle can look toward the parent breeds to determine what illness and conditions may affect their pet as they age. If you are looking to purchase a puppy, discussing with the breeder about what, if any, health issues the purebred parents have experienced might help you to prepare for future issues before they arise. If you have adopted an older dog, schedule an appointment with your vet to have your dog checked out, and be sure to voice any concerns you have.

Serious Conditions

  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Bloat
  • Epilepsy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Glaucoma
  • Patellar luxation

Minor Conditions

  • Cushing’s Disease
  • Sebaceous Adenitis
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

How active are Irish Troodle?

Irish Troodles have plenty of energy and will need roughly one hour of physical activity a day. Walking or jogging for 60 minutes will help your pet burn off any extra energy. Your pet will also be happy to go on hikes or spend some time at the dog park. Irish Troodles are known to put on weight so daily exercise will be important to keep your pet happy and healthy.  These dogs like to stay busy but they will calm once they’ve had their daily exercise. They can be great apartment dogs if you are willing to make sure they get enough exercise. As long as you’re willing to take your pet for at least two 30-minute walks per day, you and your pet should get along with few issues.

How long will Irish Troodle live?

Your Irish Troodle is a relatively healthy pooch and you can expect to enjoy his companionship for 10 to 14 years.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Irish Troodlepoo, Irish Terrierdoodle and Irish Terrierpoo, the Irish Troodle’s designer dog status means he is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of American, Inc. (DRA) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

Irish Troodles usually inherit the curly coat of the Poodle parent, so they tend to have a low-maintenance coat. They are low to non-shedding and brushing their coast 1-2 times a week will take care of any loose fur. Professional grooming every 2 months or so will help keep your dog’s coat looking its best. Trish Troodles have floppy ears and can be prone to ear infections, so clean their ears once a week. They will need their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed, so make sure to set up a schedule to take care of these grooming details to keep your dog healthy and looking their best.

Puppies

The Irish Troodle puppy will need to begin obedience training and socialization while young to ensure he is quick to respond to the commands of his owner. Terrier DNA means he can be prone to running and chasing which can prove dangerous if he fails to respond and return. A tendency to become destructive when bored can be helped by providing him with plenty of chew toys and interactive puzzles.

Male vs Female

It all comes down to the owner’s personal preference when it comes to male versus female in terms of choosing your Irish Troodle. Male dogs of any breed do tend to be larger and weigh more, so if you’re looking for a smaller dog, you might want to consider a female.

Related Questions

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Irish Troodles get along well with other animals if properly socialized. They have a high prey drive and will chase small animals, so it is important to take the time to socialize them properly with other animals in the home. Proper training will ensure that both the dog and any other pets in the home are safe in their environment. The Irish Troodle can get along with other dogs, but proper training and socialization are key to these interactions. When they meet another dog, Irish Troodles usually try to become the dominant dog during the meeting. If you see this kind of behavior with your pet, you should consult a trainer immediately to head off any socialization issues.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

The Irish Troodle is a family-friendly dog as they get along with children. The Irish Troodle is an energetic pup and will do well with an active family. They are always willing to join their families on any outdoor adventures. They make good running companions and they have also been used as therapy dogs. The Irish Troodle is a protective and loyal breed so they make excellent guard dogs.

What’s the Price of Irish Troodle Puppies?

The price of an Irish Troodle puppy will vary based on the breeder. You’ll typically be looking at paying between $300-$800 dollars for a puppy. The variation in cost can be attributed to a few factors. If the parents of the puppy are registered at the American Kennel Club and are purebred, you will likely be paying more for a puppy of distinguished lineage.  Breeders may also give first vaccinations, provide a health certificate, deworm, and start socialization training for your Irish Toodle, so these services are also reflected in the price of the puppy.

As a new pet owner, you should set aside around $500-$1,000 for new pet expenses. Your puppy will need to be established at a local vet as puppies need a variety of shots over their first year of life to make sure they stay healthy. They may also need to be dewormed, spayed, and get a microchip during their first year of life. If you’re uncertain about the costs of bringing home a new puppy, check with your local vet’s office to see what your new puppy will need during its first years and the potential costs.

Final Thoughts

The Irish Troodle combines the best traits of both its parents: the Irish Terrier and the Standard Poodle. They are a loving, intelligent, energetic, and protective breed. They thrive on family life and will be good guard dogs. Irish Troodles are smart and enjoy training activities so you will end up with an obedient dog with proper training. Be prepared to provide your pet with lots of games, puzzles, and exercise for mental stimulation as they do tend to bore easily. Irish Troodles are great family-friend dogs, and you’ll have a loyal friend for life if you choose to make this pet part of your home.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.