Labradoodle

Breed Type: Crossbreed
Common nicknames: Doodle
Coat: Wavy, silky
Hypoallergenic: Yes, they may not trigger allergies.
Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, playful, friendly
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Color & patterns:
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Labradoodle - cream
Labradoodle - parchment
Labradoodle - red
Labradoodles are an adorable hybrid breed that has taken the dog world by storm in recent years. Combining the friendly and affectionate nature of the Labrador Retriever with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle, Labradoodles are a popular choice for those with mild allergies or those who just don’t want to deal with constant shedding. They can have curly or wavy coats that can be a variety of colors, and they also come in a range of sizes but usually fall between medium and large, weighing between 30 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and trainability and are widely popular as family pets because they are loving, loyal, and have friendly personalities. Labradoodles have a reputation for being outgoing and sociable, and they love to be around people and get along well with other pets. They are highly energetic and require regular exercise and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They are also intelligent dogs who enjoy learning new tricks and commands, which makes them great candidates for agility training and other activities that stimulate their minds.

Labradoodle characteristics

Learn about about Labradoodle basics like if they're good with kids and other Labradoodles, how much grooming they need, and other facts.

Average height

14-24 inches (35.6-61.0cm)

Average weight

15-100 pounds (6.8-45.4 kg)

Average lifespan

12-14 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-energy workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
What is an F1b Labradoodle?

An F1B Labradoodle is a second-generation crossbreed created by breeding an F1 Labradoodle with a purebred Poodle. This generation is often bred to enhance desired traits, such as hypoallergenic coats and non-shedding qualities, as the offspring are more likely to inherit these characteristics. F1B Labradoodles typically have a higher percentage of Poodle genetics, resulting in greater consistency in coat texture and potentially reduced shedding.

What is a Labradoodle?

A Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog created by breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. Labradoodles come in various sizes, coat types, and colors, depending on the parent breeds and generations of crossbreeding.

Where do Labradoodles come from?

Labradoodles originated in the late 1980s in Australia. Wally Conron, a breeder with the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, bred a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle to produce a hypoallergenic service dog for a blind woman whose husband had allergies. The resulting crossbreed, named Sultan, became the first Labradoodle and sparked interest in the breed for its potential as a hypoallergenic assistance dog.

How many types of Labradoodles are there?

There are three main types of Labradoodles: Standard, Medium, and Miniature. These types differ in size, with Standard Labradoodles being the largest, Medium Labradoodles falling in the middle, and Miniature Labradoodles being the smallest.

What is an F1 Labradoodle?

An F1 Labradoodle is a first-generation crossbreed between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Poodle. This generation is typically sought after for its hybrid vigor and consistency in achieving desired traits, such as a hypoallergenic coat and friendly temperament.

Are Labradoodles AKC registered?

No, Labradoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a standardized breed, as they are a hybrid crossbreed rather than a purebred. However, some Labradoodles may be eligible for registration with alternative canine organizations that recognize mixed breeds or designer breeds.

When were Labradoodles first bred?

Labradoodles were first bred in Australia in the late 1980s, where they were initially bred as hypoallergenic service dogs for individuals with allergies.

How long do Labradoodles live?

Labradoodles live between 12 to 15 years, although individual lifespan can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall healthcare. Providing proper nutrition, regular exercise, routine veterinary care, and a loving environment can help ensure a Labradoodle’s health and well-being.

When do Labradoodles stop growing?

Labradoodles stop growing around 12 months, but they may continue to fill out and develop muscle mass until they are around 18 months to two years old. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, and individual growth rates can influence the timing of when Labradoodles stop growing.

What’s the difference between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle?

The main difference between a Labradoodle and a Goldendoodle lies in their parent breeds. Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, while Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.

Labradoodle temperament

Learn about about the Labradoodle temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Labradoodles good with kids?

Yes, Labradoodles are good with kids. They are known for their gentle and friendly disposition, making them great companions for kids of all ages.

As with any dog breed, it’s essential for pet parents and parents of children to supervise interactions between Labradoodles and kids and teach both children and dogs how to interact respectfully and safely with each other.

Are Labradoodles aggressive?

No, Labradoodles are not aggressive dogs. They are known for their friendly and sociable nature, but individual temperament can vary, and proper socialization and training are essential to prevent behavioral issues.

If you are concerned by any signs of aggression or reactivity in your dog, be sure to address it promptly with the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. Pain, discomfort, or underlying medical conditions can sometimes contribute to changes in a dog’s behavior, so it may also be worth visiting a vet to rule out their health as a cause for their behavior.

Are Labradoodles easy to train?

Yes, Labradoodles are easy to train due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please their pet parents. They respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, such as praise, treats, and consistent guidance. However, keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed or whether they're labeled "easy to train" or not.

Are Labradoodles friendly?

Yes, Labradoodles are friendly. They’re affectionate, loyal, and playful, which contributes to their reputation as friendly and outgoing dogs. Proper socialization and training from an early age can help ensure that Labradoodles develop into well-mannered and friendly pets.

Are Labradoodles good hunting dogs?

No, Labradoodles are not known to be good hunting dogs. While Labradoodles may inherit hunting instincts from their Labrador Retriever ancestors, they are not bred or trained specifically for hunting purposes. However, individual Labradoodles may enjoy activities such as retrieving and may excel in various dog sports, including dock diving and agility, which tap into their natural athleticism and intelligence.

Are Labradoodles good dogs?

Yes, Labradoodles are good dogs. They are known for their intelligence, trainability, and affectionate demeanor, making them suitable companions for individuals and families of all ages.

Do Labradoodles bark a lot?

No, Labradoodles don’t tend to bark a lot. While these pups are not excessive barkers, they may bark to alert their pet parents to visitors or perceived threats. Proper training and socialization from a young age can help mitigate any excessive barking tendencies in Labradoodles and encourage appropriate behavior.

Are Labradoodles good family dogs?

Yes, Labradoodles are good family dogs. They thrive on companionship, and their gentle demeanor, intelligence, and adaptability make them well-suited for families of all sizes and lifestyles.

Are Labradoodles good with cats?

Yes, Labradoodles can be good with cats, especially if they are properly socialized and introduced to cats from a young age. However, some Labradoodles may have a stronger prey drive or be less compatible with cats than others. Supervised introductions and gradual acclimation can help foster a positive relationship between Labradoodles and cats in the household.

Are Labradoodles good with other dogs?

Yes, Labradoodles can be good with other dogs. Socialization and proper training from a young age are key to ensuring a respectful relationship between Labradoodles and other dogs, and as with any breed, individual temperament and personality play a significant role.

Are Labradoodles smart?

Yes, Labradoodles are smart dogs, inheriting this trait from both their Labrador Retriever and Poodle ancestors. Coupled with their eagerness to please, these pups are quick learners and adaptable to various tasks and activities.

Do Labradoodles like water?

Yes, many Labradoodles enjoy water and are often good swimmers. However, like any breed, individual preferences may vary, and some Labradoodles may be more hesitant around water than others.

Are Labradoodles protective?

Yes, Labradoodles can be protective of their families and homes, as they are loyal dogs and form strong bonds with their human companions. Their protective instincts are often balanced with their friendly and sociable nature.

When do Labradoodles calm down?

Labradoodles begin to calm down around two to three years of age. However, individual development and behavior can vary and are influenced by factors such as training, exercise, and socialization. Regular mental and physical stimulation can help promote a balanced temperament in Labradoodles as they transition into adulthood.

Are Labradoodles stubborn?

No, Labradoodles are not considered stubborn dogs. They are known for their intelligence and willingness to please, which often makes them cooperative and trainable. Some Labradoodles may display stubborn behavior if not properly trained or stimulated.

Are Labradoodles affectionate?

Yes, Labradoodles are affectionate. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being close to their loved ones.

Can a Labradoodle be a service dog?

Yes, a Labradoodle can be a service dog. These pups make excellent service dogs due to their intelligence, trainability, and friendly disposition. They are often used as service dogs for various roles, including assistance for individuals with disabilities, therapy work, and emotional support.

Labradoodle health

Learn about about the Labradoodle health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Do Labradoodles have health issues?

Yes, Labradoodles have health issues they’re more prone to, including:

  • Hip dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in Labradoodles where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to joint instability and potential arthritis.

  • Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental abnormality affecting the elbow joint, leading to lameness, pain, and arthritis.

  • Sebaceous adenitis: This rare skin condition affects the skin glands of young and middle-aged dogs. It can cause hair loss, skin lesions, bacterial infections, scaling of the skin (dandruff), and odor along the hairline. Symptoms can vary slightly among long-coated and short-coated breeds. Veterinarians may suggest a combination of oils, shampoos, antibacterials, and other medications to help relieve symptoms.

  • Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is caused by a malfunction in the hormone production of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are small glands near the kidneys and are responsible for various body functions, such as controlling salt, sugar, and water balance in the body. In Addison’s disease, the body is unable to create create enough cortisol. Without cortisol, a dog cannot manage stress or digest food properly. Dogs with Addison’s disease may suffer from weakness, an abnormally fast heart rate, depression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, excessive thirst, and urination. Your vet can test your Doodle to detect Addison’s disease and provide long-term medication.

  • Exercise-induced collapse (EIC): This is a hereditary condition observed in some Labradoodles, characterized by sudden loss of muscle control and weakness after intense exercise or excitement.

  • Allergies: Labradoodles may be prone to skin allergies, including atopic dermatitis and food allergies, which can cause itching, irritation, and skin infections if not managed properly.

What do Labradoodles eat?

Labradoodles should eat a balanced and nutritious diet formulated for their specific life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and size (Standard, Medium, Miniature). High-quality commercial dog food containing real meat, vegetables, and essential nutrients is recommended. Consult with a veterinarian to understand what diet is best for your Labradoodle.

Are Labradoodles high maintenance?

No, Labradoodles are not inherently high maintenance, but their needs can vary depending on the individual dog. While some Labradoodles may have low-maintenance coats that require occasional brushing, others with longer, curly coats may need more frequent grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Additionally, regular exercise, training, and attention are essential for their overall well-being and to prevent behavioral issues.

Do Labradoodles need a lot of exercise?

Yes, Labradoodles often require a lot of exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities such as fetch or agility can help meet their exercise needs.

Find Labradoodle puppies near you

Adopting a Labradoodle

Learn about about acquiring a Labradoodle - the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.