Labradoodle
Labradoodles are one of the world’s most interesting breeds of dog – except they’re not really a breed at all. They’re actually what’s called a “crossbreed.” This means they’re one part Labrador Retriever and one part Poodle (either Standard, Miniature or Toy).
But Labradoodles aren’t simply a combination of characteristics from those two breeds. Instead, “Doodles” are unique dogs with traits and personalities all their own.
Have you recently brought a Labradoodle into your home, or are you thinking about purchasing one? We’ve created a complete resource with info on the history of the Labradoodle as well as everything you need to know about their health and care. You’ll find our detailed Labradoodle breed guide below.
First, here is a quick visual overview of the Labradoodle:
You can also listen to our audio experience of the Labradoodle Overview here.
History
Dogs have been devoted human companions for at least 15,000 years. But Labradoodles have been around for only a few decades. They’re actually one of the newest types of dogs to exist!
The term Labradoodle was first coined in 1955. However, it was about 30 years later before the Labradoodle story really began.
In 1988, Australian dog breeder Wally Conron became the first person to successfully and purposefully cross the two parent breeds. He did this at the Royal Guide Dogs Associations of Australia in Victoria. In fact, today certain types of Labradoodles are also known as Australian Labradoodles.
Conron’s interest in Labradoodles was both noble and complicated. He wanted to create a hypoallergenic service dog.
People with physical and mental challenges often rely on service dogs for a variety of help. The problem is when that person, or someone close to them, is allergic to dogs. A dog allergy can cause undue discomfort and sometimes prohibits the use of a service dog entirely.
Specifically, the Labradoodle was inspired by a Hawaiian woman named Pat Blum. She was blind and needed a Seeing Eye Dog. The only problem was her husband. He had a terrible allergy to dogs. Pat wrote to Wally Conron, because he was the head of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. In her letter, she explained her problem and begged for help.
Service Dogs and Dog Allergies: A Challenging Combination
A service dog needs to be strong, smart and even-tempered. At the same time, a hypoallergenic dog should shed as little as possible. Most people who have dog allergies aren’t allergic to the dog’s hair. Instead, they’re allergic to the dander. These are loose scales which form on the skin. When an animal sheds hair, dander rides along and is released into the environment. The more shedding, the more dander.
Conron thought the combination of a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever would be the key to success. Both breeds were energetic, athletic and highly intelligent. Plus, Poodles have short hair and minimal shedding, both of which are key hypoallergenic properties.
Conron got to work, and his success was almost immediate. His first litter showed a lot of promise, especially with one dog named Sultan. This first generation Labradoodle was smart, strong and more than capable of becoming a great guide dog. Sultan was also hypoallergenic.
Sultan became a successful guide dog for Pat Blum for the next 10 years. Her husband’s allergies weren’t bothered by the dog’s presence. By all accounts, Sultan was a great success.
This success inspired other breeders to try creating their own Labradoodles. Unfortunately, not all of these other attempts have been as successful as Sultan.
Labradoodle Successes & Failures
Today, Labradoodles are very successful guide, service and therapy dogs. They’re strong, intelligent and reliable. They’re just not always hypoallergenic.
Sultan turned out to be a best-case scenario. Basically, all dogs have dander, including Labradoodles. Sensitivity to dander is different in every person. The hypoallergenic aspects of Labradoodles are too inconsistent to make them suitable for people with dog allergies.
This inconsistency is an important – but not always desired — element of crossbreeding. Basically, not all Labradoodles are the same. Labradoodles have an incredible variety in their size, traits and even hair type. Let’s take a look at how this works:
What Makes Each Labradoodle Unique?
Crossbreeding.
Remember, Labradoodles aren’t a breed. They’re a hybrid breed. Dogs which are crossbred in this way can have unpredictable traits. This is because crossbreeding is less of an exact science than many people think it is.
Some Labradoodles look and act a lot like Poodles. They’re intelligent, quiet and loyal. Other Labradoodles resemble Labrador Retrievers. They’re athletic, playful, energetic and even a little rowdy. Many Labradoodles, however, are completely one-of-a-kind. They’re a unique collection of a variety of traits found in both parent breeds.
There are two ways to crossbreed Labradoodles:
First generation – These Labradoodles are bred from a Poodle and a Labrador. This method maximizes genetic diversity. Ideally, potential inherited health problems can be minimized or avoided.
Multigen– These are Labradoodles whose parents were both Labradoodles as well. These successive generations are attempts by breeders to establish Labradoodles as a new dog breeds. Dogs created this way are called Multigen or Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles may also have additional breeds in their line such as Spaniels and Terriers.
There is no one type of method which is inherently better than the other.
The Future of the Labradoodle Breed
Experts are divided as to whether Labradoodles will ever become an official breed. Some Labradoodle fans enjoy the diversity of the dogs, and feel that could be negatively affected by continued Multigen development. Also, health problems could develop in the breed across generations which will then become difficult to remove.
Others feel the Multigen method will lead to official breed recognition. In turn, this will lead to a better understanding of the breed. Positive traits might be more consistently displayed. This could even lead to an increase in hypoallergenic traits.
Regardless, at least for the foreseeable future, Labradoodles are going to remain predictably unpredictable. Let’s take a more in-depth look at what this means by discussing some of their traits.
Labradoodle Hair Type
One of the most obvious differences between Labradoodles is their hair.
First, their hair can be basically any color. Some of the more common types are caramel, chocolate, crème, red, silver and black. Labradoodle hair has three wave levels: straight, wavy and curvy.
Hair type is broken down into three (very broad) texture categories. They are:
- “Hair” – This is a longer coat often seen in first generation dogs. Hair coats will shed. Not that Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, but a Hair coat is going to produce the most hair and dander.
- “Wool” – This coat is denser. Similar in texture to lamb’s wool, this coat hangs down off the dog in loose curls. There’s less shedding with this coat, as well as less “dog smell.”
- “Fleece” – This silky texture is the softest coat. There’s minimal dog smell.
The differences between coats can be vast, even within the same litter. Because not all Labradoodles have the same type of hair, not all Labradoodles can be groomed in the same way.
Labradoodle Grooming
At first, figuring out how to groom your Labradoodle can be a challenge. You’ll probably want to ask your dog’s breeder or vet for some tips specific to your dog’s needs. Still, there are some general guidelines which can help any Labradoodle:
Grooming at Home:
Many Labradoodles, especially those with more Poodle-like coats, are prone to mats. Many people think mats are simply clotted hair, but they’re actually much worse. Mats are dead, loose hair which can become entangled with the animal’s coat. If you don’t remove mats they can harden like a stone.
Don’t try to wash mats away with a bath. Shampoo and water will only make mats bigger and harder. The best way to remove mats is with a dry brushing.
The best type of brush to use is a double-toothed comb. This is the one with both short and long teeth. With a double-toothed comb, you can get to mats at their source. Here’s how:
- Place your dog on one side. You’ll start at the tail end. Push the coat upwards. This should be away from the direction the hair naturally grows in.
- Mats form at the skin, so that’s where you need to brush. Place the comb against the skin and brush outward. Be careful not to pull too roughly, but use enough “elbow grease” to remove the mat. If the mat is especially stubborn, you might use an open pair of scissors to gently separate the mat. As a last resort, you might have to gently cut the mat out.
You’ll want to brush your dog at home every day or every other day. Regular brushing prevents mats. A mat you prevent is one you don’t have to remove later. Start brushing your dog at a young age. This way they’ll grow up to be comfortable with grooming for the rest of their lives.
Here’s a quick tip about puppy coats: Starting about 10 months, your puppy will shed his “puppy coat” and grow an adult coat. Growing this adult coat will take anywhere from six months to a year. The more you can remove mats, the easier the adult coat will grow in. Another option is to keep your dog’s hair short during this transition period.
Professional Grooming:
Your Labradoodle will need to visit a professional groomer about every two to three months. Finding the right groomer can be tricky. Quite a few groomers have never even seen a Labradoodle! In order to find an experienced groomer, you can ask your dog’s breeder or veterinarian for recommendations.
Some guidelines for grooming:
- Eyes should be unobstructed with hair
- Hair should frame the face
- Beard and ear length should be equal
Of course, there’s no one way to groom a Labradoodle. You and your groomer will have to determine which style works best. This is why it’s so important to find a Labradoodle-friendly groomer.
The groomer will also need to trim your dog’s nails. This is something you can also do at home. But Labradoodles – even well-trained ones – can be hard to handle. A professional will know how to safely and effectively trim the nails of a large dog.
Finally, the groomer may need to give your Labradoodle a bath. Or they may not. Some Labradoodles have a very minimal “dog smell.” This light smell is a trait found in many poodles (making its presence in Labradoodles a testament to the abilities of Conron). You might not necessarily want your dog to have a bath at every trip to the groomers. With their tendency to mat, unnecessary baths might actually do more harm than good.
Regular grooming will keep your pet happy. A thick coat can be uncomfortable, especially in warm weather. Long hair can obscure vision and affect hearing. Uncut nails can break and impair mobility. Not all types of dogs require regular grooming, but Labradoodles are definitely ones who do.
Labradoodle Traits
Poodles have three size categories: Standard, Mini and Toy. The type of Poodle used in the first generation of crossbreeding will determine the size of the Labradoodle. The three categories for Labradoodle size are:
- Standard – Males are between 22 and 24 inches in height. Females are between 21 and 23 inches. Both weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.
- Mini – Males are between 18 and 20 inches tall while females are between 17 and 19. These dogs weight between 30 and 45 pounds.
- Toy – Both sexes are between 14 and 16 inches high. Both also weight between 15 and 24 pounds.
Labradoodles are lots of fun. Like a Labrador Retriever, Labradoodles are energetic and love to play. Like a Poodle, they’re also smart and athletic.
No matter what combination of first-generation traits your Labradoodle has, there’s one thing you can count on: Your dog will need lots of regular exercise.
Labradoodle Exercise Needs
There’s an easy way to know if your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. He’ll tell you! He’ll let you know by chewing on your shoes, chewing on your furniture, barking, jumping up and otherwise misbehaving.
Regular exercise is a necessity with Labradoodles. Your dog will need at least 20 minutes of reasonably intense activity twice a day. This can be a pretty big commitment. Your dog will need exercise even if you’re tired, the weather’s bad or it’s otherwise inconvenient.
Ideally, you should have a fenced yard. This gives your Labradoodle a safe place to run and play. Plus, a yard is certainly very convenient.
If you don’t have a yard, there are still plenty of ways you can exercise with your furry friend. As long as you’re willing to commit to at least some of these activities on a daily basis, your pet will be happy and healthy.
Walks and Hikes:
Depending on where you live, you can take your dog along on all sorts of adventures. If you live near the great outdoors, your pet will probably enjoy hikes in the wilderness. Even if you’re far from civilization, you don’t want to let your dog get too far out of your sight. He could surprise wild animals or become lost. Many people keep their dogs leashed even when in remote areas. This is usually the most responsible way to hike with a dog.
If time or geography prevents you from hiking, a simple walk around your neighborhood will work just as well. You want your Labradoodle to work up a slight pant. This is a sign he’s exerting himself enough. Obviously, you don’t want to push your dog too hard, but a low level of exertion is healthy.
For both walks and hikes, you want to bring along the proper supplies. Don’t forget fresh water, a water bowl and some food. If you’re going out for a longer period of time, you might want to also bring along a dog jacket.
Toys & Games for the Labradoodle
Labradoodles are usually pretty smart. This makes playtime fun. Fetch is always a favorite, of course. But an intelligent dog can also play more complex games. For instance, you could try a dog obstacles course.
These let your dog run, jump, balance and more across a series of contraptions. Even better, obstacles engage your dog’s mind while also engaging his body. You can build a small course yourself or look for places online.
Swimming with the Labradoodle
Many Labradoodles love to swim. This is likely a trait from the Labrador Retriever. If you have a spot where your dog can swim, he’ll likely enjoy it quite a bit. Just make sure the body of water is still and free from hazards. You also want to avoid any bodies of water which are iced over, even if the ice is thick. If an accident occurs and your dog falls into cold water, go for help. Many people make the mistake of trying to reach their dog only to fall in themselves.
Labradoodle Care
Aside from regular exercise, there are a few other ways you can help keep your dog healthy.
Diet:
You, your breeder and your vet will work out the exact type of diet which is best for your dog. Aside from a food brand recommendation, you’ll also need to know how many calories your dog should eat each day.
For puppies, divide the number of calories in the puppy food by the required number of daily calories. Then split this across three meals.
After three days, if your puppy eats all of his food, add five percent more to each meal. Repeat this process, if necessary, every three days. Your puppy might never leave food in his dish. That’s okay as long as you and your vet are monitoring his weight gain.
After about a year, your puppy will begin to enter adulthood. His appetite will likely slow somewhat. You should now switch to twice daily feedings. Feed one-third of the total daily calories in the first meal of the day, and feed the remaining two-thirds in the evening. This will be your dog’s feeding schedule from now on.
Training:
Without training, Labradoodles can be very unwieldy. They’ll jump on people, bark and otherwise be a 50 pound whirling ball of fur. Fortunately, Labradoodles are usually pretty smart. This makes training relatively easy.
You’ll want to train both at home and with a professional in a class. Class work helps your dog socialize with both other dogs and people. Plus, you’ll learn techniques which will help you continue your training at home.
Remember, these dogs are often successful service and assistance dogs. Their general receptiveness to training is one of their best features. With patience and know-how, you can usually train your Labradoodle to perform very complex tasks.
How to Select a Labradoodle Breeder
Labradoodles are popular dogs. Unfortunately, this means unscrupulous “puppy mills” often try to sell Labradoodles in order to make a quick profit. A puppy mill is a place where dogs are treated only as a source of income. Health conditions are poor.
You’ll have to pay attention to what you see and hear while buying your puppy. You’ll also have to pay attention to what you don’t see and hear. Here are some red flags:
- The breeder won’t let you see the facilities.
- The breeder has no information on the dog’s parents (or even if the breeding was first or multi-generation).
- The facility is dirty or in a non-traditional structure, such as a private home.
- The breeder offers no after-purchase guarantee.
When you buy from a reputable breeder, you’re starting a relationship which will last for years, if not for the dog’s entire life. Be wary of any breeder who seems eager to get your money and get you out the door. Instead, you want a breeder who is informed, compassionate and readily available. View our reputable breeders list
A Labradoodle and You…
…might just be the perfect pair. If you’re willing to provide a forever home and all the right care, you can make a Labradoodle happy and healthy for life. They’re intelligent, strong and playful dogs – each one with a personality all their own.
Labradoodles make great service dogs, therapy dogs and, of course, they also make great pets. These unique dogs have a fascinating history you can be a part of. A Labradoodle can be a wonderful addition to your family.
You may find these resources useful…
Images sourced from www.windsorcreeklabradoodles.files.wordpress.com and www.adorabledowneastlabradoodles.com.
