Irish Goldendoodle: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
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Have you heard of the Irish Goldendoodle? Unless you’re a huge follower of Doodle mixed breeds, you may not have. These dogs are a mixed breed that is loyal and loving to their owners. They are also intelligent, easygoing, and energetic. If you’re looking for the perfect family companion, the Irish Goldendoodle could be your answer.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 15–23 inches |
| Weight: | 30–45 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | Red, golden, black, apricot, brown, cream, silver |
| Suitable for: | Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loyal, playful, and endearing |
The Irish Goldendoodle is a very rare dog breed. It is an intriguing mix of the Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, and Poodle. Like many mixed-breed dogs, the Irish Goldendoodle brings together the best traits of all three parent breeds to create a unique, beautiful dog. They are ideal for life with active families or people who enjoy hiking and adventure. Let’s learn more about this amazing breed so you can determine whether one of these beauties is the dog for you.
Irish Goldendoodle Characteristics
Irish Goldendoodle Puppies
Considering the rarity of the Irish Goldendoodle, finding one of these puppies at a rescue or shelter shouldn’t be expected. Instead, you’ll need to reach out to a reputable breeder to make one part of your family. Often, you’ll find Doodle breeders who work with several Doodle mixes, including the Irish Goldendoodle. You should always ensure any breeder you work with is reputable. This means they care for their animals, work to protect the bloodline, and are open about the history and parentage of their dogs. When you visit a breeder, take in the surroundings. Seeing where puppies are raised and the treatment of the parent dogs will tell you a lot about the breeder in question. If they aren’t open with you about their dogs or try to keep you from visiting the facility, they may not be the right choice.
When bringing home an Irish Goldendoodle, you’ll need to ensure your home is ready for a puppy. As any dog lover knows, puppies are very active. Make sure you have toys, a pet bed, high-quality puppy food, bowls, treats, and the first veterinarian visit scheduled. You’ll need to start working on training and socialization early to ensure your puppy learns the basics of your expectations and how to interact with the family, strangers, and other pets.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Irish Goldendoodle
When you bring three highly intelligent dog breeds together, the resulting mix is bound to be clever. Irish Goldendoodles are no exception. You’ll also find that these dogs are loyal, easygoing, playful, and loving. These dogs enjoy spending the day out hiking or simply spending time in the backyard with the family. Another bonus is that they are low-shedding pets that aren’t known for causing major issues when it comes to dog allergies.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes, the Irish Goldendoodle is a great choice for families. Not only will these dogs spend time out in the backyard playing with the kids, but they also won’t be overly rough or rambunctious while doing so. The loyalty displayed by these dogs is also ideal for families. They aren’t huge barkers but will show their love by being by your side and ensuring you and the rest of the family are safe.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
In most situations, the Irish Goldendoodle gets along fine with other pets in the home. The key to this, however, is early socialization. If you have pets in the home when you bring your Irish Goldendoodle home, take your time with introductions and give your puppy time to learn their place in the home. The same careful approach should be followed when bringing home a new pet to meet your Irish Goldendoodle.
Things to Know When Owning an Irish Goldendoodle
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
You’ll want to provide your Irish Goldendoodle with high-quality, high-protein dog food that is age appropriate. As a puppy, your new friend will need several small meals throughout the day. Free-feeding isn’t recommended considering you won’t know exactly how much nutrition your puppy is getting. As your dog ages, larger meals will be fed less frequently. Your veterinarian will help you with proper serving sizes and can even recommend quality food if you need assistance. As with any pet, make sure your Irish Goldendoodle has access to fresh, clean water to keep them hydrated and happy throughout the day.
Exercise 🐕
All three parent breeds of the Irish Goldendoodle are considered energetic dogs. You’ll find that your new addition is the same way. Yes, time playing in the backyard and walking is a great way to burn off energy and keep your dog healthy. However, if you’re into hiking and life outdoors, these dogs will fit in well. You should also consider providing your Irish Goldendoodle with lots of toys and puzzle games to accommodate their intelligence level.
Training 🎾
In most instances, you’ll find that these dogs adapt well to training and are quick learners. The key to successful training is to start early, be consistent, and never be harsh to your pet. Positive reinforcement will go far with these dogs as they are very loyal and want to please their owners. Treats will also keep their attention to make sessions successful.
Grooming ✂️
Like most Doodle mixes, the Irish Goldendoodle is a low-shedding dog breed. That doesn’t mean that they don’t need basic grooming, however. Baths when needed are suggested. You’ll also find that brushing your pet’s coat weekly will help avoid any issue with mats or debris gathering in their fur. Other than that you’ll want to keep your Irish Goldendoodle’s nails trimmed and brush their teeth with dog-safe toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Health and Conditions 🏥
Dogs that are mixed breeds are often healthier than their parent breeds. This is known as hybrid vigor. However, that doesn’t mean that the mixes can’t inherit certain conditions from their parents.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Skin allergies
- Heart diseases
- Clotting issues
- Cancer
- Bloat
Male vs Female
Like most dog breeds, male Irish Goldendoodles are slightly bigger than females. You’ll also find that males are a bit more playful, especially when they are younger. Other than this, there aren’t a lot of differences between the two sexes other than the obvious. However, you should get your pets spayed and neutered while they are young to avoid issues with territorial behavior.
3 Little-Known Facts About The Irish Goldendoodle
1. Irish Goldendoodles Are a Rare Doodle-Mix
Doodle mixes became all the rage in the 1990s. Even with this surge of love for these mixed-breed dogs, the Irish Goldendoodle is still considered a rarity. It’s difficult to find a lot of information on this breed and breeders are slightly scarce.
2. The Irish Goldendoodle is Considered Hypoallergenic
While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, those who are less likely to trigger allergies are often labeled this way. The Irish Goldendoodle is one of these dogs. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, these gorgeous dogs are low-shedding and less likely to make allergies act up.
3. Your Irish Goldendoodle May Love the Water
Golden Retrievers are known for their love of the water. Poodles and Irish Setters don’t mind a bit of fun in the water as well. Considering this, your Irish Goldendoodle may love the water. If you plan on seeing if your dog is a fan of the water, introduce them slowly and make sure you use a life vest until they get the hang of things.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Irish Goldendoodle isn’t only a beautiful, rare dog breed, they are also a great family member. These dogs are loyal, loving, and great fun to be around. If you have the chance to bring one into your home, you should act on it. You’ll even find that you don’t need to worry as much about dog allergies with these amazing dogs. How much better can it get?
Featured Image Credit: (L) TMArt, Shutterstock | (R) Kevin Tichenor, Shutterstock
