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September 18th
Labradoodle’s blend two of America’s favorite dog breeds into one perfect package. Affectionate, cuddly, and high energy, Labradoodles are one of the best dog breeds for families.
They have a reputation for being cuddly, warm dogs that love affection. But there’s a lot more to Labradoodles than their adorable exterior.
Labradoodles are an extremely smart, curious, and active dog that loves to interact with other dogs and humans. They can also be a bit stubborn, and don’t like to be bossed around.
If you’re thinking about adding a Labradoodle to your family, here are some things you may not have heard about the breed.
Labradoodles are often advertised as completely hypoallergenic. Although the breed often causes fewer allergies than many other dogs, not all Labradoodle’s are completely hypoallergenic.
There are a few different coat types seen in Labradoodles, each of which is a bit different when it comes to allergies. Here are the most common coat types:
Straight fur
This coat type sheds more than the others, so it’s not a great option if you have bad allergies. It’s also not quite as popular, as most breeders prefer Labradoodles with curly fur.
Wavy fur
This coat type sheds a lot less than straight fur, making a great option for people who are sensitive to allergies.
Curly fur
The most popular coat type among Labrador breeders, curly fur is as close to hypoallergenic as you can get. It produces few odors and also rarely sheds.
If you have bad allergies, try to find a Labradoodle with a curly coat. They shed the least of any coat type, and their fur usually doesn’t smell, provided you groom them regularly.
Like Labs, many Labradoodles will start to shed more toward the end of spring so that they can be ready for the summer heat.
Although this shedding is not nearly as bad as what you’ll have to deal with if you have a Lab, you should still be prepared to clean up the house a bit more as summer approaches.
When people picture Labradoodles, they often imagine fairly small dogs. Although you can certainly find tiny Labradoodles, the breed varies widely in size.
There are four main types of Labrador: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy. You can often find Labradoodles between these sizes as well.
Standard Labradoodles are usually around two feet tall, and weigh around 65 pounds. Medium Labradoodles usually weigh in at around 45 pounds, and are a few inches under two feet tall.
With Miniatures, you can expect your dog to be around 25 pounds and 15 inches tall. Toys weigh in the range of 10 to 15 pounds, and are usually about a foot tall.
Labradoodles of all sizes have a similar temperament and demeanor. However, you should consider that they are high energy, active dogs that can be a handful when they grow to full size.
If you get a Standard Labradoodle, you’ll likely need at least a small fenced yard for them to run around and burn off energy. If you don’t have the space, you may be better off with a smaller Labradoodle.
Labradoodles have a reputation as energetic, smart, and social dogs. They love to interact with humans and other animals, and are at their best in social environments. And they’re also giant balls of soft fur that love to give you hugs.
Although Labradoodles are rarely aggressive, behavior does tend to vary a bit between dogs. That’s because cross breeds tend to be a mixed bag, with more variation in personality than pure breeds.
Why are Labradoodles such good dogs? It’s because of their parents. They come from two of the smartest, friendliest dog breeds: Labrador Retrievers and Poodles.
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the country, prized for their smiley, friendly demeanor and high energy levels. They’re the ultimate family dog, forming strong bonds with the humans around them.
Poodles, like Labs, are smart and energetic dogs. Although they’re best known for their curly coats, Poodles are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds out there.
Labradoodles take all of the great traits of Labs and Poodles and wrap them up in one fuzzy and snuggly package.
Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are both half Poodle, so they often have similar demeanors. Although these two breeds do share many traits in common, they are not the same.
Let’s run through the similarities first. Both breeds are high energy dogs that love to run around and play. They also form strong bonds with their families, and are great with children of all ages.
Now the differences. Goldendoodles tend to have a longer coat, as they are half Golden Retriever. They also shed a bit more, and often cause more issues with allergies.
Although both dogs are social, Goldendoodles tend to be a bit more open to strangers. Labradoodles can be a bit more possessive around their family, so it can take a while for them to get used to new people.
All these differences aside, both are excellent dog breeds that make a great addition to any family. When it comes down to it, the main difference between the two is looks, so chose the one that you like best!
Labradoodles are half Lab, which means they have a lot of built up energy. They love to run around and play, making them great exercise partners.
Your Labradoodle will need at least half an hour of exercise per day, and even more when they’re young. They make great running partners, and they also like to jog along as you bike.
Since Labradoodles like to run around, they’ll need a decent amount of space. If you live in a house without a yard, make sure to take them somewhere to run off leash.
Labradoodles inherited a love of swimming from Labs. Nothing makes them happier than jumping in the lake or pool. Just make sure to dry off their coat to keep it from smelling after they swim.
Since Labradoodles are also part Retriever, they’re always game for a round of fetch. Although not quite as athletic as Labs, they still enjoy sprinting around and chasing objects.
Labradoodles are a fairly long lived dog breed, with many living up to 14 years. They are generally happy and healthy dog breeds.
That said, there are a few common health problems seen in Labradoodles. As a crossbreed, they are a bit more likely to have health issues than Labs or Poodles. Here are a few things to look out for:
Ear Issues
Labradoodles have big, floppy ears. You probably love them, but so do bacteria. Try to regularly clean out your dog’s ears to prevent infections.
Hip Issues
Cross breeds are more likely to have hip issues, Labradoodles included. Over time, hip issues can make moving difficult, and potentially lead to lameness.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is still rare in Labradoodles, although it’s seen a bit more often than in other breeds.
Diabetes
Like Labs, Labradoodles can put on weight quickly if you overfeed them, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Thyroid Problems
Labradoodles are a bit more likely to have thyroid issues than other breeds.
Labradoodles have fairly similar feeding needs to other dogs, although the amount of food will vary depending on the size of your dog.
In general, you should avoid feeding your Labradoodle consistently throughout the day. That’s because they are at a slightly higher risk for gastric torsion, a condition where the stomach rotates around in the abdominal cavity.
Labradoodles have become increasingly popular in recent years. After all, who could say no to those big eyes and floppy ears?
One downside of this rise in popularity has been an increase in the number of puppy mills and backyard breeders.
These breeders care little for the health of their puppies, and are only interested in making a profit. They often raise their Labradoodles in cramped conditions, with little access to sunlight or food.
If you’re considering buying a Labradoodle, make sure you do plenty of background research on the breeder. Read reviews from other buyers, and try to visit the breeder if possible.
Keep in mind that a Labradoodle from a reputable breeder will cost you more than one from a puppy mill. But the savings just aren’t worth it when they come at the expense of a puppy’s wellbeing.
Labradoodles are social, friendly dogs that are great with kids. But they do have a bit of a stubborn streak, and they can be a bit headstrong at times. That’s likely due to their Poodle heritage.
To deal with any behavioral issues, make sure you train your Labradoodle while they’re young. This will help form a strong bond, and make it easier to get their attention when they’re being difficult.
You should also consider taking your dog to an obedience class. This will help teach them basic commands, as well as show them how to behave in the company of others.
When it comes to training, Labradoodles are a dog owner’s best friend. Their curious, engaged demeanor means they learn quickly when you teach them commands.
They also form strong bonds with the humans around them. They love to make you happy, which makes training a whole lot easier for you.
Like any dog breed, Labradoodles do best if you start training them while they’re young. They tend to learn faster, and haven’t had the time to form bad habits yet.
Don’t get us wrong. Any dog breed is going to take plenty of work and commitment, as well as a significant financial investment. That said, Labradoodles are a fairly low maintenance dog breed.
Most Labradoodles have a short, wavy coat that sheds less than that of many other dogs. This means brushing will be much easier, as dirt and dust won’t build up under long fur.
Although many Labradoodles will shed a little, they don’t shed nearly as much as Labs. This means you won’t have to spend hours vacuuming the endless amounts of hair off your furniture.
At Uptown Puppies, we connect you to some of the best Labradoodle breeders and companies around.
We only work with breeders who follow strict ethical standards when raising their dogs. That means you’ll never get a Labradoodle from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Visit our puppy finder for more information.
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