Mini Irish Doodle
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Find Mini Irish Doodle BreedersGet to Know Mini Irish Doodles
- Two Very Different Hunting Lineages: While both parent breeds are sporting dogs, the Irish Setter is a bird dog known for pointing and retrieving, and the Poodle was originally a water retriever. This mix results in a highly alert, playful dog with a strong interest in movement, scent, and play.
- High-energy But Emotionally Sensitive: These dogs are enthusiastic and active, but also very attuned to their owners’ moods. They do best with gentle, consistent training and can become anxious if treated harshly or left alone for too long.
- Usually Low-Shedding: They’re usually low-shedding but not always hypoallergenic. Thanks to their Poodle lineage, they typically shed less than most dogs, but coat types can vary and some may require more grooming and may still trigger allergies in sensitive owners. Many Mini Irish Doodles have soft, wavy or curly coats in warm tones of mahogany, apricot, or chestnut, giving them a uniquely endearing and cuddly appearance. Their expressive faces and deep eyes make them especially photogenic.
- Excellent Family Dogs: They make excellent family dogs, especially for active households. Mini Irish Doodles generally love children and thrive in busy homes with lots of interaction. They’re adaptable, but need both physical and mental activity to stay balanced and happy.
- "Soft Mouth Insinct": While both the Poodle and Irish Setter were originally bred as retrievers, some Miniature Irish Doodles inherit a “soft mouth”, meaning they instinctively know how to carry items gently, like birds or toys, without damaging them. In everyday life, this can show up as an endearing habit of carrying socks, plush toys, or even their leash around the house, often as a way of comforting themselves or initiating play. It’s a subtle but fascinating throwback to their sporting ancestry.
Breed History
The Miniature Irish Doodle is a modern designer breed created by crossing the Miniature Poodle with the Irish Setter. Developed in the last couple of decades, the goal was to combine the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat and intelligence with the Irish Setter’s joyful spirit and graceful beauty. While larger Irish Doodles (from Standard Poodles) have gained popularity, the miniature version offers a more compact size ideal for families or individuals in smaller homes who still want an energetic, affectionate, and trainable companion. Though not officially recognized as a pure breed, Mini Irish Doodles are increasingly sought after for their charming appearance and versatile personality.
Personality and Behaviour
- Lively & Affectionate: Miniature Irish Doodles are happiest when they’re with their people — playing, snuggling, or just following you from room to room. They’re playful without being hyper, and affectionate without being clingy.
- Clever but Easily Distracted: They’re intelligent and quick learners, but can sometimes get sidetracked by scents, sights, or people. Training sessions should be short, fun, and full of positive reinforcement.
- Sociable & People-Oriented: These dogs tend to get along well with children, other pets, and strangers. They’re natural extroverts and may struggle with long periods of isolation or low stimulation.
Care
- Exercise: Thse dogs need consistent daily activity. A Mini Irish Doodle needs at least 60–90 minutes of exercise per day, including walks, playtime, and mental challenges like training games or puzzle toys. Without it, they can become bored or mischievous.
- Grooming: Mini Irish Doodles require regular brushing and trimming. Their coat can range from soft waves to tight curls. Brushing 3–4 times a week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks will help prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
- Training: For Mini Irish Doodles, positive and consistent methods work best. These dogs are eager to please but can become stubborn if pushed too hard. Early socialization and reward-based training will help shape a well-mannered and confident companion.
Mini Irish Doodle Summary
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Lifespan
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GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Miniature Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | DNA-based prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration) test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
Irish Setter Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | One of the following: DNA based test results from an approved lab (per ISCA: Paw Print Genetics or Wisdom Health) Irish Setter Genetic Registry (ISGR) |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Mini Irish Doodle Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Mini Irish Doodle is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Mini Irish Doodle
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Mini Irish Doodle puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Mini Irish Doodle, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Mini Irish Doodle is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
