Labradoodle Breed Characteristics
Height
35 to 60 cm at the shoulder
Weight
20 to 65 pounds
Life Expectancy
12 to 14 years
Coat Colours
Black, yellow, chocolate, red, cream, blue, silver
Labradoodle
Loving, affectionate and devoted
About the Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a hybrid of the Labrador Retriever and the Miniature or Standard Poodle. They’re one of the hypoallergenic Oodle or Doodle hybrids, which have become increasingly popular in the past couple of decades.
They may have the energetic and fun demeanour of a Labrador or more of a reserved and kind nature like a Poodle. What can be said of this breed in general is that they are not innately aggressive and they get along well with people and other dogs.
When bred properly, a healthy Labradoodle is versatile, friendly and sweet. They’re capable of filling almost any role that their owner needs them to fill – whether as family pets or as working dogs.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Labradoodle, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
4/5
Friendly with Dogs
5/5
Ease of Grooming
3/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
Prey Drive
2/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
3/5
Good for Novice Owners
4/5
Apartment Living
3/5
Labradoodle Breed History
The creation of the Labradoodle can be credited to an Australian breeder named Wally Conron, who started developing this breed in the late 1980s. He was able to successfully breed dogs that had almost all the positive qualities of both the parent breeds
The first of the dogs he bred went to be a guide dog for a woman in Hawaii. This dog went on to have a long and successful career as a guide dog, and this would draw attention to the need for a hypoallergenic guide dog breed.
Theis breed arguably popularised the idea of Oodle breeds. In the wake of their success, multiple new Oodle breeds would spring up.
Due to continuous efforts to standardise the breed, Australian Labradoodles are subject to more stringent standards compared to other Labradoodles.
Caring For a Labradoodle
- Temperament: These dogs inherit many of the traits of their parents. Many of them have a gentle nature reminiscent of the Poodle, and the loving affection of the Labrador Retriever.
- Grooming: Most first-generation Labradoodles have a mixture of the curly Poodle coat and the shorter Labrador coat. However, Labradoodles from more stable breeding pools can tend toward the hypoallergenic curly coat. Expect to have to brush and groom a Labradoodle regularly.
- Exercise: These are high energy dogs. They can need one to two hours of walking or play each day.
- Nutrition: Adult Labradoodles will need one to three cups of dry dog food per day. A Labradoodle puppy will need around half that amount. This depends on the size of your Labradoodle, so you may consult your vet for more specific amounts.
- Training: They love to please their owners, and many of them are just as smart as either of their parent breeds. Obedience training is key for a Labradoodle puppy, so start early with positive reinforcement.
How to Choose a Responsible Labradoodle Breeder
Since this is a relatively new breed compared to other dogs, it’s best to buy a Labradoodle from responsible, knowledgeable Australian Labradoodle breeders. They will have the expertise to produce well-behaved, well-tempered Labradoodles.
Breeders should be testing their dogs for common health problems, and should know the genetic profile of their breeding dogs. If possible, schedule a visit with your breeder and request a meeting with the parents of the puppy you plan to buy. You’ll be better able to gauge the temperament of your puppy based off of this meeting.
Labradoodle FAQ
Can Labradoodles be left alone throughout the day?
No. It is usually not a good idea to leave them alone throughout the day. Both of the parent breeds are high energy dogs that need lots of mental stimulation. They need lots of enrichment and company throughout the day.
Do Labradoodles make good guard dogs?
No. While they may occasionally bark to alert their owners of approaching strangers, they will not behave aggressively to defend their territory. This fun-loving and friendly breed will more than likely welcome a stranger into the house.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Labradoodle
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
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