Irish Doodle vs Goldendoodle: What Are The Differences?

Written by Jeremiah Wright
Published: September 9, 2022
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The Irish Doodle and the Goldendoodle are two Poodle mixes. However, they still differ from each other. The most notable difference between the two is that the Irish Doodle is a mix of a Poodle and an Irish Setter, while the Goldendoodle is a mix of a Poodle and a Golden Retriever.

Today, we will highlight the key features of the two popular dog breeds and learn about their similarities and differences.

Comparing Irish Doodle vs. Goldendoodle

Irish DoodleGoldendoodle
SizeHeight
Standard: 22 to 28 inches (56 to 71 cm) tall
Mini: 12 to 17  inches (30.5 to 43 cm) tall

Weight
Standard: 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg)
Mini: 25 to 35 pounds (11.3 to 16 kg)
Height
Large: 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) tall
Medium: 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall
Miniature: 13 to 20 inches (33 to 51 cm) tall

Weight
Large: 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kg)
Medium: 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg)
Miniature: 15 to 35 pounds (7 to 16 kg)
ColorShades of red, apricot, or blackBrown, apricot, red, cream, beige, tan, white
TemperamentVery affectionate and loyal, active, outgoingIntelligent, friendly, affectionate, energetic
TrainabilityRelatively easy to trainVery trainable
Energy LevelsHighHigh
Life Expectancy10 to 15 years10 to 15 years

The Key Differences Between Irish Doodle and Goldendoodle

Since both are considered “toy” dogs and are mixed with the Poodle breed, they may share considerable similarities. However, there are still some differences between Irish Doodles and Goldendoodles. These differences include size, appearance, temperament, trainability, and health issues.

Let’s explore these differences in detail below!

Irish Doodle vs. Goldendoodle: Size

Irish Doodle puppy running through the park

Standard Irish Doodles usually measure from 22 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 70 pounds.

©Joca de Jong/Shutterstock.com

Both Poodle mixes come in different sizes and may be divided into two or three types. The Irish Doodle comes in standard and mini sizes. Standard Irish Doodles usually measure from 22 to 28 inches (56 to 71 cm) tall and weigh between 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg). Mini Irish Doodles only measure 12 to 17 inches (30.5 to 43 cm) tall and weigh 25 to 35 pounds (11.3 to 16 kg).

Goldendoodles, however, have three size types: large, medium, and miniature. A Medium Goldendoodle measures 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall and weighs 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg). A Miniature Goldendoodle is 13 to 20 inches (33 to 51 cm) tall with a weight of 15 to 35 pounds (7 to 16 kg). Lastly, the Large Goldendoodle measures 20 to 24 inches (51 to 60 cm) tall and weighs 50 to 90 pounds (22 to 41 kg).

Irish Doodle vs. Goldendoodle: Appearance

best dog food for goldendoodles

Goldendoodles may be brown, apricot, red, cream, beige, tan, or white.

©anetapics/Shutterstock.com

The Irish Doodle can have various colors, such as red, apricot, black, and white. Since Irish Setters have silky coats that are wavy over their bodies, Irish Doodles’ coats are often long, dense, and sometimes wavy.

Meanwhile, the Goldendoodle may be brown, apricot, red, cream, beige, tan, or white. If the Goldendoodle inherits a Golden Retriever’s appearance, it may have a thick, double-layered coat. Since its coat is also mixed with the Poodle-inherited coat type, a Goldendoodle can have flat, straight, wavy, or curly hair.

Irish Doodle vs. Goldendoodle: Temperament

Irish Doodle playing on the beach

Irish Doodles are very loyal and affectionate to their owners.

©Joca de Jong/Shutterstock.com

Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Irish Setters originated from being bred as working dogs. Golden Retrievers and Poodles were bred to be retrieving dogs, while Irish Setters are bred to locate game birds for hunters. Despite being slightly different, the activities these dogs have been historically trained for require intelligent, outgoing, and energetic individuals who can work alongside humans.

Irish Doodles are very loyal and affectionate to their owners. They make great family dogs and behave around children. They can also please their owners with their obedience to commands as they have inherited their Poodle parents’ intelligence.

Like their Golden Retriever parents, Goldendoodles make great service dogs. Their affectionate and gentle natures, mixed with their Poodle parents’ intelligence, make them ideal family and therapy dogs.

Irish Doodle vs. Goldendoodle: Trainability

Both Irish Doodles and Goldendoodles are trainable dogs, but there are still some differences in regards to their trainability. Irish Doodles are relatively easy to train, but they need regular training sessions to master commands and maintain what they learn during practice. Training Irish Doodles from an early age may also help improve the training process.

Meanwhile, Goldendoodles have excellent trainability. That’s why they are good for inexperienced pet owners, as they are not known to have aggressive traits. They are willing to learn commands, obey, and respond to their owners with positive reinforcement. Goldendoodles are gentle, intelligent, and loving dogs.

Irish Doodle vs. Goldendoodle: Possible Health Issues

Petite Goldendoodle playing outside.

Goldendoodles may suffer from Hip Dysplasia and Addison’s Disease.

©Making Connections/ via Getty Images

Like any other living creature, Irish Doodles and Goldendoodles can suffer from various health issues, some of which come from the breeds that make up their DNA.

Irish Doodles have a few health problems to consider. One of these is Bloat. It is a condition that impacts larger Irish Doodles with deep, narrow chests. If they get sick, their stomachs get filled with air, and the dogs won’t be able to expel it. This leads to stomach swelling, which can be a serious and life-threatening condition if not taken care of by a vet. 

Another condition to look out for in Irish Doodles is Hip Dysplasia, which is an inherited disease causing abnormal hip bone development. This can cause pain and make it difficult for the dog to walk. The most effective method to address this condition is surgery. Lastly, Irish Doodles may develop Addison’s Disease. This is caused by decreased hormone production in their adrenal glands. This disease can cause weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or increased urination.

Like Irish Doodles, Goldendoodles may suffer from Hip Dysplasia and Addison’s Disease. Besides these, they are prone to cataracts. This is a common disease inherited from their Poodle parents. It causes eye cloudiness that blocks the retina. If left untreated, it may lead to blindness. These dogs are also prone to diseases such as sub-valvular aortic stenosis and sebaceous adenitis.

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About the Author

I hold seven years of professional experience in the content world, focusing on nature, and wildlife. Asides from writing, I enjoy surfing the internet and listening to music.

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