Just as the name suggests, Miniature Labradoodles are basically smaller versions of the standard sized breed. They are hypoallergenic and hardly shed. They are energetic, intelligent, and friendly. They do well in apartments, larger homes, and fenced in backyards. They make good family pets because they are good with children. Since these guys are a little smaller, there isn’t as much of a concern that they’ll knock small children over while playing. They are capable of learning many commands and are easy to train.
Breeding
There is no one way to breed a Miniature Labradoodle. Generally, Labradoodles are simply a cross between a Labrador Retriever and Poodle, or two Labradoodles. However, Miniature Labradoodles are a bit more complicated. Breeders may cross a Labrador with a Mini or Toy Poodle, but this does not guarantee that the result will be Mini Labradoodle sized. Sometimes, another breed is added to the mix. For example, a Lab may be crossed with a Cocker Spaniel to create a smaller dog. This dog is then crossed with a Miniature Poodle. This results in Labradoodles that are more predictable in size.
A lot of times, a Labrador-Poodle cross is bred with a Poodle, making the Labradoodle 25% Labrador and 75% Poodle. The crosses with more Poodle lineage result in a dog that sheds less. A 50/50 Labrador-Poodle cross will shed noticeably less than a Labrador, but it may not be the best cross for hypoallergenic reasons. From there, different generations of Labradoodles can be crossed to give these dogs different features. Always choose a knowledgeable breeder, because if the dogs are not bred properly, it can result in genetic disease.
General Appearance
The Mini Labradoodle is considerably smaller than the average Labradoodle. As an adult, they stand somewhere between 14 and 17 inches tall. However, different crosses can result in different sizes. Females weigh around 25-40 pounds and males weigh about 35-45 pounds. Even the Minis are leggy and trim. This breed isn’t one to overeat, so they should always look lean. You can tell if your dog is at a healthy weight if they have a clear tuck in their waistline or if you can feel their ribs with light pressure, without being able to see their ribs.
Coat
There is some variation in the Mini Labradoodle coat. It can have slightly wavy and silky fur, or it can be denser, curly, and more wool-like. Their coat sheds very little, and the curlier their coat, the less likely they will shed. Labradoodles come in a wide variety of colors. They can be white, yellow, silver, cream, brown, and black. They can even be a combination of these colors. This dog will need some grooming to keep their coat in good shape. The silky coats are typically kept longer, and the curly coats are cut a little closer to their body.