5. I’m willing to spend extra money (and time) for occasional grooming.
This dog is pretty low maintenance, but it still needs occasional trips to the groomer. Labradoodles can have different coat types, and some require more work than others. You will need to brush your dog regularly to keep their coat in good shape. The curlier coats may require grooming, as they can be hard to brush when they grow. As long as you aren’t averse to taking the time to make sure their coat is pretty and healthy, this breed’s coat is fairly easy to care for.
6. I keep my household in good working order.
It is important for Labradoodles to have a clear understanding of expectations for good and bad behavior. Luckily, they are smart and easy to train. Just like with young children, if you let them run wild without any rules, they will be more difficult to control when it really counts. These dogs can get excited, so teaching them not to jump on people is a good place to start. Teaching them games like fetch will also help keep you home in good order, because an active mind will deter them from chewing on your belongings.
7. Family is important to me.
Labradoodles are known for being good with children. This is a good breed for teaching children how to behave around dogs because they are quite gentle. Older Labradoodles have even been known to act as “babysitters” because they care about the wellbeing of their young humans.
Even if you don’t have children, it’s important that you treat your dog as a member of the family. They have a strong need to be loved, and want to feel important. They don’t necessarily need constant attention, but they want to spend most of their time with their people.
8. I have plenty of free time.
This breed isn’t necessarily needy, but it requires a lot of attention. If you work fulltime, expect to devote the rest of your time to your dog. This doesn’t mean that the evening hours have to be non-stop play time. As long as they get the exercise they need, they are perfectly content hanging around your feet while you cook dinner, or cuddling up next to you while you read a book. If your evenings and weekends are filled with activities your dog can’t join you on, they will get bored and feel lonely.
All in all, Labradoodles are fairly easy to care for. If the above statements apply to you, you would probably be very happy with this breed. More than anything, this breed needs an owner that is willing to give them all of the love and affection they deserve. If you have the time and energy to address their physical and mental needs, a Labradoodle would be a great addition to your family.
Image sourced from www.manorlakelabradoodles.com.