Other names: Labrapoo, Labrapoodle
Origin
The labradoodle is a hybrid of a labrador retriever and a poodle (toy, miniature or standard). In the 1980’s poodles and labradors were crossed in an attempt to produce non-shedding hypoallergenic guide dogs. They have become increasingly popular over the last 10 years. The aim of crossbreeding is to minimise the genetic diseases that can be present in purebred dogs. First-cross labradoodles will have the maximum genetic benefits associated with a hybrid dog – in other words, a labradoodle with one parent purebred labrador and one parent purebred poodle will have less genetic diseases than second or third cross labradoodles. There are currently labradoodle breeders that are attempting to create a ‘pure’ labradoodle breed – this essentially creates a closed gene pool and will reduce the benefits associated with crossbreed dogs.
Description
The labradoodle is a ‘shaggy’ looking dog that can be miniature, medium or standard in size. Their coats can be thick, curly, fluffy or wiry. The muzzle is usually long. Being a crossbreed, their appearance can vary significantly from dog to dog.
| Size | Medium |
| Colour | Gold, black, cream and brown - with or without markings in these colours. |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Weight/Height Range | Medium: 12-23 kg and 40-51 cm, Standard: 23-45 kg and 51-66 cm |
| Ailments | Allergic skin disease, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Addison’s disease, bloat in large dogs. |
| Breed Classification |
Known as a group of crossbred dogs called ‘oodles’ or poodle-crosses. |
Feeding & Ownership
It is best to feed the labradoodle dry food as this breed is prone to tartar build up on their teeth.
| Food Cost | $10 to $15 |
| Other Expenses |
Whilst feeding is not expensive, it must be remembered, that if you have a labradoodle with a woolly coat, they will need visits to a professional groomer every six weeks, thereby incurring more expense. |
Personality
The labradoodle is a lively and very friendly companion. They can be boisterous for the first 18 monthsfor most of their life and will benefit need from early training. Labradoodles are very gentle good with children and enjoy being part of the family unit. They are not recommended for can adapt to living in a small home or apartment as long as they need room to move receive adequate daily exercise.
| Intelligence | The labradoodle is a very intelligent dog that will benefit from early obedience training. |
| Energy | High |
| Suitability for Children | High |
| Tendency to Bark | Low |
| Overall Exercise Requirement | Daily walksexercise and walks is a must, regular trips to the dog park and swimming will keep help keep a labradoodle’s energy levels under control. They enjoy socialising with other dogs. |
| Suitability as a Guard Dog | Medium |
| Ease of Transportation | High |
| Level of Aggression | Low |
| Other Animal Compatibility | High |
Grooming
Some labradoodles will shed if they have a wiry hair coat. Those with a fluffy woolly coat usually do not shed and are often tolerated by allergic people. These thicker coats do take a great deal of care though, generally requiring professional grooming, as well as regular combing and brushing at home. Some labradoodles should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks for a clip of your choice. The labradoodle’s ears need frequent cleaning or they will become infected and, daily teeth brushing is recommended or tartar will build up rapidly and lead to gingivitis. The eyes should be cleaned daily to prevent a build-up eye discharge and tear staining.
| Grooming Requirements | More than once a week |
| Amount of Hair Shed | Little |
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