The Irish Doodle, an adorable designer breed known for its intelligence, friendly nature, and low-shedding coats, has quickly become a beloved pet in many households. But how much does an Irish Doodle cost? Let’s break it down.
Average Cost of an Irish Doodle Puppy & Subsequent Yearly Costs
The cost of an Irish Doodle puppy can range anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. This cost varies depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s lineage, and the overall demand for Irish Doodle puppies. Notably, Mini Irish Doodles, which are smaller, usually cost $500-$700 more than an average-sized Irish Doodle.
First-year costs for your Irish Doodle include the average puppy price, first-year vaccines (around $170), deworming (between $50 and $150, depending on the size of your Irish Doodle), 12 months of mid-range food, $200 for initial supplies, and $200 for routine vet exams.
Standard Irish Doodles, which weigh on average about 60 lbs, require about 547.5 lbs of food per year, costing around $1,642.5. On the other hand, Mini Irish Doodles, with an average weight of 30 lbs, will require about 273.75 lbs of food annually, totaling about $821.25.
Therefore, the adjusted yearly costs, including food and vet care (approximately $600), would be around $2,242.5 for a Standard Irish Doodle and $1,421.25 for a Mini Irish Doodle.
When considering lifetime costs, you should calculate based on the dog’s average lifespan (minus the first year) multiplied by the annual costs, with the first-year costs added to the total. However, note that these calculations do not include additional costs like sterilization, walking, grooming, and training.
Here’s how we can calculate the cost of dog food on average:
For a Standard Irish Doodle:
60 lbs (weight) * 2.5% = 1.5 lbs of food per day
1.5 lbs of food * 365 days = 547.5 lbs of food per year
547.5 lbs of food * $3/lb (cost of mid-range food) = $1,642.5/year
For a Mini Irish Doodle:
30 lbs (weight) * 2.5% = 0.75 lbs of food per day
0.75 lbs of food * 365 days = 273.75 lbs of food per year
273.75 lbs of food * $3/lb (cost of mid-range food) = $821.25/year
So the adjusted annual costs, including food, for an Irish Doodle are around $2,242.5 for a Standard and $1,421.25 for a Mini.
Tips on Determining Where to Buy Your Irish Doodle Puppy
Navigating the world of pet vendors online can be a daunting task. Ensuring your hard-earned money isn’t inadvertently supporting an inhumane puppy mill is crucial. Fear not! We’re here to guide you, offering you all the information necessary to ensure your new furry friend comes from a responsible, ethical source.
When Buying Your Puppy from a Local Breeder
When considering a local breeder, diligence and investigation are key. Schedule an in-person visit, prepare a set of questions, and research the breeder’s history. Find out their operating tenure, where their puppies come from, and whether they offer health certifications for their puppies. A credible breeder will be transparent about any health issues in their dogs’ lineage and will have preventative measures in place. They should be readily available to address all your concerns, both pre and post-purchase.
Prior to purchasing, a visit to the breeding facility is essential. The environment should be clean, and well-maintained, and provide adequate space for exercise and play. Be aware that puppies should not be separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age, a legal requirement in certain states. Trustworthy breeders won’t coerce you into impulsive buying, instead assisting you in selecting the ideal puppy for your family.
In case of any doubt about a breeder’s credibility, do not hesitate to seek other options. Numerous responsible breeders prioritize animal welfare and offer puppies raised in nurturing environments. Through thorough research and visits to prospective breeders, you can ensure your new furry family member comes from an ethical source.
When Buying Your Irish Doodle Puppy Online
Visiting a breeder or seller in person may not always be possible. This is particularly true when considering breeders out of state or even internationally. However, it’s still crucial to ensure the pup you are adopting comes from an ethical and humane environment.
Since the Irish Doodle is not an AKC-recognized breed, you should ensure you gather as much information as possible about the breeder prior to making a decision. Scrutinize their website and social media accounts for customer reviews, ask questions, and request images of their breeding facilities.
Ask for health records and information about the pup’s lineage. Reputable breeders should readily provide you with up-to-date health records of available puppies, including records of deworming, vaccinations, and other treatments administered by a licensed vet.
Additionally, inquire about their breeding practices. If the breeder is reluctant to share this information, consider other options. Ethical breeders keep meticulous records of their dogs’ lineage and utilize genetic testing when determining mating pairs.
When considering an Irish Doodle, it’s essential to ask about the lineage of the parents, as they are a crossbreed of an Irish Setter and a Poodle. This is particularly important due to potential health issues inherent in both parent breeds. A reputable breeder will not mate two dogs with known genetic health issues, ensuring the healthiest possible puppies.
Irish Doodle at a Glance
Temperament
Irish Doodles are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, often displaying a delightful mix of the Irish Setter’s exuberance and the Poodle’s intelligence.
Energy Levels
Being a crossbreed of two high-energy breeds, Irish Doodles are active and playful, requiring regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Irish Doodle and Children
The breed’s amiable nature and love for play make Irish Doodles particularly suitable for families with children. Their patience and gentleness make them excellent playmates.
Apartment-Friendly?
While Irish Doodles can adapt to apartment living, they thrive best in homes with ample space due to their active nature. Regular exercise and stimulation are essential to prevent boredom and related behavioral issues.
Shedding Tendencies
Irish Doodles are a low-shedding breed, inheriting the hypoallergenic qualities of the Poodle. They require regular grooming to keep their coat in top condition.
Factors Affecting an Irish Doodle Puppy’s Price
Size
The size of the Irish Doodle plays a significant role in its price. Mini Irish Doodles, bred from a Miniature Poodle and an Irish Setter, tend to be more expensive due to their smaller, more desirable size.
Color
Irish Doodles can come in a range of colors, including black, cream, red, and even patterns like brindle. Some colors or patterns may be more sought after, increasing the price of those specific puppies.
Breeder
The reputation and practices of the breeder significantly affect the price of an Irish Doodle puppy. Breeders who invest in ethical breeding practices, genetic testing, and proper healthcare will likely charge more, but this often guarantees a healthier and happier puppy.
Adoption
While Irish Doodles can be harder to find in rescue shelters due to their specific breed mix, adopting is a wonderful option that supports animal welfare. If you’re open to a variety of Doodle breeds, check out Doodle Rock Rescue or IDOG Rescue for adoption opportunities.
Lineage
The lineage of an Irish Doodle puppy can also affect its price. Puppies from a line of show-winning or certified therapy or service dogs are often priced higher due to the inherited desirable traits.
Age
Puppies are typically more expensive due to their high demand for their young age, trainability, and irresistible cuteness. As the Irish Doodle ages, the price may decrease, but it’s important to note that each dog, regardless of age, brings unique joy and companionship.
Geographic Location
Geographic location can significantly influence the price of Irish Doodle puppies. Puppies in urban areas or regions with a higher demand for this breed may come with a higher price tag. However, prioritize finding a responsible and ethical breeder over location when choosing your puppy.
Basic Dog Supplies Cost in the USA
Before bringing home your Irish Doodle puppy, you need to ensure your home is ready for its arrival. Having all the necessary supplies on hand will make the transition smoother for both you and your new furry friend.
Consider investing in essential items such as a collar and leash, nail clippers, a crate, toys, a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, grooming tools (including brushes suitable for their low-shedding coats), and treats. The total initial cost for these supplies is approximately $200 – $300.
Irish Doodle Training Costs
Dog training varies based on the type and depth of training required. It can range from basic puppy training to more specific areas like aggression management, advanced obedience, and even service or therapy dog training.
A basic one-on-one or private dog training session for your Irish Doodle can cost between $25 and $50. Group training sessions, while less costly at about $10 to $30 per session, also offer the advantage of social interaction for your dog, aiding in their socialization process.
Irish Doodles, like their Poodle and Irish Setter parents, are known to be intelligent and relatively easy to train. However, they do have a playful and energetic disposition, so consistent, positive reinforcement training methods work best. Socialization from a young age is also recommended to ensure they get along well with other dogs and people.
Bear in mind, some puppies might get distracted in group sessions or may need additional socialization practice to feel comfortable around other animals.
For a more intensive training approach, some dog owners opt for doggy boot camps, which include boarding for several weeks and can cost between $500 and $1,250 per week.
While experienced dog owners might feel comfortable training their Irish Doodles themselves, especially given the breed’s intelligence and trainability, new dog owners might benefit from professional training sessions to ensure a well-behaved and socialized pet.
Food Costs for Irish Doodles in the USA
Feeding your Irish Doodle adequately and properly is one of the most significant ongoing expenses. Irish Doodles are active and energetic dogs, needing a balanced diet to support their growth and activity levels.
For the initial few days after bringing your puppy home, it’s best to continue the diet provided by the breeder to avoid upsetting their stomach during this adjustment period. As your Irish Doodle grows, consult with your vet to establish the best dietary guidelines. Adult Irish Doodles often benefit from high-quality, protein-rich dog food. However, due to the breed’s size and potential risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), it’s advisable to opt for adult food even for puppies, served in multiple smaller meals throughout the day.
You can expect to pay between $40-$60 for your Irish Doodle’s food each month, with the average price for a mid-range, high-quality dog food being around $50.
Medical Costs for Irish Doodles in the USA
During the first year of your Irish Doodle’s life, it will require a series of vaccinations to guard against various canine diseases such as distemper and hepatitis. Optional vaccines, like those for Lyme Disease and Kennel Cough, may also be advised by your vet based on risk factors.
In addition to vaccinations, neutering or spaying your Irish Doodle is a critical part of their health care.
Deworming is another important step to protect your Irish Doodle from parasitic infestations. Deworming begins when the puppy is a few weeks old and continues throughout adulthood.
Protecting your Irish Doodle against external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites is also necessary to prevent itching, hair loss, secondary skin infections, and diseases like Lyme disease.
Considering the breed-specific health checks and routine vet visits, you can expect to spend around $600 annually on medical costs, depending on your geographic location.
Vaccines
The core vaccines for Irish Doodles include those against rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus. These vaccines are crucial for their health, considering the contagious nature of these diseases.
Non-core or optional vaccines like those for Lyme disease and kennel cough may also be necessary, depending on your dog’s lifestyle and environment. It’s best to consult with your vet about your Irish Doodle’s vaccination needs.
You can expect to spend around $170 on your pup’s first-year vaccines, which might decrease in the subsequent years depending on the requirement of boosters.
Sterilization
Your Irish Doodle may already have been spayed or neutered if you purchased it from a responsible breeder. If not, you can expect to pay between $100 – $500 for the procedure, with spaying generally costing more than neutering.
Deworming
Due to the Irish Doodle’s size, a typical deworming treatment can range from $20 – $50 per dose, depending on the specific medication used. Your vet will establish the appropriate deworming schedule for your Irish Doodle.
Common Health Conditions in Irish Doodles
Irish Doodles are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, a common condition in larger dogs that can lead to discomfort and mobility issues (treatment costs can range from $1,500 to $6,000). They may also be prone to certain eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), with treatment varying based on the severity of the condition. Regular vet check-ups can help to detect these issues early and manage treatment costs effectively.
Additional Costs of Raising Your Irish Doodle
Pet Insurance
As evident, addressing health issues in an Irish Doodle can be expensive, potentially running into thousands of dollars. While no one likes to consider the possibility of their beloved pet being in an accident, getting injured, or being diagnosed with an inherited disease, it’s essential to be prepared.
Investing in pet insurance can help cover costs related to emergency procedures and expensive veterinary treatments. Depending on the coverage, pet insurance can cost between $15 and $50 per month.
Boarding Costs
If you need to travel and can’t bring your Irish Doodle along, hiring a pet sitter or utilizing a dog boarding facility can be viable options. Pet sitters typically charge between $25 and $75 per day, while dog-boarding facilities usually ask for $30 to $50 per night.
Dog Walking
Irish Doodles are active dogs with moderate to high energy levels, requiring regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to walk your dog consistently, hiring a dog walker could be beneficial. Dog walking services generally cost between $15 and $30 for a 30-minute walk.
Grooming
Irish Doodles have low-shedding coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them looking their best. Professional grooming services, which include hair trimming, nail clipping, and ear cleaning, typically cost around $80 – $100.
Summing Up – How Much Does it Cost to Own an Irish Doodle?
First Year Costs
The first year of owning an Irish Doodle is generally the most expensive, considering the costs of purchasing the puppy, initial veterinary care, vaccinations, food, and other essentials. These expenses can total up to approximately $3,000-$4,000.
Annual Costs
After the first year, the costs can reduce significantly, primarily consisting of food, ongoing vet care, pet insurance, and grooming. Annual costs can range from $1,000 to $1,500.
Lifetime Costs
The lifetime costs of owning an Irish Doodle, factoring in the average lifespan of 10-15 years, can range from $15,000 to $22,500. These costs can fluctuate depending on health issues, food choices, and personal lifestyle choices.
Becoming an Irish Doodle owner is a delightful journey, filled with playful memories and a companionship that makes every penny worth it. Here’s to a wonderful life ahead with your Irish Doodle!
