9 Things You Didn’t Know About Labradoodles (and the breeder might not tell you)

You consider adopting/buying a Labradoodle? Or you already have this high-energy bundle of joy at your home?

I am sure you are familiar with the fact that Labradoodle is a crossbreed between Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. This designer dog is one of the most popular crossbreeds in the western world. Regardless of the popularity and plenty of available information, there are still some things which maybe you don’t know and the breeder might not tell you.

High-Priced Mutt

Labradoodle is a dog that is a result of two different purebred dogs such as Poodle and Labrador Retriever. So technically, Labradoodle is a mutt by definition.

Plenty of people refuse to call any of these designer dogs as mutts because mutt is a mix of two different breeds but in most cases, the parents are of unknown breed. In Labradoodle’s case, we perfectly know the parents’ breed.

On the other hand, the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t include Labradoodle in its list but only purebred dogs. Although this crossbreed is not recognized, the International Australian Labradoodle Association, along with the Australian Labradoodle Association and the Australian Labradoodle Association of America try to make a breed standard and to bring all breeders together.

Regarding price, you can expect to pay around 2000$ for a Labradoodle puppy at a reputable breeder. Depends on the location, competition, breeder popularity, the price may go up to 4000$.

There are also puppy mills and amateur breeders ( which are not recommended places for you to buy your puppy) where you can get a Labradoodle at a significantly lower price such as 500-1000$.

In comparison with purebred dogs, Labradoodle is a rather expensive pet. If you want to buy a Labrador Retriever the average price is somewhere between 500-1000$ and in the case of a Poodle, you would give some more money, between 700-1200$.

Another thing with crossbreeds such as Labradoodle is that there is no predictability. You can test a mother ( probably Labrador Retriever) for genetic issues and test a father ( a Poodle ). Both results may turn out good, but you cannot know how those good genes will cross in your Labradoodle.

There is no guarantee for that. So no ability to trace the genes. Bottom line you are paying more (in some cases twice or even more) for a dog that doesn’t have AKC papers and for which nobody can tell you what possible health issues and genetic defects may appear.

The price and the fact that there is no predictability are some of the cons of having a Labradoodle as a pet. But this dog has great marketing, many celebrities have one so many people might think that they are paying extra money for a special mix that is worth it. I am not saying, it’s not, just bringing up the facts.

Labradoodles Are Easy To Train

Being a mix of Lab and Poodle, makes Labardoodle perfect dogs for training.

Poodles are very smart ( one of the 5 smartest dog breeds ) dogs and Labrador Retrievers are quite smart too but they have another great feature.

They have a high desire to please you, to make you happy. That is why it’s so easy to train Labs. Poodles, on the other hand, don’t have such a great wish to please you but when you mix those two you get a dog (in most of the cases) that is clever and ready to listen and learn your commands.

Overall – Labardoodle is considered as easy to train dog.

Labradoodles Are Hyperactive

Labradoodles are dogs with a super high energy level. You might get into the trap and call them disobedient and destructive but before labeling them like that, note that these dogs require a lot of exercises.

Physical activity and good playtime may help with burning off energy. Help them to channel all that energy into more desirable conduct.

If you ask yourself, where all that energy comes from, the right answer is ”from the genes”. Poodles are originally bred to be hunting dogs ( they were hunting birds before they became fancy show dogs).

Labradors on the other hand are classic working dogs, bred for physically demanding jobs, like all other working breeds. They have a lot of energy, the same as Poodles.

Labradoodle puppies and younger adults ( up to 3 years old) will be more active than older dogs but in some cases even dogs older than 3 or 4 years don’t calm down, keeping the same level of energy.

Besides physical activity and playtime, do provide mental stimulation for your Labradoodle to keep him busy. Lack of proper mental stimulation and exercises as well as boredom may cause destructive behavior.

Also, make sure you train your dog from an early age. It is very important for your Labradoodle to learn good canine manner on time.

Labradoodles Come In Different Sizes

”One size doesn’t fit all”. This is true when it comes to Labradoodles. They come in different sizes. The size of a Labradoodle depends on a Poodle parent type. Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle can be used for a mix.

So you can find Mini, Medium or Standard Labardoodle.

  • Mini Labradoodle’s weight is between 15-30 pounds.
  • Medium Labardoodle’s weight is between 30-45 pounds (this type is the most common)
  • Standard Labradoodle’s weight is between 45-65 pounds ( dog of this type is considered a large dog)

If you have a particular size on your mind, talk about this with your breeder. Every reliable breeder with share the correct information with you and tell you how big your potential dog will be when grows up.

Unfortunately, many people don’t think about the Labradoodles size at the moment they buy the dog.

They expect a much smaller pet and when he grows up and his size doesn’t match their wishes, leave him in a shelter or elsewhere so the good people from animal rescue centers must find a new home for a poor thing.

The same happens because of excessive energy these dogs have. People simply see the Labradoodles as stuffed animals like dogs and think that they will be sleeping near them on the couch for the whole day.

When they realize how much exercise and training sessions they need, some of them give up, leaving them in the rescue centers. Very sad. This is something that can be prevented if people have the right information about the dog they plan to buy.

Labradoodles Come With Different Coats

Another feature that confirms the rule: with crossbreeds you never know what you get. Besides the fact the Labradoodles come in different sizes, they also come with different coats.

Everything depends on how the genes crossed but you can get a Labardoodles with Lab like coat or Poodle like coat or something in the middle.

Hair coat – the dog has a straight coat also known as a hair coat or flat coat. The Labradoodle with a hair coat inherited a coat from a Labrador parent.

Fleece coat – is something in middle between Lab and Poodle’s original coat. It has a soft texture and can have a wavy or soft spiraling look.

Curly coat – is just like Poodle’s original coat. Very dense and thick curls, not so soft. You can keep this coat long or short but must be clipped every 6-8 weeks and regular weekly brushing is required.

There is a great variety of coat colors as well. Chocolate, cream, apricot, caramel, red are just some of the tones.

Labradoodles Are Hypoallergenic. Yes or No?

First of all- there is not such a thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. Every dog may cause an allergic reaction in humans.

Poodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs as they have a single coat ( instead of a double coat as many other breeds) and shed very little to none.

But the allergy triggers are not only hairs but also saliva and dander.

As any other crossbreed with Poodle, Labradoodle is also promoted as a hypoallergenic dog which might be the truth but it doesn’t have to be.

Before you buy a Labradoodle puppy, it is recommended to take a hair and saliva sample and to test it. Only that way you will find out if you are ( or somebody else from your household) allergic to your dog.

Some general rule is that a Labradoodle with straight hair will shed more than other Labradoodles but most probably will shed less than his Labrador parent. The least will shed the Labradoodle with a curly coat.

Breeders do the following thing to make even less shedding puppy. A Labradoodle marked as F1 has purebred Lab and purebred Poodle as parents which means he is the first generation of Labradoodles.

A puppy marked with F2 is an offspring of two Labradoodles. But a Labradoodle marked as F1B is a puppy of a Labradoodle and Poodle. This puppy has the best chance not to shed at all as he is 75% Poodle and only 25% Lab.

Labradoodles Are Excellent Swimmers

Since Labradoodles are bred from two water breeds – Labs and Poodles, most of them enjoy being in or around the water.

Of course, not all dogs are the same. Will your dog love water depends on how early and how often he will be exposed to water.

You can start as early as possible. When your puppy comes to your home you can fill the small baby pool or a tube with a few inches of water. That can be a good start.

Always bear in mind that exposure to water should be simple to your pup. This means that he can easily get in and get out from the water.

If you want to make your Labradoodle more interested in water and swimming make a game of it. Dogs like to play games and have fun with water.

No matter how confident your Labradoodle becomes with time, never leave him unattended when in water. Safety comes first!

Labradoodles Are Prone To Allergies a Bit More Than Other Dogs

All dogs are prone to allergies but it is said that allergies are extremely common in Labradoodles.

Most Labradoodles will have experience with some of the three main allergies – Food, Environmental and Flea allergies.

The allergic reaction occurs when a dog comes into the contact with an allergen, his immune system overreacts causing the release of histamine from allergens which further leads to an allergic reaction.

Signs of allergies in Labradoodles are inflamed and red skin, itching, diarrhea.

The most common type of allergies are Skin allergies or Allergic Dermatitis which can be caused by food, flea, or something for the environment such as pollen for example.

Consider all types of allergies as something serious as your Labradoodle can go into anaphylactic shock which may end up fatal if not treated on time. This is very rare situation but still, you should be aware of how dangerous dogs allergies can be.

Labradoodles Can Be Great Service/Therapy Dogs

Labradoodles were originally bred to be guide dogs for blind people with allergies. As being a mix of Poodle that is a very smart dog and Labrador Retriever that is a highly responsive and trainable dog, Labradoodle is perfect to be service dogs.

Labradoodles are easy to train, adaptable and affectionate dogs which makes them excellent companions to the families and individuals with special needs.

As they are available in a range of sizes, Labradoodles will easily fit in any home ( even though they can live is small apartments, Labradoodles will generally be happier to live in a house with a backyard)

Labradoodles can be very good :

  • Autism service dogs
  • Medical assistance service dogs
  • ESA dogs ( Emotional Support dogs)
  • Psychiatric service dogs
  • Seizure alert dogs
  • PTSD service dogs
  • Peanut allergy service dogs

If you need a service/therapy dog visit this website Country Labradoodles – service therapy dogs

Final Thought

Labradoodles are crossbreed so therefore not recognized by American Kennel Club. However, they can be rather expensive pets.

These loyal and affectionate dogs are great family companions, easy to train, and easy to love! They adore water and will enjoy swimming if you give them opportunities.

They require a lot of exercise on a daily basis as they have a lot of energy to spend. If left without physical activity and mental stimulation, these clever and cuddling dogs will turn into destructive and aggressive mutts.

As being a crossbreed, puppies don’t come uniformed but in different sizes, shapes and colors. If you have a specific request about that, do talk with a breeder before purchase.

If you or someone you know need a therapy or service dog, Labradoodle is perfect for that task. Find a trained Labradoodle at some reputable breeder.

Never buy a dog at puppy mills/farms and avoid pet shops. If possible save a life by adopting the dog from a rescue center or shelter. Many good dogs are waiting for a second chance there.

Good luck !

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