Labradoodle FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most important frequently asked questions about Labradoodles. Browse through these common questions about Labradoodles to find helpful answers.

Can you breed two Labradoodles?

You can absolutely breed two Labradoodles! In fact, this is a pretty common practice. When two Labradoodles are bred, it typically results in a Labradoodle litter with more consistent traits. This is helpful for weeding out undesirable traits, like the straight coat type. With this practice, you probably won’t see dogs that strongly resemble a Lab or a Poodle, but something more reliably in the middle. This type of cross is also known as an F2 cross.

What is an F1B Labradoodle?

This is when an F1 Labradoodle (50% Poodle, 50% Labrador) is crossed with a Poodle. This creates a pup with stronger Poodle characteristics. This cross is usually best for owners with allergies because the Poodle coat does not shed very much. This will also likely yield a curlier coat, as opposed to the straight or wavy coat.

What is an F1 Labradoodle?

An F1 Labradoodle is the first litter of Labradoodle offspring in that family line. This cross is made with a purebred Labrador and Poodle. This cross will produce the common characteristics seen in Labradoodles but does not always yield consistent results overall. With this cross, it’s possible to see dogs of the same litter with different coat types and possibly even different behavioral characteristics. Breeders often take the F1 Labradoodle and cross it with another F1 or Poodle to further refine their desirable traits.

What is an Australian Labradoodle?

Australian Labradoodles are bred a little differently than American Labradoodles. American Labradoodles only come from Labradors, Poodles, or a cross of the two. In contrast, Australian Labradoodles introduce other breeds to the mix to acquire the desired traits. These others breeds added to the cross are typically Cocker Spaniels or Curly Coat Retrievers. Like the American variety of Labradoodle, it may take several generations of crossbreeding to achieve the desired result.

These dogs look similar to their American counterparts, but with minor differences that may be indistinguishable to the untrained eye. It’s possible that this breed sheds less than the American Labradoodle because of the other curly-coated breeds that are interwoven. It’s also possible to have temperaments that resemble Cocker Spaniels. Often times, dogs that have a variety of breeds in their lineage have fewer issues with genetic diseases because their gene pool is a little deeper. Of course, there is so much variation with the Australian Labradoodle that any of these traits can vary according to a breeder’s preference.

What is a Miniature Labradoodle?

This dog is like the Standard Labradoodle, only smaller. It is bred by crossing a Labrador with a Miniature Poodle. This dog is noticeably smaller than the Standard Labradoodle and typically weighs somewhere between 25-45 pounds on average. It is also around 14-17 inches tall. Besides the size difference, there are usually no other differences in appearance or personality, compared to the Standard Labradoodle. Some owners believe that smaller dogs bark more and are less friendly, but these factors are largely dependent on breeding.

How much does a full-grown Labradoodle weigh?

Labradoodles are big dogs that weigh around 50-65 pounds.

How big is a Labradoodle?

Labradoodles grow to around 21-24 inches tall. Male Labradoodles tend to be a little bigger than their female counterparts, but only by an inch or so.

How big is an Australian Labradoodle?

Australian Labradoodles are between 21-24 inches. They weigh between 50-65 pounds. They are typically no different in size than the American Labradoodle.

How big is a Medium Australian Labradoodle?

The smaller version of the Australian Labradoodle is 17-20 inches tall. They weigh between 30-45 pounds.

Do Labradoodles have an odor?

Labradoodles, like any other dog, are capable of getting stinky. But, like the Poodle, many owners report that this breed has a very mild odor when it comes to stinky dog smell. Proper grooming is necessary to keep your dog looking and smelling fresh. However, excessive bathing can dry out delicate skin and lead to discomfort. Try to limit baths to once every few months, unless they have gotten excessively dirty.

Regular brushing can also help with redistributing skin oils throughout the length of the fur. It also prevents painful mats. Oral hygiene is often overlooked in dogs, but regular brushing with special toothpaste can help keep a Labradoodle’s breath fresh.

Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic?

Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic. This myth is perpetuated because allergy sufferers seem to have a lessened allergic response to this breed than others. This is mostly because the Poodle lineage keeps the Labradoodle from shedding excessively, which reduces dander in the home. Some owners find that they sneeze less with a Labradoodle than a dog that sheds a lot, like the Labrador. While this may be a good choice of breed for people who have dog allergies, it does not mean that this dog will not cause an allergic response. If you are considering buying a Labradoodle because you have dog allergies, make sure you test out a puppy by spending time with it before you take it home to see if it causes an allergic reaction.

How much does a Labradoodle cost in Australia?

The cost for a Labradoodle can vary from breeder to breeder. Keep in mind that an unskilled or inexperienced breeder will charge less for their services. Don’t be fooled by a low price, because you will receive an inferior product. Prepare to spend around $2,500 for a well-bred Labradoodle pup. Fortunately, this price often comes with medical checks and vaccinations.

How many years do Labradoodles live?

On average, Labradoodles live between 12-15 years. This is pretty standard for dogs of this size. However, proper diet and hygiene can extend a dog’s years and quality of life.

Do Labradoodles shed?

Yes, Labradoodles shed. However, they do not shed as much as many dogs, thanks to their special coat. Labradoodles can come with different kinds of coats and some shed more than others. A straight-haired Labradoodle is rare because it is less favored, due to high shedding. A wavy-coated Labradoodle will shed a little. A curly-coated Labradoodle sheds the least of the three types. These are often considered virtually “no-shed” dogs, but like any canine, expect to see a little fur on the furniture. The amount of visible shedding can also be reduced by frequent brushing to remove dead hair. This way, it’s collected in the brush, instead of on your clothes.

What do Labradoodles eat?

Because of their size, Labradoodles need to be on a diet that is made for large dogs. Large dog formulas tend to have more carbohydrates and lower protein to fuel their big bodies. Even though Labradoodles don’t tend to gain excessive weight, it is still important to follow proper feeding guidelines. Every dog food bag will tell you how much food is appropriate for your dog’s weight. Your dog should stick to a feeding routine and not be allowed to graze on their food freely.

When it comes to dog foods, some formulas are better than others. Dry, crunchy foods are good for keeping a dog’s teeth clean. Formulas with complex carbohydrates will also keep your dog energized for longer. Dog foods with glucosamine are also beneficial for Labradoodles because it supports healthy joints in active dogs.

Labradoodles are often susceptible to food allergies so you may need to try several different formulas to find one that works best with your dog’s body. When it comes to dog food prices, the cheaper brands use more fillers and lower quality ingredients than the more expensive brands. If you can afford it, aim for the middle-range or higher quality dog foods.

What do Labradoodles look like?

Labradoodles come in many coat types, sizes, and colors. The Standard Labradoodle is the largest (think Standard Poodle-sized) followed by the Miniature Labradoodle and Toy Labradoodle. They also have cute, floppy ears and long tails. This breed typically has a medium-length, wavy coat, or a short, curly coat. These dogs can be white, black, brown, blue, silver, red, brindle, or a combination of these colors. A Labradoodle’s fur can become pretty shaggy when left to its own devices, so most owners opt to have their Labradoodle’s coat groomed, especially around the face. Not only does it give them a clean-cut appearance, but it helps keep long fur out of sensitive areas like the eyes.

What should I look for in a Labradoodle?

Because it can be difficult to notice certain traits in puppies, taking a good look at the breeder’s business is a good place to start. A knowledgeable, experienced Labradoodle breeder has the skills to produce pups with the right traits. If your breeder’s facilities are clean, they don’t produce too many pups in a short amount of time, and they have their pups checked out by the vet (and expect you to, too), those are some good indicators that the breeder cares about their work. Ask your breeder if she has genetic health clearances on the parents, too. The parents’ health is a good indicator of how the pup will turn out.

When you get the chance to meet the pups, look at the ones that are in the middle of the pack. An overly excited, bossy puppy might be cute, but these behavioral traits may make the dog more unruly as an adult. Similarly, the sweet, loner in the corner may garner sympathy, but it could become an anxious adult. The ones that play together, but are also fine chilling out on their own are good picks. When it comes to the dog’s health, a veterinarian can give you a better idea about the overall health of the pup.

What are the different coats a Labradoodle might have?

There are three different types of Labradoodle coats. The wool coat is the curliest. These coats are typically shorter because curly hair can become matted easily. This is the coat type that most owners go to if they’re looking for a dog that sheds very minimally. This coat is favored by allergy sufferers or owners looking for a dog that doesn’t smell bad. Many times, this coat is achieved by crossing the Labradoodle with a Poodle or other curly-coated breeds.

The second coat type is fleece. This is a wavy coat that is usually worn a little longer than the wool coat. This coat does not shed very much, but it sheds more than the wool coat. The fleece coat is silky and soft to the touch.

The third coat type is hair. This is a straight coat that is usually avoided by breeders. This coat type sheds much more than the other two types and is not good for allergy sufferers. This coat is longer than the other types. However, it is rather rare to see this coat type in a Labradoodle because the wool and fleece type are preferred for this breed.

How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?

Labradoodles are energetic, active dogs that require plenty of exercise. For starters, this dog does best when it can be walked twice a day. However, a long walk might not be enough to satisfy this breed’s energy requirements. Along with physical exercise, this smart breed needs mental exercise. Playing games like fetch can satisfy both of those needs at once.

While your dog is housebound during the day, make sure you have enough toys available to your dog to keep it entertained. Chew toys and “puzzles” filled with treats can keep a bored dog from destroying your home.

Many Labradoodles like to swim, which is another great way to burn off some extra energy. Dog parks are also a good place to let your dog run around while allowing it to socialize with other dogs.

What are the Labradoodle’s traits?

The Labradoodle gets its intelligence from the Poodle side of the family. These dogs are smart and easy to train. These dogs love to learn new tricks because it makes them feel like they have an important job to do. Unfortunately, this means that an untrained Labradoodle can become unruly because they made their own rules. This is why regular obedience training is necessary. These dogs are also very friendly with both people and other dogs. This makes them a great family pet because they get along with everybody, even children.

This breed is very fun-loving and active. They love to play games and run around the backyard with their owners. They can fetch, swim, and play with other dogs for hours. But, if they’ve received all the exercise they need, they can also be very calm and cuddly.

Labradoodles are often used as service dogs because they are obedient and are sensitive. This means that they are very keen to pick up on non-verbal cues from their owners. They may get upset easily if they are scolded, but they are also encouraged by positive responses. They seem to be able to pick up on how their humans are feeling, which makes them excellent therapy dogs.