Labradoodles are a “designer breed” of dog that is a cross between a poodle and a Labrador retriever. They sometimes resemble stuffed animals with their sweet faces and curly coats, and their friendly temperaments make them popular pets.
The breed was created in Australia in 1989 by a man named Wally Conron. He originally crossbred the two dogs to create a service dog for a woman whose husband was allergic to the standard Labrador retrievers that are used as guide dogs. Today, they are highly sought after around the world as family pets.
Owning A Labradoodle: 3 Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great family dogs Labradoodles — while recently bred — have rapidly gained popularity. A big reason for their growing popularity is the breed’s incredible temperament. Labradoodles are affectionate with families and generally do very well with kids. | Exuberant These dogs can be very excitable. This means they can jump around and generally roughhouse, which can make them a difficult breed to manage around children. |
| Less shedding Labradoodles were first bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs. This cross-breeding means that Labradoodles often have less shedding than their retriever lineage. However, this doesn’t mean that shedding isn’t a concern with Labradoodles. | Uneven shedding While Labradoodles diminish their retriever lineage, they will still shed. If any house members have allergies to retrievers, you’ll want to ensure that a hypoallergenic dog like a Labradoodle doesn’t still have outsized impacts. |
| (Generally) easy to train While all dogs are different, Labradoodles are generally easy-to-train dogs. However, they are an intelligent breed, so be prepared for independence and some stubbornness while training. | High-energy Labradoodles require a good amount of exercise, with young Labradoodles requiring several walks per day. If you’re looking for a more sedentary breed, a Labradoodle may not be right for you. |
Size
Labradoodles can weigh anywhere from 50 to 65 pounds.
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Standard labradoodles should stand about 24 inches tall for a male and 22 inches tall for a female. Both sexes can weigh anywhere from 50 to 65 pounds.
For medium labradoodles, both males and females should stand from 18 to 20 inches tall and weigh 30 to 45 pounds.
Mini labradoodles should be about 15 inches tall and weigh up to 25 pounds.
Common Health Issues
This breed may be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
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Because they are a crossbreed, these dogs can be susceptible to the most common health issues for both Labrador retrievers and poodles. While buying from a reputable and well-established breeder lowers this risk, it’s still smart to be aware of the potential health problems your dog could have in the future.
In particular, they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. These are joint disorders that happen when the hip or elbow joint is not formed properly. The bones of the joint do not fit together smoothly, and the joint eventually deteriorates, which causes pain and loss of movement.
They may also be at risk for progressive retinal atrophy, which is a degenerative eye disease that ultimately leads to blindness in the dog.
Temperament And Behavior
The Labradoodle does best with plenty of mental stimulation and engagement.
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These dogs are extremely intelligent, incredibly friendly, and full of personality. They are deeply intuitive and social dogs, and these traits mean that they typically do best in active environments with plenty of mental stimulation and engagement.
They have naturally curious and energetic personalities, so they often make great companions for children or adults with active lifestyles. They require a considerable amount of exercise, and they should be given plenty of toys and puzzles when at home so that they do not become bored or restless.
Labradoodles are easy to train and can learn behavior modifications and tricks very quickly. They are also able to adapt well to various types of environments, but it is important to socialize them well as puppies so that they begin using this adaptive trait at a young age.
How To Take Care Of Labradoodles
Labradoodles are said to thrive when fed an all-natural raw diet that contains a healthy mix of fats, proteins, and veggies.
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Food And Diet
As with most dogs, many pet owners say that their labradoodles thrive when fed an all-natural raw diet that is a healthy mix of fats, proteins, and veggies.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to follow a raw diet, you can still find good kibble options that will keep your labradoodle healthy and happy. It’s important to buy food that has a healthy amount of carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle support, veggies for fiber, and supplements like fish oil and calcium for bone health.
Puppies should be fed on a regular schedule to ensure that they get enough calories and nutrients for healthy growth. Foods that are rich in calcium are especially important for both puppies and mini breeds because they need plenty of bone health support.
To find the most appropriate food for your labradoodle, it’s recommended to work with your vet to formulate a feeding plan that keeps your dog healthy and happy.
Maintenance And Grooming
Labradoodles do not shed, but they still require maintenance and should be regularly groomed.
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These dogs are one of the few furry breeds that specifically do not shed, which means that people with allergies are often able to tolerate them much better than other dogs.
Despite the fact that they do not shed, they do require semi-regular maintenance. They should be groomed regularly so that they stay comfortable. This includes fur trimming, nail trimming, brushing, and an occasional bath.
Though for many owners, it is best to take them to an experienced professional groomer so that he or she can properly shape the fur and shave delicate areas.
Training
As mentioned before, this is a highly intelligent breed. They learn quickly, and they have the perfect personality for complex trick training if you desire.
The labradoodle’s inquisitive nature and energetic disposition make these dogs easy and fun to train.
Exercise
Labradoodles are a high-energy breed and should get a good amount of exercise, or else they can become bored or restless.
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These dogs are a fairly high-energy breed, so they must get an appropriate amount of exercise. They can become bored or restless somewhat easily, and this can lead to unwanted behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging.
On average, they do best when they get at least an hour of exercise every day. This includes walking, playing games, and learning tricks. They like active environments, and they do well in situations that have plenty of open space in which to run around and play.
Puppies
Labradoodle puppies are eager to please, and a consistent training routine will be helpful.
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These puppies are often laid-back, playful, and eager to please. The best adult labradoodles are ones that were consistently well-trained from puppyhood, so potential owners need to understand that raising a labradoodle puppy will require a serious time commitment.
New owners should do plenty of research and consider enrolling their puppies in training classes early on so that they can get the most enjoyment out of their new furry companion.
Labradoodles And Children
Labradoodles are excellent with children. They are a very people-focused breed, and they are both playful and easygoing. Their high-energy nature often pairs well with younger children, and they are extremely sweet and loyal companions throughout their lives.
Dogs Similar To Labradoodles
- Golden retrievers: They share a similar appearance and temperament. They’re sweet, intelligent, trainable, and well-suited to family life.
- Labrador retrievers: These dogs also share a very similar temperament and energy level. They’re highly intelligent, trainable, and great with kids. They shed more than labradoodles.
- Standard poodles: Like labradoodles, poodles are a low-shedding breed. They are extremely smart and obedient. They take time to warm up to new people, but they are friendly and loyal to their families.
Famous Labradoodles
Labradoodles are a relatively recent breed, but that hasn’t stopped celebrities from shopping up these incredible canines!
- Jennifer Aniston has a Labradoodle.
- Tiger Woods is the proud owner of not one… But two labradoodles named Riley and Yogi.
- And finally, Christie Brinkley has discovered the joy of Labradoodles. Her dog, named Maple Sugar, has graced the cover of several magazines.
