Labradoodle Facts and Information
Photo credit: Eden Valley Manor
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
Jobs for labradoodles:
Guide dog, Assistance dog, Therapy dog
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 Allergies
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 dande2r 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.
Size
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 | 22-26 inches | 22-26 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 |
Color
You will find Labradoodles in a wider range of colors than Goldendoodles: white, cream, tan, coffee, brown, red, grey, or black.
Coat
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.
Temperament
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.
Care
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 Concerns
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.
