Irish Doodle questions

[David]

Greetings!  I am interested in getting an Irish Doodle puppy to join our family that includes two school-age kids and an adopted 11 lb. mutt (whom we adore).  I have been researching the breed, but would love further input.  My questions are:

1.  We are considering a miniature Irish Doodle vs. full size.  Any general differences in temperament?

2.  Any meaningful differences between Irish Doodles and Irish Golden Doodles?

3.  I've read multiple posts regarding how to pick a breeder.  Any other "red flags" I should look for that may not be as obvious?

4.  I know individual breeders cannot be mentioned in this forum, but please message me if you have a breeder to recommend (or one to stay away from)!

I know every dog is different and it is impossible to predict which dog will be a proper fit, but I'm trying to get as much information as I can to increase my chances of making a good choice.

Thanks!

David

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is the second post we've had recently from someone looking for an Irish doodle, and I am curious as to why you want this particular mix. We have maybe three members here with Irish doodles. There are not many breeders producing them, and fewer still who are reputable. 

Without wanting to step on any toes or hurt anyone's feelings, I have to say that my experience with Irish setters has not been positive. The ones I've known had the highest energy levels, the highest exercise requirements, the shortest attention spans, and the poorest, most destructive house manners of any breed I've ever encountered, and I've spent time around a lot of dog breeds. Of course, I'm sure some of that is due to a lack of training, but I'm still wondering why anyone would choose an Irish Setter/Poodle mix over a Labrador or Golden Retriever/Poodle mix, especially since the latter are so much easier to find. 

[David]

Thanks for the response and information.  I grew up with a wonderful Irish Setter and love the breed, but would prefer to take the edge off the shedding and allergy potential.  Additionally (to your point), I have heard that the mixing with poodle can temper some of the Irish Setter dopiness.  Thanks again, David

[Adina P]

If it all worked out just right then you could end up with an Irish-Poodle mix with tempered dopiness and no shedding.  However, it could also work out that you have a gorgeous shedder with extra dopiness ;-) 

[David]

Indeed!  We can only hope we get lucky and the pup gets the better traits out of the two parents.  We've been lucky in that department as my kids seem to have gotten my wife's better traits and avoided my dopiness.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

:-}     David, I have had English Springer Spaniels and my dream would be to combine one with a poodle to get the best of both worlds.  I don't think that would EVER happen so when/if I get another doodle, I will look for a parti colored doodle that has Springer coloring including the freckle spots.  I have met one so I know it is possible.  After looking for breeders, if you can't find a reputable one, think about getting a very red doodle and 'pretending."  Good luck in your search.

[David]

I like the "red doodle" idea... thanks!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I have bernedoodles but if I were to get a golden doodle I would want a red doodle :)

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Same here. If Orwell had a sibling (even though I prefer his color over red), I would go for a red doodle. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

After we lost our Sophie I was doing research to try and figure out what direction we were going in.  I came across this little doodle named "Annie" and I fell head over heels in love.  I wanted this girl so badly (based solely on looks).  However, my research led me in a different direction, (I now have a white girl with the same coat) but I still go back to their page to look at her occasionally.  I just think she is beautiful.  She is an F1 goldendoodle.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Oh my what a cutie!

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

We met a beautiful Irish doodle on a trip to the PNW a few years back.  We were invited to the groups play date but I didn't get a chance to interact with the dog or humans.  It was indeed the prettiest deepest red I have ever seen though.  

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

The sights I have looked at are Irish Setter, Golden Retreiver, and Poodle.  The theory is that Irish Setters have an extremely low incidence of cancer and have good hips. So if everything mixed just right you could have an awesome dog.  As far as I can determine from a couple of brief internet searches, this is a fairly new mix, so you could get anything.

Of course, in any mix you can get anything,  the more generations back to the original breeds the less chance of a "throwback".  I have seen one sight with darling puppies, but know nothing about ithe breeder except they have a great website.

Since you have had an Irish Setter, you would at least be somewhat prepared. 

Good luck with your search.