Irish Doodle vs Labradoodle: What Are The Differences?

Intelligent, energetic, and friendly – these are only some of the words people use when referring to these two Poodle mixes, the Irish Doodle and the Labradoodle. Although they’ve both inherited common traits and genes from their Poodle parents, they still have significant differences that make them unique. Irish Doodles are a mix of Irish Setters and Miniature Poodles, and Labradoodles are a mix of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles.

Today, we will dig deeper into these two Poodle mixed breeds and learn how to differentiate them by highlighting their key features.

Comparing Irish Doodle vs. Labradoodle

The Key Differences Between Irish Doodle and Labradoodle

Although both descend from Poodle parents, Irish Doodles and Labradoodles still have distinct features inherited from their other parents. These differences include size, appearance, temperament, trainability, and health issues.

Let’s explore the differences in detail!

Irish Doodle vs. Labradoodle: Size

The Irish Doodle comes in two sizes: standard and mini. Standard Irish Doodles are 22 to 28 inches (56 to 71 cm) tall and weigh 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg). Meanwhile, Mini Irish Doodles usually measure from 12 to 17 inches (30.5 to 43 cm) tall, with an average weight of 25 to 35 pounds (11.3 to 16 kg).

However, Labradoodles come in three different sizes: standard, medium, and mini. Standard Labradoodles have a height of 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) and weigh 50 to 65 pounds (22 to 29 kg). Medium Labradoodles measure 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) tall with a weight of 30 to 45 pounds (14 to 20 kg), while Mini Labradoodles are 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm) tall and have an average weight of 15 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg).

Irish Doodle vs. Labradoodle: Appearance

Thanks to their Poodle parents, Irish Doodles can have various colors. Most Irish Doodles are red, apricot, black, and white. Irish Setters have silky, medium-length coats that go curly over their bodies, which make Irish Doodles’ coats long, dense, and wavy.

Labradoodles have three different coat types: hair, fleece, and wool. Hair-coated Labradoodles are similar to their Labrador Retriever parents, and their coats have a shabby texture. Their straight coats may vary in thickness and length and require low maintenance. 

The second coat type is fleece, a shaggy and soft textured coat with spiraling curls for a wavy look. 

The last coat type is wool, which needs weekly grooming. It’s thick and dense, similar to sheep wool. This coat is extremely curly with a coarse texture, making the dog look bigger. This type of coat is also soft to the touch and similar to that of a lamb. Labradoodles with wool coats are perfect for dog owners who have allergies.

Irish Doodle vs. Labradoodle: Temperament

Both Poodle mixes are intelligent and make great family dogs. However, some temperament nuances can help you tell them apart.

Irish Doodles are the perfect balance between energy and calmness. They love to play, especially with their owners, and appreciate daily activities. They are also very affectionate and loyal towards their owners and behave around children, which makes them good family dogs.

Labradoodles also make great family dogs because they are extremely outgoing, friendly, and playful. They do best in active environments with lots of engagement. Due to their curious and energetic personality, they make great companions for children and even adults.

Irish Doodle vs. Labradoodle: Trainability

Both the Irish Doodle and the Labradoodle are easy to train. However, there are some trainability differences between them.

The Irish Doodle is a relatively trainable breed, yet regular practices are needed so that the dog masters commands and retains what it learns during the training sessions. It is also advisable to start training it from an early age for improved training.

Thanks to their intelligence inherited from their Poodle parents, Labradoodles are highly trainable. Their intelligence and activeness make them easy to train, and they don’t need to be enrolled for obedience training. They’re always eager to learn and are suitable for complex trick training if the owner desires.

Irish Doodle vs. Labradoodle: Possible Health Issues

Like most dogs, Irish Doodles and Labradoodles may inherit health problems from the breeds that make up their DNA. Still, the two are prone to different diseases.

Irish Doodles may suffer from Bloat, a condition in which the dog’s stomach is filled with air and twists, making the dog unable to expel it. This can lead to stomach swelling and can be life-threatening if immediate professional help is not provided. Another Irish Doodle health problem is Hip Dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes an abnormal hip bone form. This can cause pain and makes it hard for the dog to walk. Another Irish Doodle possible health issue is Addison’s Disease. The dog has a decreased hormone production in its adrenal glands leading to diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, and increased urination.

Since Labradoodles, like Irish Doodles, are crossbreed, they are very susceptible to some health problems. They are at risk for progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease leading to blindness. Labradoodles are also at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia and skin allergies.

Up Next:

• Irish Setter vs Golden Retriever: 5 Key Differences
• 10 Incredible Labradoodle Facts
• Labradoodle Lifespan: How Long Do Labradoodles Live?

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