The Labradoodle is one of the most popular designer dog breeds around, and its existence wasn’t an accident.
As its popularity increases, so does the demand for it. There’s a lot any potential pet parent can gain from owning the Labrador Poodle mix, and that’s beyond its exceptional looks.
If you’re interested in this hybrid or considering it, take a look at these 15 interesting facts about Labradoodles, most of which are guaranteed to make you go crazy (the good kind).
You will also get some basic information on this breed, its origin, and how to get or adopt a Labradoodle puppy.
Labrador Poodle Mix: Labradoodle History
The Labradoodle is a designer breed that crosses two highly popular breeds: the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.
Though it may seem like this hybrid has been around for as long as its parents, however, it is new.
This mix originated in Australia in 1989 when a man named Wally Conron began the first crossbreeding of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle.
At the time he started the crossbreeding, he was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia.
Sultan was the name of the first Labradoodle coming out of Conron’s work. It took some time for the public to accept this new breed, but that happened when Sultan succeeded in his responsibility.
This breed is now very popular and is considered the most popular Poodle mix. It is also one of the most popular designer breeds.
Labradoodle Mix Dog Breed Information
| Height | 21 to 24 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 65 pounds |
| Coat Type | Wool, fleece, hair |
| Coat Colors | Gold, apricot, caramel, cream, black |
| Temperament | Friendly, intelligent, playful |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 14 years |
| Ideal For | New and experienced pet parents, allergic people |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Puppy Price | $1,500 to $2,000 |
Labradoodle Puppy – Before You Buy
| Health | High |
| Grooming Need | Low |
| Friendliness | High |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | High |
Facts About Labradoodles You Should Know
1. The Labradoodle was bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs
The main aim Wally Conron had in mind when crossbreeding the Labrador Retriever and Poodle was to get a designer dog with the coat of the Poodle and the service personality of the Lab.
In a way, the aim was achieved. Labradoodles are employed as service dogs, especially for the visually impaired.
They also fall under the list of dogs that are advisable for allergy sufferers.
However, because it is a designer breed, you can’t have a fixed expectation.
Some Labradoodles don’t shed because they got that from the Poodle gene, making them very hypoallergenic.
Others lean towards the Labrador Retriever and shed like crazy. This becomes a gamble that many allergy sufferers may not want to risk.
That said, if you’re a lover of the Lab but can’t own one because of your allergies, this mix is your best alternative.
2. They have some other ancestors
The first Labradoodle bred in Australia came to be referred to as the Australian Labradoodle.
In the breeding process, Wally Conron didn’t limit himself to only Labradors and Poodles.
He also threw in some Cocker Spaniels (both American and English), Irish Water Spaniels, and Wheaten Terriers.
Some experts also speculate that the Curly Coated Retriever was involved. The main breeds were the Poodle and Labrador Retriever, however.
Other Labradoodles bred in America and Europe were more limited to Poodles and Labradors (and some other generational breeding) without getting any other breed in the mix.
As such, the Australian Labradoodle might look slightly different from the European bred and American bred versions.
3. They are not recognized by any major kennel club (for now)
The major kennel clubs tend to recognize only purebred dogs, and they make no exceptions even for popular hybrids like the Labradoodle and even the Maltipoo (a Maltese Poodle mix).
Therefore, you can’t register your Labradoodle under the American Kennel Club or any other.
That might change in the future as the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association continue with multigenerational breeding.
This means they don’t stop at crossing a Poodle with a Labrador. They can cross two Labradoodles, a Labradoodle with a Poodle or a Labradoodle with a Labrador.
The objective is to get a standard appearance and temperament for this hybrid.
This mix’s popularity has been one of the major stumbling blocks to this objective, ironically enough.
Because this hybrid has popular parents and is also famous, it gets into the hands of puppy mills and disreputable breeders.
A lot of measures have been put in place to stop this act, and we might be seeing a registered Labradoodle in some years.
4. The Labradoodle comes in three sizes
Like all “doodle” dogs, the size of the Labradoodle depends largely on which Poodle was used.
The Poodle comes in three recognized sizes: The standard, miniature, and the toy Poodle.
There is the Teacup Poodle, but the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize it as a type but classes it under the Toy size.
These differences show up in the Labradoodle. If a Standard Poodle was used, the offspring will be a big dog.
The miniature Poodle will produce a medium Labradoodle while the toy Poodle will produce a miniature Labradoodle.
In general, here are the sizes of each:
- The Standard Labradoodle weighs between 50 and 65 pounds with a height of 22 to 24 for the male and 21 to 23 for the female.
- The Medium Labradoodle weighs between 30 and 45 pounds with a height of 18 to 20 for the male and 17 to 19 for the female.
- The Miniature Labradoodle weighs between 15 and 25 pounds with a height of 14 to 16 inches for both males and females.
5. Labradoodles are good family dogs
This mix has a good foundation to draw from when it enters a family setting.
Its Labrador Retriever parent is the most popular dog breed in the United States because of its personality. The Poodle is also popular and is the 2nd most intelligent dog breed.
A combination of those two high-value dog breeds makes the Labradoodle one of the best designer breeds to have as a family dog. It is intelligent, playful, and easygoing with everyone.
The Labradoodle also love kids, though might be too energetic for smaller children. They get along with other pets as well.
The mix enjoys making friends and will want to introduce itself to everybody it meets.
You’d need to train it to not be overly enthusiastic with everyone as that may scare some people off. Fortunately, the Labradoodle is easy to train.
6. They are adaptable, but not always advisable for an apartment.
This breed knows how to adapt to different families. It can be a companion to a single person and ease off loneliness just as much as it would be a humorous family member in a big family.
However, urban dwellers may have some issues with this mix. Its size and energy might be too much for an apartment.
If you live in the city and want to own a Lab Poodle mix, your best option would be the Miniature size.
It is easier to handle and should be given enough exercise so it won’t turn out destructive.
7. This mix is very energetic
Speaking of exercise, the parent breeds were both workers—at least that’s the case for the Standard and Medium.
Thus, they are energetic and love having activities to do. For the pet Labradoodle, this means sufficient physical and mental activities.
Generally, a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes of exercise will be sufficient for the Labradoodle. Don’t be surprised if yours seem to want more as there is no set rule for it.
That said, do not overexert this hybrid or it can collapse out of exhaustion. That’s an issue the Labrador Retriever has.
Swimming is one activity that can flow well. Both the Poodle and Labrador Retriever were employed as water retrievers.
Thus, they know how to swim and enjoy it. This ability will be passed down to your hybrid. You can also take it for a jog.
Because the Labradoodle is an intelligent dog breed, it needs a lot of mental activities. These activities should be both interesting and challenging.
8. They are not suitable for new pet parents
This hybrid is good for first-time pet parents, so if you want to start your journey in the world of dog ownership, the mix is one of your best options.
Just like its parents, it is intelligent and willing to please. You don’t need to be very firm with this breed.
This doesn’t give you a free pass to be complacent, though. Any badly trained dog can become a societal nuisance, and the Labrador Poodle mix is not an exception.
Train it as you would a stubborn dog, but with lesser firmness. Be consistent in training too, and use a lot of positive reinforcements to get it to co-operate.
9. They love food (feeding)
One good form of positive reinforcement that can work with this hybrid is dog treats because it loves food.
There’s hardly any picky Labradoodle alive, and anyone you find is an exception to the rule.
You shouldn’t have any problems getting your dog to eat. It might even remind you when it is hungry.
There’s a dark side to its love of food, and that is obesity. Labradoodles are prone to being obese, just like their parents (especially the Labrador Retriever).
As such, you should ration the meal and not let your pooch close to the kitchen.
It shouldn’t be free-fed too. 1 to 2½ cups are recommended for the Labradoodle, fed twice a day.
Recommended:
Complete Guide To Nutrition For Your Dog
10. They come with a unique coat
The major attractiveness of this breed is its coat. Both parents have different coats, and when combined it gives the Labradoodle a unique coverage.
The Labradoodle’s coat is generally single and curly. The curls should be straight and loose, not thick and fluffy. It comes in three textures: the hair coat, wool coat, and fleece coat.
The hair texture is similar to what you’d find on shedding breeds, but it is the least popular on the Lab Poodle mix.
This is probably because it sheds and has a dog odor, disrupting the original hypoallergenic plan. Breeders don’t always give it much preference.
The wool texture is better in terms of being non-shedding and odor-free. It looks a lot like what you would find on a sheep.
The fleece is silky and similar to that of an Angora goat. It is also non-shedding.
Grooming the Labradoodle is not a hard job, regardless of which coat texture it has.
Of course, each coat texture has its specific requirements, but generally, you can brush the coat about once or twice each week.
The hair coat Labradoodle will need more baths than others, but they all should be minimal.
Also brush its teeth, clean its ears and trim its nails regularly.
Related:
20 Curly Haired Dog Breeds That Are Totally Gorgeous
11. Labradoodles are good therapy dogs
In addition to being a guide dog for the blind that they were originally bred for, the Labradoodle also makes a good therapy dog.
It can be trained to help people battling depression, PTSD, autism, anxiety, and other issues.
Some qualities make some dogs better for therapy than others. A good therapy dog should be friendly, gentle, confident, patient, and able to make people feel at ease.
It should also enjoy human contact and feels no atom of wariness towards strangers. This breed has all these qualities and more.
12. But, they are not usually good for security purposes
There is nothing in the Labradoodle that makes it suitable for guard dog duty.
Though it might want to protect its family, it isn’t wary towards strangers, an essential attribute for a guard dog.
The hybrid also doesn’t have an intimidating look, nor would it strike fear in the hearts of anyone.
Some of them can be watchdogs, however, but that’s because they bark in excitement when they meet someone.
Even then, other dog breeds would do better jobs in security than this breed.
13. They have got some celebrities as fans
Labradoodles are not only popular amongst everyday folks. Many celebrities also love this breed and are pet parents of it.
Amongst these celebrities, we have Neil Young, Graham Norton, Jeremy Clarkson, Christie Brinkley, Barbara Eden, and the current U.S. president Joe Biden.
14. They are cute and lovable
You can’t help falling in love with this breed. With a wonderful temperament, lovely appearance, and high intelligence, no wonder it is popular.
15. The Labrador Poodle mix is a healthy breed
Like many other designer breeds, the Labradoodle is a healthy breed and boasts a long lifespan.
It is expected to live up to 14 years, and some can live longer than the average.
That said, no breed is impervious to disease, regardless of status. To take care of your mix properly, you should know the illnesses it is vulnerable to. They include:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia both manifest in the same way but affect different joints.
They are also both genetic and can be avoided by making sure dogs with hip dysplasia don’t get bred.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone fits badly in the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia occurs at the elbow when it develops abnormally.
Symptoms of both include reduced activity, a reluctance to exercise, swaying while walking, and pain. They can lead to arthritis and even lameness.
Ear Infections
Both the Labrador and Poodle have floppy ears, so naturally, the mix will inherit them. While the ears are cute, they can lead to infections.
You can prevent this infection by cleaning your dog’s ears regularly so they won’t become moist. Be observant too so you can detect any symptoms.
These symptoms include odor, redness in the ears, and your dog frequently itching the affected ear.
Allergies
Like humans, Labradoodles can be allergic to some substances. This allergy can either be caused by food, contact with some substances, or inhaling pollen or dust.
Symptoms include frequent sneezing, discomfort, and red spots. Identifying the responsible allergens is the best way to ease off the pain.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is tied to the nervous system and is usually inherited, though that’s not always the case.
Seizures are the major manifestation of epilepsy, and they can either be mild or severe.
A dog suffering from seizures will stagger, run around aimlessly, fall, foam at the mouth and even lie still.
It is frightening and has no cure, but proper medication can help reduce the chances of seizures.
Dive Deeper:
What Toxins Can Cause Seizures In Dogs? Be Careful!
Diabetes
Diabetes in dogs is caused by the same issues as in humans: an imbalance in blood sugar. This often happens because the dog lacks insulin.
Symptoms of diabetes include excessive urine, thirst, and loss of weight.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye condition that causes the gradual destruction of the retina, a major part of the eyes.
PRA can’t be treated and eventually leads to blindness.
Exercise-induced collapse
Remember what we said about not overexerting your Labradoodle? It is to avoid exercise-induced collapse.
It might sound banal, but this illness is critical. An affected dog can die within 25 minutes.
How Much Does a Labradoodle Cost?
Thanks to its popularity, getting a Labradoodle puppy isn’t difficult. Budget within the price range of $1,500 to $2,000 if you want to shop and lesser for adoption.
Then, get searching for the best breeder or rescue shelter around you. Avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders or you may end up with an ill-bred puppy.
There are some internet resources we would share that can be useful but make your findings.
Where to Find a Labradoodle Puppy for Sale or Adoption
If you prefer to shop for this breed, websites like the PuppySpot and Crockett Doodles are a good start.
These hybrids are also sometimes abandoned in rescue shelters for reasons best known to the past owners.
If you prefer adopting, then websites like Happyoodles and We Love Doodles are a good start.
Are Labradoodles smart or dumb?
Both parents of the Labradoodles are amongst the top 10 smartest dogs in the world.
The Poodle is the second smartest dog while the Labrador Retriever is ranked seventh on the list.
Not surprisingly, the mix is smart too, which is one quality that makes it easy to train.
Why are Labradoodles so hyperactive?
Labradoodles are social and energetic dogs with working spirits. As such, they should be exercised regularly to prevent them from getting restless and destructive.
A hyperactive Labradoodle might be bored or lacking exercise.
Can Labradoodles be aggressive?
Labradoodles have no aggressiveness in them or even the wariness of strangers.
Any member that becomes aggressive or wary has behavioral issues. What’s more, this breed makes a poor guard dog because of its friendliness towards everyone.
Wrap Up
Owning a pet is fun, and getting a Labradoodle is even more so.
This guide designer breed has fast become a much-loved family dog, and that’s why we’ve regrouped so many interesting facts about this ever-popular hybrid.
From its exceptional looks to its personality, the Labradoodle has established itself as a good family dog.
Ensure you get a healthy pup from a reputable breeder, and commit to its welfare. You’d not regret it.
