About the Breed: Labradoodles

Summary

Labradoodle photo courtesy of Little Country Labradoodles

photo courtesy of Little Country Labradoodles

Height:
14"-26" (Miniature, Medium and Standard sizes)

Weight:
25-75 pounds (Miniature, Medium and Standard sizes)

Colors:
white, cream, tan, coffee, brown, red, grey and black

Best features:
kid-friendly, clever, friendly, low-shedding


 

A Labradoodle is a mixed-breed dog, the product of breeding a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Labradoodles were originally bred in Australia, and Like the Goldendoodle, are a perfect solution for challenged folks needing a companion that wouldn't agitate their allergies, the Labradoodle's low shedding coat has made them a family favorite since their appearance in the early 1990's.

About Allergiesjump to top of page

Most Labradoodles are low-shedding, so if you and/or your family members are mildly allergic to dog hair, you may have found the perfect pet (aside from fish!). However, if dander and/or saliva are your allergens, any hairy pet who licks their coat may be trigger allergic reactions. If your family has more severe hair allergies, a backcrossed Labradoodle (F1-B) might be the answer for you.

Sizejump to top of page

Labradoodles have three size categories, depending on the size of their Poodle parent. As you'd guess, a Standard Labradoodle is a medium/large dog that is parented by a Standard poodle, the largest of the poodle breed. Miniature Labradoodles have a Miniature or Toy Poodle parent. Medium Labradoodles fall between these two sizes.

Just like their coat color and texture, a Labradoodle's size cannot be predicted. They can grow to be larger than either parent, sometimes nearing 90 pounds. Still, most adult Labradoodles fit within the ranges below:

 

Standard Labradoodle
  Female Male
Height 23-26 inches 23-26 inches
Weight 45-60 pounds 55-75 pounds

Medium Labradoodle
  Female Male
Height 18-21 inches 18-21 inches
Weight 40-50 pounds 45-55 pounds

Miniature Labradoodle
  Female Male
Height 14-17 inches 14-17 inches
Weight 25-40 pounds 35-55 pounds

Colorjump to top of page

You will find Labradoodles in a wider range of colors than Goldendoodles: white, cream, tan, coffee, brown, red, grey, or black.

Coatjump to top of page

Labradoodle's coats are either the fleecy Retriever-shag (though a bit shorter), or a soft wooly Poodle-curl. Their coat is typically full and soft and grows to 3"-4", though backcross Labradoodles usually have a 4"-7" coat.

Temperamentjump to top of page

Labradoodles have the best of their parents' temperament. They are devoted, playful, obedient, kid-friendly and clever like both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Very easy to train, Labradoodles are social and enjoy the company of people and other dogs. They're comfortable with either city or country life, as long as they have your good company.

Carejump to top of page

Moderate exercise is sufficient for a Labradoodle, likely of a daily fetch game with a long walk. Grooming is a rare task. A longer-haired Labradoodle will need a good brushing once or twice a week, but a shorter-haired or clipped Labradoodle will only need brushing twice a month.

Health Concernsjump to top of page

As a mixed breed dog, Labradoodles are healthier than either of their parents, aren't prone to any canine diseases of major concern, and have a life expectancy of 13-15 years.

CHD, PRA, vonWillebrands Disease (vWD), elbow and patella disorders are possible, and breeders commonly test for hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease and vWD.