Dog Breed

Labradoodle

Nanny
Primary image of Labradoodle dog breed
Full Name
Labradoodle
Alternate Names
Doodle
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Life Span
12 - 14 years
Weight
40 - 80 pounds
Description

Ahh the ever famous Labradoodle- perhaps no other dog has been moving up the ranks in popularity quite as fast as the Labradoodle. It is the world's most well known mixed breed, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Because of the increase in popularity, the wait time to get a Labradoodle puppy has increased, and so has the price.

However, there is a reason for Labradoodles being so popular- they are the ultimate family dog. They have the loyalty, eagerness to please, and playfulness of a Labrador. Yet they are also a bit more calm tempered, don't need quite as much intense exercise as a Labrador, very low shedding, and are hypoallergenic due to their Poodle side. Of course, the mix of the two also results in an intensely cute curly dog, which has many variations. Labradoodles, just like Poodles, can come in a range of sizes. They also are very similar to their cousin, the Goldendoodle, which is a mix of a Poodle and Golden Retriever.

There are multiple factors that dictate the appearance of a labradoodle- their 'generation' (first generation are puppies of a Labrador and Poodle), color of parents, and percent of Lab vs Poodle. Their coat can range from wavy to curly, and their texture can range from wool to fleece.

Origin
Australia
Bred For
Family Companionship
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Labradoodle good with children?

    Yes! The Labradoodle is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Labradoodle is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Labradoodle friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The Labradoodle is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Labradoodle typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Labradoodle friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Labradoodle naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Labradoodle typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Labradoodle like to cuddle?

    The Labradoodle appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Labradoodle like to play?

    The Labradoodle will almost always be ready for play! The Labradoodle is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Labradoodle make a good service dog?

    The Labradoodle can be a service dog with the proper training. Labradoodles are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Labradoodle good for first-time owners?

    The Labradoodle is a good breed for first-time owners. A good fit for first-time owners are friendly breeds that are motivated to please their owner. This means they can be trained, and are rarely aggressive and overpowering.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Labradoodle be trained?

    The Labradoodle can be trained to the highest level and is oftentimes seen in various competitions. The Labradoodle is not only intelligent, but it wants to please its owner and is motivated with competition, especially if it feels like it has a job assigned to it.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Labradoodle shed a lot?

    The Labradoodle does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Labradoodle easy to groom?

    The Labradoodle requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Labradoodle to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Labradoodle on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Labradoodle need a lot of exercise?

    The Labradoodle has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Labradoodle?

    The Labradoodle is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Labradoodle bark? Does the Labradoodle bark too much?

    The Labradoodle barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Labradoodles - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Labradoodle a good guard dog?

    The Labradoodle would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Labradoodle good at staying alone? Is the Labradoodle independent?

    The Labradoodle does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Labradoodle a good apartment dog?

    The Labradoodle is not the best dog apartment living, but it can work if the owner is dedicated to exercising and training their Labradoodle
    Size

    How big is the Labradoodle?

    The Labradoodle is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Labradoodle tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Labradoodle?

    The Labradoodle can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Labradoodle tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Labradoodle?

    The Labradoodle can tolerate cold weather well. Play time in the snow or on particularly cold evenings may need to be limited, but overall they can do well in cold climates.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Labradoodle try to run away?

    The Labradoodle does sometimes run away. This is especially true if they are distracted, or see other cats or dogs. They probably won't go out of their way to "escape", but a fenced yard is still recommended.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Labradoodle a healthy dog? The health of a Labradoodle should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Labradoodle is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Labradoodle?

    The Labradoodle has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Labradoodle into your home. Can you give your Labradoodle enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Labradoodle drool?

    The Labradoodle drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Labradoodle have a large prey drive? Does the Labradoodle like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Labradoodle has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Labradoodle atheltic?

    The Labradoodle is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.

Breed Variations

  • Image for the Miniature variation for dog breed

    Miniature

  • Image for the Black variation for dog breed

    Black

  • Image for the Brown variation for dog breed

    Brown

  • Image for the Red variation for dog breed

    Red

  • Image for the Golden variation for dog breed

    Golden

  • Image for the Cream variation for dog breed

    Cream

  1. Non-Sporting
  2. Poodle
  3. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a purebred dog that belongs to the Poodle sub group, which falls under the larger Non-Sporting dog breed group.
Non-Sporting group: The Non-Sporting group of dogs is probably the most diverse in the sense that it has a variety of dogs, and they were not all bred for one specific purpose. Each breed in the non-sporting group is unique! They have been primarily bred as house pets, and because of that make excellent additions to the family. Exercise is still important for them, but the typical non-sporting dog does not have the energy of of a sporting or working group dog.
Poodle sub-group: Poodles will forever be some of the most famous dogs. They have strong personalities, and are oftentimes misunderstood. Because of their unique coat which is oftentimes styled in all sorts of elaborate styles, there is the misconception that they are only a show dog, and are not very sporty or fun. That is not true- in fact poodles are some of the most versatile dogs- both athletic and very intelligent. Poodles can be trained well, and in fact need to since they can otherwise either become dominant or have behavioral problems. They are one of the smartest breeds, but also expect a competent owner in return. Poodles also have above average health, are hypoallergenic, and do not shed very much.

Labradoodles for adoption

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