Could the Labradoodle be the perfect match for you?
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of smart, social and cute, then the Labradoodle just might be the pup for you! Here’s everything you need to know about one of Australia’s favourite breeds.
Breed Snapshot
- Size Medium-large dog (23-45kg)
- Coat Considered to be non or very low shedders. Take your dog to a groomer every 4-6 weeks!
- Energy Very energetic dog. They need at least a one hour walk daily! Ideally, an hour walk in the morning and one in the evening.
- Lifespan 12-15 years
- Country of origin Australia
- Breed type Labradoodles are the crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a poodle. Temperament: They’re known for their intelligence, affection and being social.
- Other names Doodle
Great breed for
• Family dogs
• Therapy dogs
• Can live in apartments! Just make sure they’re getting enough exercise and play.
What is a Labradoodle?
Wally Conron, an Australian native who started cross breeding Labs and Poodle, takes credit for the first Labradoodle! The name “Labradoodle” came about in 1955, but didn’t gain popularity right away. These dogs are great for people with allergies and are now considered a standard family dog. Breeders in Australia have also gone on to develop the Australian Labradoodle which also includes spaniels in the mix. Because Labradoodles are a mix between two different breeds, they generally have less health issues compared to other dogs.
What do Labradoodles look like?
Because Doodles are a hybrid of two other breeds, their appearance can vary from litter to litter. Some puppies take on more Poodle-like characteristics while others more Lab-like ones. Their fur can range from wiry to soft and they often sport beachy curls and waves.
You can find Labradoodles in a few different colours including chocolate, cafe, cream, red, black, silver, apricot and blue. Sometimes their coats will be solid or they can have abstract markings or tri-colours. On average, Labradoodles are about 51-66 centimeters tall and weigh 23-45kg.
What makes the Labradoodle special?
Labradoodles are a great option for people who suffer from dog-related allergies! But, they’re not always hypoallergenic. There are actually three different types of coats: straight, wavy and curly. The straight coat is the one that sheds the most and is avoided by many breeders. The wavy coat also known as the “fleece coat” has very minimal shedding and you can expect beachy waves. The curly coat has dense, thick curls and has minimal odor and is non-shedding.
How often do I need to groom my Labradoodle?
Because Labradoodles have various coat types, they can have different maintenance needs. Dogs that have shorter coats don’t need as much attention. A good brushing one to two times a week will suffice. For Doodles with thicker coats, you can take them to a groomer every 4-6 weeks! It’s recommended to clean their ears weekly and make sure to trim their nails. If you don’t feel comfortable with nail trimming, a groomer can do that for.
How often should I walk my Labradoodle?
Labradoodles can be a very high-energy dog. They require regular physical and mental activity to keep them healthy and happy! They need about one hour of exercise daily. This includes walking, running or hiking as well as playing with toys or in your backyard. It’s equally as important to mentally stimulate and challenge your Doodle so they don’t get bored. You can do this by playing fetch, playing with toy balls and other dog toys.
How do I train my Labradoodle?
It’s important to start training your dog right away, whether they’re still a puppy or older. Overall, Doodles are easier dogs to train as they’re very intelligent and social. It’s best to use positive reinforcement such as praise, treats and a happy tone of voice. These dogs are people pleasers and eager to learn new skills and tricks. The best place to start is training your puppy on a leash and teaching it to play fetch. This will help for when they want to play and go on walks.
Pet Cloud offers dog training classes in blocks of six-week, one-hour sessions with registered trainers. The trainer will come to your home and use positive reinforcement techniques in line with RSPCA guidance to teach your puppy.
Quickfire Labradoodle Questions
How long will my Labradoodle live?
The typical lifespan of a Doodle is 12-15 years.
Can my Labradoodle be left alone during the day?
In general, larger dogs can be left home alone but they need more space to feel comfortable. If you’re going to work for 8 hours, it’s recommended you take your Doodle for a good walk beforehand to help get some energy out. Overall, their separation anxiety is very mild but it depends on the dog. If your Doodle has a tendency to be destructive due to boredom while you’re out, you can train them to stay in a crate in the meantime!
Are Labradoodles “barkers”?
Labradoodles are considered moderate barkers. They don’t normally bark without reason or being provoked. If barking is an issue, you can train your pup not to bark!
What kind of health risks do Labradoodles face?
Overall, Labradoodles are a healthy dog. Like many animals, they still have disposition to certain diseases. A few common health conditions are hip dysplasia, joint dysplasia and congenital eye diseases. As a means of prevention, you can take your pup to the vet for checkups every now and then!
Where can I get a Labradoodle?
Now’s the moment where you’ve made your decision to get your own Doodle! This is great. You have two options: you can adopt or go through a breeder. You can check out the RSPCA’s adoption guide for more information.
If you’re wanting to buy your Labradoodle from a breeder, make sure the breeder is responsible and not supporting puppy mills. The RSPCA also has a handy guide for finding the right breeder.
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