The Labradoodle is a Labrador Retriever Poodle mix. This hybrid can go by a few different nicknames, such as the Labradorpoo, Labrapoodle, and Labbidoo, to name a couple.
Labradoodles come from two great dog breeds and inherit many awesome traits from their parents, making this mixed breed a great addition to any family.
Appearance
This doggo looks like a teddy bear with large, round eyes, long eyelashes, and a saber-shaped tail similar to Labrador’s parent.
Their coat colors vary depending on what color it is; this will affect their nose color. For example, a caramel and chocolate Labradoodle will have a rose or liver-colored nose. On the other hand, cream-colored coats will most likely have black noses. Other colors your Labrador Poodle mix can come in maybe black, silver, apricot, red, gold, or blue.
In addition to the many coat colors, the Labradoodle can have three different kinds of coats. The hair coat is similar to other dog breeds that shed a lot, so this coat isn’t as popular. It can be curly, wavy, or straight. They can also have a wool coat that’s hypoallergenic with tight curls, taking after their Poodle parent. Finally, they can have a fleece coat that’s straight or wavy that’s also allergy-friendly.
Even though this hybrid can have a few different coat types, they all have a single coat, and none are too fluffy or thick.
As if the coat colors and types weren’t enough variety, Labradoodles can also come in three different sizes. Like the Poodle, they can be standard, medium, or miniature, depending on which size the Poodle parent is. Check out their sizes below:
- Standard Labradoodle – 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds
- Medium Labradoodle – 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 45 pounds
- Miniature Labradoodle – 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh between 15 to 25 pounds
With all of that said, your pooch can be suitable for a large home with a fenced-in backyard or an apartment. However, their personality might prefer the former.
Temperament
The Labradoodle is all-around friendly. They enjoy the company of others and will make an excellent family dog. They’re great with young kids, other dogs, cats, and small pets. However, sometimes their excitement gets the better of them, so they might accidentally bump into your child or shove the cat aside.
This mixed dog breed is playful and active, so they’ll enjoy taking long walks and going for hikes and jogs with you. They’re well suited for a family out and about and can take the dog with them on their adventures.
The best part about having a Labradoodle is that they’re eager to please, thus making them easy to train. They will be a great guard dog for your kids or a therapy dog if you’re looking for one.
Caring for your Labradoodle
With proper care and affection, the Labradoodle has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Grooming
Luckily, grooming this hybrid isn’t as involved as you’d think. The coat is fairly easy to manage, so they’ll only need a bath about once every three months. Then, if they get wet and dirty (since they love swimming), all you need to do is wait for the coat to dry and then give them a good brushing.
If your doggo is mostly inside, you’ll only need to brush their fur once every couple of weeks. Otherwise, if they’re mostly outside, then be sure to give their coat a brushing at least once a week to ensure it’s clean.
Diet
Your pup’s diet will vary from other dogs because their age, weight, and activity levels are different. This is why you should work out a meal plan and choose the best high-quality dog food for your pup with the help of your veterinarian.
A general rule is to feed your Labradoodle one to two and a half cups of kibble each day, split into meals. But, of course, you also have to remember that this mixed breed can come in three sizes. So, your dog’s diet will also be dependent on that.
Exercise
Even though a miniature Labradoodle will be okay to live in an apartment, they have moderation to high energy levels. A fenced-in yard will suit them better, and they’ll love running around playing various games such as fetch.
They’ll enjoy agility, swimming, and other activities that will do wonders for their physical and mental stimulation. If your Labradoodle feels like they’re not getting enough attention or have some pent-up energy they need to get out, then they’ll let you know by barking at you.
Ideally, your mixed breed will need at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day.
Health problems
Labradoodles are generally healthy hybrids, but there are still a few health issues you might want to keep an eye out for. Some health concerns may be:
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bringing your doggo to the vet for regular check-ups once or twice a year will be ideal for catching anything.
Where to find a Labradoodle
Unfortunately, Labradoodles may be difficult to find because this is a very popular mixed breed. You can certainly buy them from a reputable breeder, but adopting from a rescue or shelter would be easier to find them. Plus, you’ll be saving a pup and giving them a forever home.
For example, some recuses to consider may be:
How much does a Labradoodle cost?
A Labradoodle may cost anywhere between $500 and $2,500, depending on where you get one. However, if you rescue this mixed breed, you can get one for as little as $300 in some places. Meet Harvey…
Should you bring home a Labradoodle?
So, are Labradoodles the right mixed dog breed for you? If you’re looking for a therapy dog or a companion pup for your family, you can certainly consider this hybrid. Alternatively, if you’re active and you’re able to give this pooch the proper exercise it needs each day, then it seems like it’d be a perfect match.
Labradoodle Photos
Meet Charlie
Beautiful Maple…
Say hello to Sir Coooper
This is Begley…
Similar reading: other Poodle mixes
