The Ultimate Labradoodle Dog Breed Guide

The labradoodle is a cross between a labrador retriever and a poodle.

This mix creates a dog breed with a marvellous temperament that is suitable for dog allergy sufferers. For this reason, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in Australia.

Labradoodles came about thanks to a request from a blind woman to the Australian Guide Dog Association for a hypoallergenic guide dog that would not trigger her severe allergies.

The labrador retriever was a proven success as a guide dog but it has a relatively high shedding coat. Other breeds that are hypoallergenic were not suitable to work as guide dogs.

The cross with a poodle was an obvious choice and 29 of the first 31 dogs went on to become very successful guide dogs.

Australian Labradoodles

There is a difference between the labradoodle and the Australian labradoodle.

A labradoodle is a F1 (1st generation) cross between a labrador and poodle. Australian labradoodles may be a blend of up to six dog breeds:

• Labrador
• Poodle
• English cocker spaniel
• American cocker spaniel
• Curly coated retriever
• Irish water spaniel

If you are considering a labradoodle because they are a hypoallergenic dog breed, look for a dog with at least 50% poodle genes. The Australian labradoodle breed is classed as hypoallergenic.

Physical Appearance

Labradoodles are a cute dog breed. They have floppy ears, an athletic body and always look happy to see you.

Because they are a cross breed, their appearance can vary depending on the dogs they were originally bred from.

However, the International Australian Labradoodle Association has developed a breed standard for them, despite the fact they began as two breeds combined.

Size

Labradoodles come in 3 size variations (miniature, medium and standard). This is determined by whether they are crossed with a miniature, medium or standard poodle:

Labradoodle Types	Height	Weight
Standard Labradoodle	taller than 44cms	23kg – 30kg
Medium Labradoodle	44cms – 34cms	13kg – 20kg
Miniature Labradoodle	28cms – 34cms	7kg – 13kg
Standard Australian Labradoodle	taller than 44cms	23kg – 30kg
Medium Australian Labradoodle	44cms – 34cms	13kg – 20kg
Miniature Australian Labradoodle	28cms – 34cms	7kg – 13kg

Coat & Colours

There are 3 coat types for this breed:

• Fleece Coat – This coat is very soft. It can be wavy or curly. It is the easiest coat style to manage.
• Wool Coat – This coat feels like lamb’s wool. It has loose poodle curls and is easier to see their skin.
• Hair Coat – This coat is straight and wiry. It is the type of coat a labrador retriever has.

Fleece and wool coats are considered hypoallergenic as they are both a low shedding coat.

Hair coats shed. This makes it less desirable and not suitable for people with allergies. It is more commonly found in first generation labradoodles.

The labradoodle comes in multiple colours including cream, gold, chocolate and black.

Temperament

Labradoodles are friendly dogs. They love to spend time with both people and other pets. This makes them great family dogs.

They are social and best suited to households where each family member can spend time with them every day.

While they can handle being alone sometimes, they won’t like being kept by themselves in a backyard all the time.

They are an excitable and high energy dog. Play with and exercise your labradoodle every day to keep it happy and healthy.

They are an intelligent dog breed. They appreciate puzzle toys that make them work to get treats.

Like all dogs, labradoodles will sometimes bark. They will alert you when someone is at the door or walking past your house but they are too happy to be aggressive towards them.

What is an F1 / F1B / F2 Labradoodle?

If you want a labradoodle with a hypoallergenic coat that is allergy friendly, it is important to understand the differences below.

They are all a labrador poodle mix but at different levels.

F1

A F1 (1st generation) labradoodle is the result of a labrador retriever and poodle mating. These dogs are closer related to labradors so shed more hair and are not as suitable for severe allergy sufferers. They are usually bigger in size.

F1B

A F1B (aka. back cross) labradoodle is an F1 bred with a poodle. They are more poodle than F1 and therefore barely shed, making them suitable for high allergy sufferers.

F2

A F2 (2nd generation) labradoodle is two F1 dogs bred together. They are still half labrador retriever and half poodle but their genes are mixed more. They shed a minimal amount and are suitable for owners with allergies.

Multi-Gen

Multigenerational labradoodles are 3rd or subsequent generations. This allows more selective breeding with physical or personality traits.

Health

Labradoodles are a healthy breed. They have very few health problems and can live up to 15 years.

Crossbreeding dogs lowers their likelihood of genetic diseases, making them healthier than purebred dogs.

Health Problems

The most common health problems for the Labradoodle breed are ear infections, eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, skin disease and allergies, and Addison’s disease.

If you suspect your pet Labradoodle is unwell, always get it looked at by a vet. Even healthy Labradoodles should be taken to the vet annually for a check up.

Labradoodles as Pets

Labradoodles make great family pets. They get along well with humans and other dogs.

Diet

Feed them a standard diet of high quality dog food. Dry food is best as it prevents tartar build up on their teeth.

Excess treats can lead to weight gain so limit these for special occassions or to use as rewards when training.

Grooming

Most labradoodles have moderate grooming needs.

Labradoodles that don’t shed hair (aka. those with more poodle in them) need regularly brushing to avoid tangles while those that do shed hair (aka. those with more labrador retriever) will need to be brushed regularly to remove loose fur.

It is recommended you take your dog to a professional groomer every six weeks to have their hair washed, trimmed, nails cut, ears cleaned and eyes wiped off.

Brush your dog’s teeth regularly at home or feed it dental treats to prevent gum disease.

Exercise Requirements

Labradoodles are high energy dogs. They need daily exercise to wear them out physically and mentally.

The best ways to do this is taking them to the dog park or for long walks in nature, playing fetch with their favourite toy or taking them swimming.

How much space they need depends on their age but they are best suited to houses with a decent sized backyard and proper size kennel, so they have room to run around and play.

Training

Labradoodles are an intelligent dog breed. As they were originally developed to work as guide dogs, they are easy to train and eager to please.

First time dog owners should keep in mind that the trick to training them is patience and hard work.

An important part of their training is early socialization with other dogs, to prevent any aggression or fears developing. Taking them to the dog park regularly is a great way to both socialize and exercise them at the same time.

Whilst training is most vital as a puppy, you should continue to teach your dog through all its life stages.

Male or Female

People often wonder if it is better to get a male or female pet labradoodle. Both genders (if desexed) are equally as loving and gentle. Either one would make a wonderful family pet.

If you are thinking of getting two labradoodles, a male-male or male-female combination will cause no issues.

Having two females is the most likely to cause fights. However, this can be managed by discouraging dominant or hostile behaviour from a young age.

Labradoodles for Sale

Once you decide a labradoodle or Australian labradoodle is the right breed for you, you will need to do research on where to buy one from.

Where to Buy and Price

Designer dogs, such as poodle mixes, are becoming increasingly popular.

Labradoodles especially are a popular choice for families with children. They are therefore more expensive.

Labradoodle Puppies

A labradoodle puppy can cost between $2,500-5,500. It may cost extra if you require the puppy to be delivered to you, especially if it has to travel on a plane.

There is a high demand for this breed so you will most likely need to put down a deposit and go on a waitlist.

It is best to buy one from a registered breeder. Do your research to find a breeder you feel comfortable with.

Ask them lots of questions, visit the home the puppies live in and see the parents. Trust your instincts and only buy from breeders that treat their dogs well.

Most breeders will sell their puppies when they are 8-12 weeks old. By then, they should have already seen a vet and received their first vaccinations.

Avoid purchasing labradoodles from pet stores as the dogs often come from puppy mills where they are mistreated.

Do lots of research on breeders and choose one that is registered. Ask them lots of questions, visit the home the puppies live in and trust your instincts. Only buy from breeders that treat their dogs well.

Most breeders will sell their puppies when they are 8-12 weeks old. By then, they should have already seen a vet and received their first vaccinations.

Adult Groodles

You may be able to adopt a labradoodle from a shelter or rescue group. This gives an older dog a second chance at a happy life.

Adopting a dog is cheaper and typically costs around $500.

This covers them being desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and checked by a vet.

Related Articles

Oodle Dog Breeds

Aussiedoodle Dog Breeds

References

Australian Labradoodle Association:

www.laa.org.au/index.php/about-labs/standards

https://www.purina.com.au/en/dogs/breeds/labradoodle#.YJH9R7UzaUk

www.labradoodle-breeder.com/

www.labradoodlemix.com/australian-labradoodles-vs-labradoodles/