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

[David]

Thanks.  I think we've seen the same sites.  Sure sounds like there's not a lot of info beyond what I've seen online so far.  Perhaps a Golden Doodle is the way to go given how much more established they are.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I sure hope the breeders are not telling people that good hips are a "given" in Irish Setters, because it's simply not true. The Canine Inherited Disease Database lists Hip Dysplasia as the number one genetic health issue in Irish Setters: http://ic.upei.ca/cidd/breed/irish-setter

It's always a mistake to do your research on the websites of the person selling the "product". :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Oh, and Irish setters are one of the top 7 breeds affected by bone cancer, at twice the rate of Goldens. So if they're saying cancer is rare in Irish setters, that's also untrue.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

On this note, also be aware that Flat-Coated Retrievers are also on that list. A lot of people like the Irish for it's beauty, and Flat-Coats are up there in the beauty department. Though, I haven't seen a Flat-Coat doodle.

[Dana Vaughan]

I adopted an Irish Setter when I graduated from college and she was the best dog I've ever loved.  Sweet, devoted and extremely  well behaved.  When our youngest child left for college we decided it was time to get another dog.  I was hunting for another irish setter when I came across the Irish doodle.   Bella, now three, has now become the best dog I've ever loved.  As to how to be sure your new puppy is a good fit I'd suggest you look up Doggy Dan, the online dog trainer and join up.  Study the five golden rules then check out project Moses.  Dan brings home an 8 week old puppy and posts videos of his training over the course of a year. The whole family can watch and learn the gentle way to train the newest member of your family. Best of luck searching for your new pup!

[David]

Thanks, Dana!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I think that setters - especially Irish and English Setters --are among the most beautiful dogs. When I was in college there was a grad student who had one who went with him everywhere and was beautifully trained.  In my twenties, I knew a couple of vets who had Irish Setters - also beautiful but so high strung.  A lot of doodles start out high energy but you might get an extra dose of that energy with an Irish Doodle.  Karen's health stats would also give me pause. I've met some beautiful red golden doodles and we have a number of them on DK.  You might want to research both before making a decision.  

[David]

Thank you for the thoughtful response!