Labradoodle breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Labradoodles
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Labradoodle breed
Labradoodles are a popular crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. This hybrid breed was developed in Australia in the late 20th century with the aim of creating a hypoallergenic guide dog. Labradoodles are known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and wavy or curly coat.
Weight, height and life expectancy
They come in various sizes, including standard, medium, and miniature, with heights ranging from 35 to 63cm and weights varying from 7 to 30kg.
Their life expectancy is typically between 12 and 15 years.
What is the temperament of a Labradoodle like?
Labradoodles are generally friendly, sociable, and affectionate dogs. They are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them good family pets.
Labradoodles often get along well with children and other pets if properly socialised from an early age. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of the family.
Labradoodles are intelligent and eager to please, which contributes to their trainability. They are known for their loyalty and adaptability, making them suitable for various living environments.
Due to their Labrador Retriever and Poodle heritage, Labradoodles can display a mix of traits from both breeds, so individual temperaments may vary.
Our Labradoodle Community
“Kona loves to play fetch and hide and seek. She loves walks and playing with the buddies she meets at the local rec. She equally loves curling up next to us when we watch TV or while I'm working at my computer.”
Kona’s owner, Sharmala from Cambridgeshire
“Benji is a labradoodle puppy who has just turned 1 year old. He’s a big boy and absolutely loves people and playing fetch. He loves people and other dogs and is just a joy to be around.”
Benji’s owner, Robert from Hertfordshire
How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?
Labradoodles are moderately active dogs that require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They generally need about 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day to meet their needs, this depends on their fitness and their size due to the variation in labradoodle sizes.
This exercise should include activities that allow them to burn off energy, such as walks, runs, interactive play sessions, and time to explore safely in a securely fenced area.
For Labradoodle puppies, exercise should be tailored to their age and physical development. It's important to provide age-appropriate activities and avoid excessive high-impact exercises that could strain their growing joints. Short, controlled play sessions and gentle walks are suitable for young Labradoodle puppies.
As Labradoodles mature into adults, they can handle longer and more challenging exercise routines. Engaging them in mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzle toys or obedience training, can also help keep their intelligent minds occupied.
For the smaller ones they tend to mature at around 12 months, but for the larger bred ones, crosses of standard poodles, they should not be at adult exercise levels until 18-24 months old.
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Do Labradoodles need a lot of grooming?
Labradoodles have a unique coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from matting. The coat can range from wavy to curly and can come in different lengths and textures.
Labradoodles may have a low-shedding or non-shedding coat, making them potentially suitable for individuals with allergies.
Grooming needs may vary depending on the type of coat your Labradoodle inherits. Regular brushing, at least 2 to 3 times per week, is essential to prevent matting and to remove loose hair. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks can help maintain the coat's appearance and manage its length.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Labradoodles easy to train?
Labradoodles are known for their high intelligence and trainability, making them generally easy to train. They have a strong desire to please their owners, which can aid in the training process. Labradoodles respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards, praise, and treats to reinforce desired behaviours.
Early socialisation and obedience training are crucial for Labradoodles. Start training them from a young age to establish good behaviours and manners. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
Keep training sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom and maintain their focus. They thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy learning new tricks and tasks. Enrolling them in puppy classes or working with a professional dog trainer can help you establish a strong foundation for their training.
Labradoodles excel in various dog sports and activities, such as agility, obedience, and therapy work.
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What do Labradoodles eat?
Labradoodles require a balanced and nutritious diet to support their overall health and well-being. Feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and adjust the portions based on your dog's individual needs and body condition.
For Labradoodle puppies, provide them with a specially formulated puppy food that supports their growth and development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old when it can be reduced to twice daily. As Labradoodles transition into adulthood, gradually switch them to an adult dog food.
Avoid overfeeding and monitor their weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to health issues. Consult with your veterinarian for more specific recommendations for your pooch.
Are Labradoodles healthy?
Labradoodles, as a hybrid breed, can inherit health conditions from both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. While Labradoodles are generally considered healthy dogs, they may be prone to certain health concerns. Some potential health issues in Labradoodles include:
Bones and joints
Cruciate Disease - when a cruciate ligament of the knee is either partially or fully torn leading to discomfort and lameness
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Eyes
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Gastrointestinal
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - usually more likely in the larger breed Labradoodles, this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately.
Hormonal
Addison’s Disease (hypoadrenocorticism) - a condition where your dog’s body doesn’t produce enough of a couple of necessary hormones from their adrenal glands
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
This list is not exhaustive, so if you have any concerns about the health of your Labradoodle or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Prioritise regular grooming and coat maintenance. Regular brushing (at least a few times a week) and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks will keep their coat healthy.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
