Is the Irish Doodle or the Irish Setter better for families with children?

Both the Irish Doodle and the Irish Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Irish Doodle or the Irish Setter?

The Irish Setter sheds more than the Irish Doodle. If shedding is a concern, the Irish Doodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Irish Doodle or the Irish Setter?

The Irish Doodle is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Irish Doodle or Irish Setter bigger?

Irish Doodle and Irish Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Irish Doodle or Irish Setter?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Irish Doodle or Irish Setter?

For apartment or apartment living, Irish Doodle and Irish Setter are an even match — either can work well.

Irish Doodle vs Irish Setter: Which Sheds Less?

Irish Doodle vs Irish Setter: full comparison

Trait	Irish Doodle	Irish Setter
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Low	High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Very Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Irish Setter has noticeably higher shedding than the Irish Doodle.

Size and living space

The Irish Doodle is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Irish Setter is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Irish Doodle requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Irish Setter requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Irish Doodle is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and drops very little hair. The Irish Setter is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Irish Doodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Irish Doodle is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Irish Setter is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Irish Doodle is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Irish Setter has little guarding instinct and greets strangers as friends.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Irish Doodle and Irish Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Irish Doodle and Irish Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Irish Doodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Irish Doodle has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Irish Doodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Irish Doodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Irish Setter if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Irish Doodle on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Irish Doodle or the Irish Setter better for families with children?: Both the Irish Doodle and the Irish Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Irish Doodle or the Irish Setter?: The Irish Setter sheds more than the Irish Doodle. If shedding is a concern, the Irish Doodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Irish Doodle or the Irish Setter?: The Irish Doodle is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Irish Doodle or Irish Setter bigger?: Irish Doodle and Irish Setter are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Irish Doodle or Irish Setter?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Irish Doodle or Irish Setter?: For apartment or apartment living, Irish Doodle and Irish Setter are an even match — either can work well.

Irish Doodle vs Irish Setter