Irish Troodle

by Mary Simpson

Published: January 16th, 2018

About Irish Troodle

Weight

50-60 lb

Height

22-24 inches

Lifespan

10-14 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

active families with kids, apartment dwellers, those looking for a companion dog, owners wanting a low- or non-shedding dog

Temperament

obedient, loving, intelligent, alert

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Irish Terrier

Irish Troodle Basics

The feisty Irish Troodle brings together the protective, playful nature of the Irish Terrier and the smart, energetic traits of the Poodle for an affectionate pooch who gets along well with kids and other animals however be aware that the terrier in him will have him chasing smaller animals and the family cat if not properly socialized.

The feisty Irish Troodle brings together the playful Irish Terrier and the energetic Poodle.

Origin

The Irish Troodle is considered a Designer Dog which matches two or more different pure-bred dogs and is a practice that began back in the 1980s and 90s. The goal of mixing breeds is to produce puppies that carry the desired traits of both parent breeds – which is typically a healthier, smaller, hypo-allergenic or even a gentler form of a popular breed.

Pedigree

The Irish Troodle’s mixed lineage means he isn’t eligible to join the American Kennel Club (AKC) however both parent breeds have been members of this elite club for more than a century; the Poodle joined AKCs “non-sporting” group in 1887 while the Irish Terrier became a member of the “terrier” group in 1885.

Food/Diet

Although your Irish Troodle is fairly active he has a tendency to gain weight easily so his food should be a top-quality kibble that is low in fillers (carbs) that may cause him to overeat to feel full. Because obesity can lead to joint issues later in life, don’t plan to free-feed this dog but provide him with 2 to 3 smaller meals throughout the day. With the Poodle side of this pooch being prone to digestive issues, look for a low-fat food.

The Irish Troodle is an obedient dog who is known to listen to commands and should train fairly quickly.

Training

The Irish Troodle is an intelligent, obedient dog who is known to listen to commands and should train fairly quickly. A short attention span means he becomes bored and ultimately distracted easily so plan to incorporate some interesting activities into his obedience training to keep him engaged and wanting to learn. This pooch will do well with a rewards-based approach to learning new skills including lots of verbal praise and treats for a job well done.

Weight

Your Irish Troodle will weigh weight between 50 and 60 pounds when fully grown.

Temperament/Behavior

The Irish Troodle is a fun-loving dog who craves human companionship and interactive playtime. Mental stimulation is important with this dog to help prevent destructive behaviors such as continual barking and chewing. While he gets along well with kids and other dogs, he can be prone to chasing smaller animals and this coupled with a bit of a stubborn streak means that early socialization and obedience training will be needed. His alert, protective nature makes him a great potential watchdog.

Common Health Problems

Most designer dogs have been bred with the intent of eliminating or minimizing many of the health issues found in their pure-bred parents. That said, its important to know what your new pup could inherit and in the case of the Irish Troodle this can include joint issues, digestive issues including bloat and Addison’s Disease.

Life Expectancy

Your Irish Troodle is a relatively healthy pooch and you can expect to enjoy his companionship for 10 to 14 years.

Exercise Requirements

The Irish Troodle is a busy boy who loves to be active but doesn’t necessarily need extensive exercise to keep him fit and healthy. He does have an above average tendency to gain weight so daily walks are important and active playtime or a visit to the dog park can help keep him mentally stimulated, socialized and fit at the same time. Because he has a high tendency to wander, ensure any outdoor activity is in a fenced area.

The fun-loving Irish Troodle craves human companionship.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Irish Troodlepoo, Irish Terrierdoodle and Irish Terrierpoo, the Irish Troodle’s designer dog status means he is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) however he is a member of the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of American, Inc. (DRA) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

The Irish Troodle will typically inherit the dense, curly coat of the Poodle and require little maintenance to keep him looking his best. He is a non- to low-shedding dog and brushing 1 to 2 times per week is sufficient to prevent matts and tangles. Professional grooming may be required every 2 to 3 months to help maintain his coat and because floppy eared dogs may be prone to ear infection, inspection and cleaning should be done weekly.

Puppies

The Irish Troodle puppy will need to begin obedience training and socialization while young to ensure he is quick to respond to the commands of his owner. Terrier DNA means he can be prone to running and chasing which can prove dangerous if he fails to respond and return. A tendency to become destructive when bored can be helped by providing him with plenty of chew toys and interactive puzzles.

Photo credit: Robert F. Leahy/Shutterstock; Evdoha_spb/Shutterstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Folliculitis in dogs is a disease which causes infection or inflammation of hair follicles. It is one of the more common skin diseases amongst dogs and is caused by bacteria, fungal infections, skin irritations, or  parasites. What is more, it can affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, so if it happens to your four-legged friend unexpectedly, it is best to know how to treat this pesky skin issue.What Is Dog Folliculitis?The symptoms and causes of dog folliculitis can vary. In most cases, the healthy follicle is “compromised”, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria that are otherwise normally found on your pet’s skin. The end result is great discomfort for your dog, and it should be treated as quickly as possible. But how will you know that it is dog folliculitis and not some other health issue? Well, one of the foremost symptoms to look out for is red and inflamed skin. This condition causes excessive redness and even swelling in certain areas of the skin. This should be a telltale sign that something is amiss. Together with this, you could notice pimples, also known as pustules. They are small raised bumps and often contain pus. Of course, your dog will show signs of discomfort as well. They will try to itch and  lick the affected areas, in hopes of relieving the discomfort and making themselves more comfortable. This can all be accompanied by hair loss, mostly in the directly affected areas of your dog’s coat and skin. Ultimately, in the most severe cases, open sores, scabs, and skin lesions may appear. At this point, veterinary care is needed immediately.If you suspect your dog has folliculitis, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings or cultures, to identify the specific cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is crucial that you do not attempt any solution on your own. Self-diagnosis and do-it-yourself treatment can lead to complications or ineffective outcomes, so professional guidance is essential. Based on the evaluation, your vet can introduce a number of treatments and solutions – here’s what to expect.How Is Dog Folliculitis Treated?Topical antibiotics and antifungal creams are the most common treatment options. They are applied directly to the affected areas and are most efficient in early and moderate cases of dog folliculitis. Of course, if the case with your dog is more serious, your vet could propose an oral treatment. This consists of special medications that work to eliminate the infection at the core. Another possible solution is using special medicated shampoos that work to heal the follicles through gentle washing. 

Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America

If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesn’t have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your cat’s environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.

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