Labradoodle

This friendly and loving animal was first created to serve as a hypoallergenic service dog. Like many mixed breeds, a Labradoodle can look, behave, and grow in different ways, influenced by its Labrador Retriever and Poodle parents. For instance, a Labradoodle might inherit the curly, non-shedding fur of a Poodle while also having the easygoing personality of a Labrador Retriever.

Quick Info

Size
Large
Colours
Solid colors ranging from yellow and cream to chocolate and black
Lifespan
12 to14 years
Height
11 to 28 inches
Type
Gun Dog
Hypoallergenic
yes
Weight
11 to 80+ pounds
Family

Personality

Labradoodles are like playful, lively kids who never grow up. They are very loving and will happily snuggle in your lap, no matter how big they are. These dogs are full of energy, always eager to play, swim, and run, while patiently waiting for you to join in.

History

The history of the Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix is among the best-recorded of all mixed breeds.

Ideal Owner

The best people to own a Labradoodle, which is a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, should be flexible regarding their dog's personality and grooming needs. These dogs are usually very lively and full of spirit, keeping a playful nature even as they grow older. It's important for owners to dedicate time and effort to train their Labradoodle and provide the daily exercise, care, and love that these dogs need.

Exercise Needs

The Labradoodle is a mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, both of which are energetic breeds that love to stay active. If you have a Labradoodle, it’s important to lead an active life yourself, as these dogs require plenty of long walks, hikes, and runs to burn off their energy. To keep them mentally and physically engaged, you’ll also need to provide interactive toys, play games, and involve them in family activities throughout the day.

Space Requirements

Since Labradoodles can become quite big, it’s important for them to have enough room in their home and a yard where they can play. These dogs are full of energy and require space to run around and have fun.

Training

Training is essential for this lively and spirited breed. Labradoodles are smart and pick up commands easily since they enjoy collaborating with their humans. It's crucial to remember that they can develop bad behaviors just as fast as good ones, so using positive reinforcement, particularly with treats, is important in their training.

Grooming

Taking care of Labradoodles can differ a lot, with some needing a lot of attention while others need less. Owners should be ready for different grooming needs. For instance, Labradoodles that have fur like a Poodle usually shed very little or not at all, but they will need regular haircuts, which might require a professional. On the other hand, those with fur like a Labrador will shed more and probably won’t need as many haircuts since their fur is less likely to get tangled.

Suitability for Family Life

If you want an ideal dog for your family, the Labradoodle is a fantastic choice. They are friendly with almost everyone and have a cheerful, carefree nature. They love to be part of family events and will consider themselves a true family member.

Did You know?

Labradoodles are excellent therapy animals because they are friendly and caring, and they pick up new skills fast. Although many bigger dog breeds tend to have shorter lives, Labradoodles can live longer. This is because both the Labrador Retriever and Poodle can reach ages of up to 15 years.

Similar Breeds

Need to Know

Suitable for experienced dog owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Can be left alone occasionally with training
Large dog
Some drool
Requires frequent grooming