The labradoodle is a hybrid breed that was created by crossing a Labrador retriever with a standard or miniature poodle. With the Labrador retriever’s fun-loving temperament and the poodle’s intelligence and hypoallergenic coat, this combination has been a popular success. The labradoodle originated in Australia during the 1980s, where a poodle named Harley was crossed with a Labrador retriever named Brandy in an attempt to create a guide dog that could serve a blind woman in Hawaii, Pat Blum, without setting off her husband’s canine allergies. One puppy from that litter passed Mr. Blum’s allergy screenings. This dog was named Sultan, and he was the premier labradoodle on record. Although it is impossible to predict whether or not an individual dog of this breed will be hypoallergenic or possess all of the favored traits of the Labrador retriever, the breed has become a popular family companion. Labradoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. Because it is a mix, physical characteristics can vary from dog to dog. Their coats can vary from soft and straight, to wiry or curly. They’re usually slightly longer than tall, have broad muzzles and floppy, medium-sized ears. There are three sizes of labradoodles, and the size depends on which size the poodle parent happens to be. Miniature labradoodles stand 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 16 to 25 pounds. For a mid-sized option, the medium labradoodle grows to a height of 17 to 20 inches and weighs 30 to 40 pounds. Expect a standard labradoodle to stand tall at 21 to 24 inches and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. Labradoodle coats may appear curly or shaggy, and they come in a variety of color combinations. Labradoodles have ears that hang downward, and their long tails hang downward when relaxed.
Personality
Labradoodles are said to be happy, friendly and affectionate. Most of them thrive on human companionship and form close bonds with their owners. They tend to be very good with children and make great playmates, as they love to play fetch. This dog breed is obedient, loyal and eager to please. They need plenty of exercise, and are happiest when outdoors. They are usually friendly towards other dogs and never aggressive. Labradoodles make wonderful companions and therapy dogs. They inherit likeable qualities from both parents, including intelligence, trainability and playfulness. They are friendly, outgoing and full of energy. As highly sociable dogs, they thrive on human interaction with their families and they greet everyone with exuberance. They get along with children, cats and other dogs, but the pets may be overwhelmed by the enthusiastic need to romp and play. Labradoodles are loyal, gentle, eager to please and affectionate.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Mix |
| Origin: | Australia |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Life Span: | 10-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Doodles |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Labradoodle Build Information
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. Because he is a mix, physical characteristics can vary from dog to dog. Their coats can vary from soft and straight, to wiry or curly. They’re usually slightly longer than tall, have broad muzzles and floppy, medium-sized ears. There are three sizes of labradoodles, and the size depends on which size the poodle parent happens to be. Miniature labradoodles stand 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 16 to 25 pounds. For a mid-sized option, the medium labradoodle grows to a height of 17 to 20 inches and weighs 30 to 40 pounds. Expect a standard labradoodle to stand tall at 21 to 24 inches and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. Labradoodle coats may appear curly or shaggy, and they come in a variety of color combinations. Labradoodles have ears that hang downward, and their long tails hang downward when relaxed.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
Labradoodles are said to be happy, friendly and affectionate. Most of them thrive on human companionship and form close bonds with their owners. They tend to be very good with children and make great playmates, as they love to play fetch. This dog breed is obedient, loyal and eager to please. They need plenty of exercise, and are happiest when outdoors. They are usually friendly towards other dogs and never aggressive. Labradoodles make wonderful companions and therapy dogs. They inherit likeable qualities from both parents, including intelligence, trainability and playfulness. They are friendly, outgoing and full of energy. As highly sociable dogs, they thrive on human interaction with their families and they greet everyone with exuberance. They get along with children, cats and other dogs, but the pets may be overwhelmed by the enthusiastic need to romp and play. Labradoodles are loyal, gentle, eager to please and affectionate.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Very Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Labradoodles require grooming on a regular basis. The breed tends to mat easily if the coat grows out without attention to grooming. A monthly visit to a professional groomer will keep the coat neatly trimmed and tangle-free. Owners should inspect the ears weekly, keeping them clean and dry to reduce the incidence of ear infections. Brushing the dog’s teeth every other day will reduce plaque, prevent periodontal disease and maintain good overall health.
| Colors: | Black, Black & Tan, Blue, Cream, Gold, Gray, Light Brown, Red, Silver, Tan Brindle, White |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Dense |
Labradoodle Common Health Conditions
Labradoodles live an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. The health conditions to be mindful of with this breed match those of Labrador retrievers and poodles, which include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, skin conditions, ear infections, patellae luxation in smaller dogs and cruciate ligament tears in larger dogs.
Labradoodle Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Labradoodles originated in Australia. Labradoodles are playful, social, intelligent and easily trained. They make outstanding family members and lovable companions. Labradoodles comes in three sizes. Depending on the size category, their height ranges from 14 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder, and the weight ranges from 16 to 65 pounds. Labradoodles have a high energy level. Labradoodles require regular grooming. Labradoodles live an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Wet Water rescues: | Yes |
| Assist Disable Owners: | Yes |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
