Labradoodle

Labradoodles are a hybrid breed, a mix between the Labrador Retriever and a poodle. They are quickly becoming a very popular dog because of their intelligent and friendly nature mixed with their coat, which can be low to moderately allergen-free based on the texture. 

They are smart, easy to train, and great with kids. They thrive in any environment and love to be around people.

Labradoodle History


Labradoodles were first bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs in Australia. They have been around since about 1989, when Wally Conron, who was in charge of the Royal Guide Dog’s Association of Australia’s breeding program, successfully mixed a poodle and a Labrador Retriever, though less successful was its hypoallergenic coat.

They are not currently recognized by the AKC, but they are recognized by many designer breed organizations, including the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association. They are currently working on breed standards to help standardize what you can expect when you get this loveable fluffy dog. 

Labradoodle Appearance


Labradoodles are happy, friendly, and endearing dogs. They can come in three different sizes, depending on their poodle parent. Male Labradoodles tend to be taller, though males and females weigh about the same. 

• Standard Labradoodles will be between 21 and 24 inches tall and between 50 to 65 pounds. 
• Medium Labradoodles will be between 17 and 20 inches and between 30 to 45 pounds
• Miniature Labradoodles are between 14 to 16 inches tall and 15 to 25 pounds. 
  

They have a low-shedding coat and are not as hypoallergenic as they were intended to be. There is a variation in hair texture that can impact just how hypoallergenic their coats are. The length varies between long and medium, straight and curly.

• Fleece coats can be non to low shed, with a silky texture. It can either be straight or wavy.
• Wool coats are dense and almost feel like lamb’s wool. They are non to low shed and typically curly.
• Hair coats armor traditional coats and tend to be the least hypoallergenic. This coat is typically seen in the first-generation Labradoodles.
  

Wavy and wool coats tend to be more hypoallergenic and less difficult for those with allergies to manage. In terms of color, they can come in any number, including blue, parchment, chocolate, silver, cream, cafe, red, black, white, caramel, gold, and apricot. Some can be particolored, which means they can have brindles, phantom, sable, or patched colors. There is no breed standard, so look to the parents and see what color combinations there are.

Keep in mind that Labradoodles’ coats vary so much that it is hard to set a standard for what Labradoodles should look like. 

Labradoodle Personality


Labradoodles are very intelligent dogs who are family-friendly. They are both gentle and playful, easygoing with a moderate energy level just waiting to play. They are easy to train, though will develop the best personalities with early socialization around other people and dogs. They are working dogs and make great service animals. 

They have the best characteristics of both parents, though they get a lot of their temperament from the mother. They are happy dogs and often show their happiness by jumping around and being very playful, though they still have a very strong work ethic. Labradoodles do not bark a lot, only to alert their family of guests. 

They are very loyal dogs and love to be around their family, so you shouldn’t leave them alone too much. They should not be left outside or crated for too long of a time.  They are enthusiastic and treat every human and dog as a new friend.

 Keep in mind that since Labradoodles are a relatively new breed, they are trying to identify breed standards, so while Labradoodles are happy-go-lucky, they are still learning all of the great things that Labradoodles can do and should be known for. They are working on the multigenerational breeding process. 

Labradoodle Exercise Requirements


Labradoodles need about 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day, though it depends on the generation, size, and other factors. They love walks, but they do need some time off the leash to get rid of some of their energy. This could be running, jogging, swimming and many other things. Labradoodles don’t care what type of activity they are doing, just as long as they are doing it with you!

In addition to physical exercise, Labradoodles also need mental exercise. Failure to intellectually stimulate them may lead to destructive behaviors. Labradoodles are smart and energetic, so they need a family who can keep up with them - preferably with a fenced-in backyard to help them run free! They can live equally well in the city, suburbs, and country.

Labradoodle Training and Care


Labradoodles get the best personality traits of their parents, and they are very intelligent. They want to make their family happy, so they are eager to please, making them also highly trainable. They thrive under consistent training that uses positive reinforcement, so make sure to have many treats on hand.

Labradoodles are great for first-time dog owners, quickly picking up on training and crickets though they will always be a little bit mischievous, affectionate, and smart. You want to start training immediately once you get home with your labradoodle. You should do three to four 10-minute sessions daily for best results, and you can work up to more intensive training as you go.

You should feed your Labradoodle between 1 and 2.5 cups of dry dog food, split between two meals per day, though your Labradoodles diet may change. Your labradoodle should always have access to clean water.  Portioning out the food will help prevent bloat from developing. If you have questions, please consult with a vet.

Labradoodles are fairly easy to train and great for first-time dog parents and experienced owners alike. 

Labradoodle Health


Much like their parents, Labradoodles are susceptible to developing some genetic health conditions over time. Not all dogs develop these, but Labradoodles have a risk based on their genetics.

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

• Ear infections 
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes 
• Allergies
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Hypothyroidism
  

You should always check with your breeder for the parents’ health report before getting a labradoodle. They can provide you with tests that prove the dog’s pedigree and health.

Labradoodle Grooming

Because of their coats, Labradoodles need regular grooming. Depending on their coat type, Labradoodles need one to two brushings per week and haircuts every six to eight weeks. Brush their hair using a slicker brush to get rid of some of the loose hair. 

Labradoodles should be bathed sparingly because too frequent baths can strip their coats and skins of healthy oils. They also need regular ear cleaning, nail clipping, and teeth brushing.