This guide covers the questions that apply across doodles rather than to one specific cross: how sizes compare, what an Irish Doodle is, and how to crate train a doodle puppy.
Part of the Doodle Dog Guides directory.
Different doodle sizes
In nearly every doodle, the Poodle parent sets the size ceiling. Poodles come in three sizes, and the other parent breed pulls the result up or down from there:
- Toy Poodle: under about 10 inches and roughly 4 to 6 pounds
- Miniature Poodle: about 10 to 15 inches and roughly 10 to 15 pounds
- Standard Poodle: over 15 inches, commonly 40 to 70 pounds
Some typical results of those crosses:
| Doodle | Typical adult weight |
|---|---|
| Havapoo (Havanese and Poodle) | about 7 to 20 pounds |
| Mini Bernedoodle | about 25 to 49 pounds |
| Mini Goldendoodle | about 15 to 30 pounds |
| Standard Goldendoodle | about 50 to 90 pounds |
| Standard Bernedoodle | about 50 to 90 pounds |
| Irish Doodle | about 50 to 70 pounds |
Terms like “petite,” “micro,” and “teacup” aren’t official categories, and different breeders use them differently. The reliable way to estimate an adult size is the adult weight of both parents. For specifics on the two most searched doodles, see the Bernedoodle Guide and the Goldendoodle Guide.
Irish Doodle
The Irish Doodle crosses an Irish Setter with a Poodle. Both parents are intelligent, energetic, and quick to learn, and the result is typically a friendly, athletic dog that does best with an active household.
- Size: A full-grown Irish Doodle with a standard Poodle parent usually lands around 50 to 70 pounds. A mini Irish Doodle, from a miniature Poodle, can be closer to half that.
- Lifespan: Both parent breeds commonly live about 12 to 15 years, and Poodles can reach well into their teens.
- Coat: Usually wavy and dense. Colors lean toward reds, browns, creams, and darker shades.
- Needs: Plenty of daily exercise and mental work. This is not the doodle for someone wanting a relaxed lap dog.
As with any cross, ask the breeder about health testing on both parents, since both breeds carry conditions that can pass to puppies.
Crate training a Goldendoodle, Irish Doodle, or Bernedoodle puppy
Doodles are sociable and intelligent, which helps with crate training but also means they dislike being left isolated. The goal is a crate your puppy sees as a comfortable den, not a punishment.
- Pick the right size. The crate should let your puppy stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and no more. Many owners buy a crate with a divider so it can grow with the puppy.
- Build a positive association. Leave the door open, feed meals near or inside the crate, and toss in treats and a favorite chew so your puppy chooses to go in.
- Start with short sessions. Close the door for a few minutes while you stay nearby, then lengthen the time gradually.
- Match crate time to age. Young puppies can only hold their bladder for short periods, a common guideline being about one hour per month of age, so plan frequent breaks.
- Exercise first. A tired puppy settles more easily, which matters most for energetic types like the Irish Doodle.
- Never use the crate as punishment. That undermines the safe, calm association you’re building.
- Watch for distress. Constant panic, heavy drooling, or injury attempts to escape are signs to slow down and talk to a trainer or your veterinarian, since doodles can be prone to separation anxiety.
Crate training works best alongside consistent routines for meals, potty breaks, play, and sleep.
What drives the spread across doodle types
- Poodle parent size: the main driver of adult size across every doodle
- The non-Poodle parent: sets the temperament and energy baseline
- Breeder definitions of size labels: vary enough that parent weights are the only reliable guide
This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your veterinarian or a certified trainer.
