How Much Does an Irish Doodle Cost? 2024 Price Guide
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Irish Doodles, a hybrid mixing Irish Setters with Poodles, combines the winning combination of traits from each side. This results in a unique and enjoyable breed that’s highly active, smart, and loads of fun to have around. They are also extremely affectionate and love to be around their human families, making them terrific family dogs. Similar to both their Setter and Poodle ancestors, they’re great with kids.
Sizes can vary somewhat, based on individual genetics, and thanks to their Poodle genes, they are low-shedding, an attribute that contributes greatly to their popularity as a breed.
Bringing Home a New Irish Doodle: One-Time Costs
There are various ways for you to acquire an Irish Doodle to join your family, with costs ranging from free to several thousands of dollars. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages, of course, depending on your circumstances. You may find that considerations other than initial cost may be a priority for you.
Free
You may be fortunate enough to get your Doodle from someone needing to rehome one, in which case you will not have to pay. This is, however, very uncommon. Also, you should remember that if you do find one of them for free, you’re still on the hook for several basic ownership requirements.
Adoption
- $150–$600
Adopting from government shelters, Humane Society shelters, and rescue groups generally involves adoption fees, varying with age, size, and characteristics. Adoption fees, while far lower than breeder costs, can still be considerable. Shelters are usually lower, with rescue groups pricier. Fees include grooming, vaccinations, sterilization, and microchipping.
Breeder
- $1,350–$3,000
This is, of course, the most expensive option. Even so, in many respects, you get what you pay for. Costs here vary with the individual pup’s genetic background and a range of physical attributes.
It’s critical that you’re dealing with a reputable breeder. Not only is it important that you ensure as much as possible that your potential pet (and all the others at the installation) have received ethical, compassionate treatment, but also that the certifications and qualifications you’re paying for are legitimate.
Reputable breeders provide pet purchasers with health guarantees that cover genetic illnesses or defects for 1–2 years.
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $250–$350
Irish Doodle owners will need to factor in startup costs including medical and health-related procedures, treats and toys, training, and in some places, registration. Grooming supplies and furnishings must also be taken into consideration.
You’ll also need to prepare your new pet’s environment, to make sure they can settle in comfortably and fit in with the rest of the household as easily as possible.
List of Irish Doodle Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $30 |
| Spay/Neuter | $40–$500 |
| X-Ray | $150–$300 |
| Ultrasound | $300–$1,000 |
| Microchip | $50 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $150–$350 |
| Crate | $30–$100 |
| Nail Clippers | $7 |
| Brush | $8 |
| Toys | $30–$100 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 |
How Much Does an Irish Doodle Cost Per Month?
- $125–$285 per month
Irish Doodles have certain requirements generating regular monthly expenditures, based partly on the unique characteristics of their breed.
Even so, compared with many other pure breeds, they’re far from an expensive dog. This should give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay every month to keep your Doodle healthy, comfortable, and in good spirits.
Health Care
- $35–$60 per month
Compared to other breeds, your Irish Doodle doesn’t require a whole lot in the way of regular monthly medical attention. Of prime concern, however, are monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Heartworms, while potentially dangerous or even life-threatening, are easily avoided with regular monthly attention.
Food
- $40–$60 per month
A general rule for feeding Irish Doodles estimates 2 ½ to 3 cups of high-quality dry dog food every day for full-grown or near full-grown dogs, in one or two meals. Your Doodle will reach near full size in about a year, although much less dramatic growth can continue over the next 12 months.
Note that, if the brands of food advertised at your vet clinic are too pricey for you, your vet can advise cheaper brands of the same suitability for your pet.
Grooming
- $20–$50 per month
Even though Irish Doodles shed very little (due to their Poodle genes), they must still be brushed thoroughly at least two or three times a week to eliminate tangles and mats. Make sure you invest in a good solid bristle brush. Your Doodle will love being outdoors, running, and even swimming, so expect to groom them often.
Most Doodles get their first grooming around 4 months old and should continue every 6–8 weeks after that, although regular at-home maintenance of their coat can reduce that somewhat.
Pet Insurance
- $30–$115 per month
Like any insurance plan, coverage, and, accordingly, premiums, vary wildly.
- It’s probably reimbursement-based, meaning you’ll need to pay your vet upfront and submit a claim to the insurance company
- Almost no insurance provides 100% coverage, with most companies reimbursing a percentage of vet bills, and, sometimes, medication and prescription food
- Accident-only insurance covers accidental or acute injuries, such as injury by a car or attack from another dog
- Coverage costs are based on the individual dog’s age, weight, health history, and breed
Total Monthly Cost of Owning an Irish Doodle
- $125–$285 per month
While the costs of owning an Irish Doodle can vary, once your pet is settled in, the monthly figure will be pretty stable. As we’ve said, a lot of these monthly bills, when attended to, can avoid higher costs in the future, so they’re well worth taking care of.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Ownership of your Irish Doodle is bound to incur exceptional or unexpected costs that aren’t part of your regular monthly budget. They will still need to be covered.
- Sitters or boarding when you take a vacation or additional expenses required if your Doodle accompanies you.
- Emergency medical treatments for unexpected illness or injury, which may or may not be covered if you have taken out pet insurance.
- Possible property damage caused by your Doodle, although you can avoid much of this with regular attention to your pet’s needs for activity and playtime.
- Additional training and other professional services that may be needed.
Owning an Irish Doodle on a Budget
As we’ve mentioned, the overall costs of owning an Irish Doodle are moderate, but a certain amount of expenditure can’t be avoided. As you can see, a fair bit of latitude can be found among your pet’s requirements, and you can certainly improve the overall total by shopping around and watching out for bargains.
Saving Money on Irish Doodle Care
- Especially at the puppy stage, after watching that expensive stuffed toy from the boutique shop get destroyed the second day you have it, you may consider shopping for your little guy’s toys at discount stores, as your Doodle’s well-known energy and abundant playfulness can be pretty hard on their toys. Be sure to watch out for parts that can detach easily and present a choking hazard. Also, stay away from flimsy stuffed offerings that can bust open and spew questionable filler all over the house and harm your Doodle.
- Diligence and attention to regular home grooming can do wonders in reducing your Irish Doodle’s required visits to the groomer. This includes routine bathing and keeping their fur smooth and tangle-free.
Conclusion
Introducing a new Irish Doodle into your family can be intimidating. As noted, upfront costs can range from free to $3,000, and the monthly bill can go anywhere from $125 to $285 depending on various factors, including your Doodle’s habits and behavior.
Hopefully, we’ve been able to answer most of your questions and put your mind at ease about the prospect of a new Irish Doodle becoming a happy and welcome member of your household.
Featured Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock
