Labrador retrievers and Poodles are the parents of the popular Labradoodle dog breed. Thanks to their hypoallergenic coat and devoted disposition, Labradoodles have become the perfect house pets. In the Canvas Personalized, you will discover everything about this breed’s personalities and healthcare tips.
1. The Labradoodle Dog Breed Overview
Key Traits Of Labradoodle
| Origin | Australia | Good With | Families, children, cats |
| Dog Breed Group | Hybrid Dog/ Designer breed | Temperament | Gentle; friendly; willful; outgoing and protective |
| Common nicknames | None | Energy Level | Active |
| Height | 22 to 25 inches | Shedding | Infrequent |
| Weight | 50 to 75 pounds | Tendency to Drool | Low |
| Coat | Long, medium, and curly | Snore | High |
| Color | Brown; chocolate; liver; red; gold; yellow; cream; black and white | Bark | Infrequent |
| Life span | 10-12 years | Easy To Train | High |
| Other traits | Easy to groom but requires lots of grooming; tolerates being alone; low prey drive; loves water; apartment-friendly; good for first-time pet owners and strong loyalty tendencies. |
The Labradoodle was first developed in Australia as a hypoallergenic dog. Wally Conron, who oversaw the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, carried out the crossbreeding between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever in 1989.
The Labradoodle, which shares a genetic makeup with the popular Labrador Retriever, has become one of the most sought-after “Doodle breeds” in recent years. The Labradoodles, developed to be a hypoallergenic assistance dog, has now shown that it is an adaptable family and therapy dog.
A Labradoodle prefers to be around the ones it loves, and it will show its family nothing but love and loyalty. The dog is fun to have around because of its high energy and work ethic, making it the most sought-after hybrid in the world.
Moreover, Labradoodle often gets along well with other dogs and pets in the home and are generally fine with children. Nonetheless, as a whole, they are fantastic dogs for people who have never owned one before. Some Labradoodle dogs are like poodles in temperament and have beautiful, high-maintenance coats. Keep reading the essential information listed below to understand a hybrid dog breed.
Note: Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles are different. Since the Australian Labradoodle is a hybrid of the poodle, the labrador retriever, and the cocker spaniel dog.
The Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle are the results of careful breeding to have the best of their parent breeds. The parentage of the two breeds is the key distinction between the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle. Golden Retrievers and Poodles are two of the most popular parents of hybrid Goldendoodles. In contrast, the Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle.
Appearance
Like many other dogs, your Labradoodle’s appearance will depend on the generation you’re looking for. The average weight of a standard Labradoodle is between 50 and 75 pounds; females tend to be somewhat smaller than their male counterparts. And the Labradoodles will be between 20 and 25 inches tall.
Depending on how they were bred, the members of this crossbreed can range in size, form, coat type, and temperament. Labradoodle dog breed comes in various colors, with the exact shade largely depending on their parents’ fur. The Labradoodle can be found in various colors and patterns, including black, red, golden, blue, and silver.
Labradoodles generally have long legs, slender frames, and floppy ears. They have a shaggy coat that ranges in texture from woolly and curly to long and scruffy. So this breed is ideal for people with allergies because they don’t shed as much as other dogs.
Since Labradoodles are cross, while most dogs share certain similar traits, there can be significant variation in their appearance and personality.
Temperament/Personalities
Like most Labrador retrievers and poodles, Labradoodles are typically outgoing, high-energy, and good with kids and families. Being vivacious companions, they are devoted to being the perfect companion for a family.
Like other hybrid dogs, a Labradoodle’s personality is based on its parents’ genes and upbringing. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog that enjoys the company of humans and would do anything for them. They get along great with other pets and are safe around kids. Moreover, it’s expected that Labradoodles get along great with cats.
The labradoodle is a delightful and entertaining breed since it is full of life, friendly, and affectionate. The Labradoodle’s parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle make it abundantly clear that this is a highly energetic dog that often expresses affection for water and excellent swimming ability from their parent breeds.
According to Genesis Service Dogs, Labradoodles can become therapy dogs. Since they are calm and friendly, they can provide psychological and physiological support to patients in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.
Like any other breed, Labradoodles benefit significantly from early socialization to various stimuli, including other people, other dogs, new environments, and new situations. You can send them to a puppy kindergarten and take them on strolls around the neighborhood; these activities will help your dog improve their social abilities.
Best For
Labradoodles are ideal for the family with allergies because of their low shedding. Moreover, Labradoodles are friendly and easy to train, making them a good choice for families with kids.
>>>Check out other types of doodle dog breed that you haven’t ever heard of before!
2. What To Expect When Caring For Labradoodle Puppies?
Health Issues
Labradoodles are a relatively healthy breed throughout their 10- to 14-year lifespan. Labradoodles are the perfect hybrid of Labrador retrievers and poodles, but they are susceptible to several diseases. Although not every Labradoodle is vulnerable to these conditions, it’s still good to be aware of them if you’re considering adopting one.
Ear Infections: Their floppy ears make Labradoodles susceptible to ear infections. The ears are a moisture trap that should be checked frequently.
Hip dysplasia: It is a condition that is passed down from parent to child in which the thighbone doesn’t fit tightly into the hip joint. When your Labradoodle is young, its hips may develop improperly, leading to this problem. Dogs will typically show discomfort by being less active and having trouble getting up, down, or around.
The most reliable method of making a diagnosis is through X-ray screening. Consult your vet to determine the best course of treatment for your Labradoodles.
Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this is also a degenerative disease because of unusual growth and development. The degree of the condition varies: the dog can get arthritis or become completely lame.
Surgery, diet and exercise, medical supervision, and anti-inflammatory drugs are all part of the treatment plan.
Epilepsy: This issue is a neurological condition that’s often, but not always, inherited. It can produce minor or severe seizures, including running furiously as if being chased, staggering, hiding, or even collapsing with rigid limbs and losing consciousness.
Allergies: Allergies are common in dogs, and the Labradoodles are no exception. There are three main types of allergies: food, contact, and inhalant.
Treatment depends on what’s causing it and may include dietary, medicines, and environmental changes.
Diabetes Mellitus: This disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes symptoms include increased urination and thirst, hunger, and weight loss. So diet and insulin therapy are effective in managing diabetes.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a group of eye diseases in which the retina slowly worsens over time. As the condition worsens, the labradoodle puppies can lose their ability to see during the day and become blind at night quickly.
Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland that can cause epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin diseases.
It is essential to work with a reputable breeder who screens their dogs for these and other health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care can also help keep Labradoodles healthy and happy.
Caring Tips
Coat Care – Do Labradoodles Shed A Lot?
The length and type of a dog’s coat dictate the dog’s maintenance needs. A Labradoodle dog breed has to be brushed once or twice weekly, at most. Clipping or trimming once every two months can keep the coat in good shape and require minimal maintenance. A Labradoodle should only have a bath when essential, which isn’t often because many coats don’t have a strong canine smell.
>>> Discover the best dog grooming tools to brush your dog’s coats easily and safely at home!
Ear Care
Like any purebred dog, Labradoodles need extra ear care to keep them from getting infections. After a swim, rinse them off and check for signs of illness once a week. The best way to avoid such issues is to regularly clean your ears with a cotton swab and a mild, pH-balanced ear cleanser.
Teeth Care
Brush your Labradoodle’s teeth at least twice a week to prevent tartar buildup and the bacteria it harbors. If you care about avoiding gum disease and bad breath, brushing your teeth once a day is the best option.
Nail cut
You should trim them once or twice monthly to avoid unpleasant tears and other complications. Consult your vet or a professional groomer if you don’t know what you’re doing and how to cut your dog’s nails.
Skincare
While your dog takes a bath, check for any signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation in the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, or feet. Your thorough weekly checkups will aid in the early detection of any health issues.
Since Labradoodles can adjust to almost any environment, they are not the best choice for apartment living. They need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily and would thrive in a fenced yard where they can run and play.
>>>Get more information about dog care tips to keep your dog healthy and happy!
Training
The Labradoodle dog breed is highly trainable with the right approach; training may be simple, making it a fantastic choice for first-time dog owners. Training your puppy should begin immediately after you bring him home.
Even inexperienced dog owners can succeed with them because of their high trainability and rapid learning curve, so your dogs can learn anything from simple tasks like “sit,” “stay,” and “go potty” to complex feats of agility.
Crate training is a gentle method to prevent your Labradoodles from having accidents or getting into things they shouldn’t. If your dog ever needs to go to a kennel or the vet, training them to use a crate as a puppy will help them get used to being confined for a short time. Remember that they shouldn’t spend more than a few hours there, as it is not a jail.
Labradoodle puppies benefit significantly from early socialization with other dogs and people. You must introduce your dog to other people and pets in the first few weeks of their new home.
Otherwise, your dog will greatly benefit from swimming, hiking, or playing in the yard or park. Although Labradoodles enjoy exercise, they also need to spend much time relaxing.
Moreover, treats, like other forms of positive reinforcement, are a great way to promote good behavior during training. Training Labradoodle puppies from an early age help instill excellent behavior and reduce the likelihood of mischief-making later on.
Nutrition
1–2.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, split between two meals, is ideal for a labradoodle. Dogs have unique nutritional requirements like humans because they depend on their body type, age, activity level, and metabolism.
Labradoodle puppies under 6 months old should generally be fed a minimum of three times a day, and adult dogs should be fed twice daily. Pet owners should prioritize finding foods that follow the standard food requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Labradoodles need plenty of high-quality dog food and clean water to live long, healthy lives. So get advice on feeding your puppy to maintain a healthy weight and protect it from diseases like heart disease and hip dysplasia.
>>>If your Labradoodles have any allergy symptoms, check out these dog food for skin allergies to take care of them at home safely!
Ideal Living Environment
Labradoodle puppies are active, so they thrive best in urban and suburban areas and even some rural ones. Also, these dogs need to play and exercise outside often, so they need a big yard and easy access to the great outdoors.
If you don’t have enough space for a hyperactive dog, you should still find time for him to get plenty of exercise and games and take him to the dog park occasionally. Unsurprisingly, some Labradoodles have their parent breed’s affinity for the water, so they love to swim under your watch. Keep an eye and take them to the vet for unexpected problems.
3. Labradoodle Puppies For Adoption
If you’re looking to adopt a Labradoodle, your breeder must do DNA tests on your puppy’s parents. The price of a Labradoodle can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on where you buy it from.
A healthy Labradoodle puppy can cost as much as $4,000-$5,000 from a specialized breeder. Or you may spend more than $300 if you adopt from a rescue shelter to save a lot of money.
Your new puppy will cost about $1,500 in the first six months after you bring it home. Also, you may anticipate spending around $1,500 on necessities within the first six months, followed by roughly $3,000 yearly.
The cost of caring for your puppy will also continue well after the first year. Labradoodles typically live for 10–12 years. Therefore you will be responsible for their well-being for that long.
>>>Get inspired and choose the cute food-themed or country-themed names for your new Labradoodle puppy!
4. Other Fun Facts
- Numerous well-known people have had a Labradoodle as a house pet, including Tiger Woods (a golfer), Jenifer Aniston (an actress), and Henry Winkler (an actor).
- If you’re looking for some lighthearted relief, the Dood Squad is a fantastic place to start because many popular Labradoodles are on Instagram.
- Labradoodle dogs make excellent service dogs for people with autism or physical impairments.
- Because of the longevity of both its Poodle and Labrador Retriever parents, the average Labradoodle dog breed may expect to live to be 14 years old (longer than the average of 10 years).
>>>Further reading:
- All About Aussiedoodle Dog: Traits, Health, and Caring
- Discovering The Great Dane Dog Breed: A Comprehensive Guide
- The Essential Guide To Care For The Golden Retriever Dog
- Top 14 Types Of Doodle Dog Breed: The Ultimate Guide
The Labradoodle dog breed is a rare hybrid with the best qualities of the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. Labradoodles have quickly become popular with families looking for loyal and loving companions thanks to their outgoing personality, hypoallergenic coat, and high intelligence. So the article from Canvas Personalized will help determine if this dog breed suits you.
