Labradoodle Skin Allergies, Training Tips, Grooming, Types, & Food

Labradoodle Dog Breed Introduction

Labradoodle is a designer dog created by crossing a Labrador Retriever(Lab) with a Poodle. They have three different sizes; Standard, Medium, and Miniature which is determined by the size of the Poodle parent either Standard, Miniature, or Toy-sized. The term ‘Labradoodle’ first appeared in 1955 but became popular in 1989 after they were bred as guide and service dogs by Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia.

Wally hoped that the combination of the Lab and poodle would create a guide dog suitable for people with allergies to dander and fur. However, Labradoodles have no enough consistency in the offspring produced even if Poodles are crossed with labs or Labradoodles are crossed to Labradoodles( creating F2 generation). Widely created as guide dogs, Labradoodles are also used as assistance dogs, family dogs, and therapy dogs.

Labradoodle History | Origin

Labradoodle term was first used in 1955 by Donald Campbell to describe his dog, a cross between a Lab and a Poodle. The use of Labradoodles as guide was not popular until 1989. This is after Wally Conron introduced the hybrid to the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia in Victoria. He hoped that the combination of the gentleness and trainability of a Lab and the low-shedding coat of a Poodle would provide a guide dog favorable for people allergic to dog’s fur and dander.

As he hoped for, Sultan, a dog from his litter size, displayed all the qualities that wally was seeking for. Sultan worked as a guide dog for a woman in Hawaii for a decade. Therefore, there is controversy over Wally Coren taking credit for the first cross between a Lab and a Poodle. Even though, a Labradoodle had existed in the 1950s in the USA and was used in the entertainment industry in the 1960s’. For instance, a Labradoodle by the name of Fang had a recurring role starting in the 1965 on the Get Smart show.

Labradoodle's Photo — **A Photo of a Fleece-coated Labradoodle**

As with other mixed breeds, Labradoodles are not regarded as a breed by major Kennel Clubs including AKC. Although, in 2010, AKC began to allow owners of hybrid dogs to register these dogs in order to receive an AKC ID number. Fortunately, the International Australian Labradoodle Association and Australian Labradoodle Association have initiated steps to move this crossbreed into a registered breed in the next few years. These organizations have worked to bring breeders together to ensure they are working towards achieving the same standards through multigenerational breeding.

Labradoodle Lifespan

Depending on its size, the average lifespan of a Labradoodle is 12 to 16 years. A research conducted in 2006, affirmed that crossbreeds tend to live longer than their parents, roughly a year or two.

Mini Labradoodle Lifespan | Miniature Labradoodle Lifespan

Small-sized breeds tend to live longer as compared to Large breeds. Miniature and Toy-sized Poodles have a lifespan of 14 to 16 years. Therefore, a crossbreed of a Lab with a miniature or Toy-Sized Poodle is likely to have a lifespan of more than 14 years and roughly up to 18 years.

Large Labradoodle Lifespan | Standard Labradoodle Lifespan

Large dogs tend to have a more short-lived lifespan like Labrador and Standard Poodle(Large). Therefore, a Lab that is crossed with a Standard poodle is likely to have a lifespan of 12 years plus an additional year or two associated with hybrid vigour. The lifespan of a Labradoodle is also determined by the Lab used, whether fawn, black, or Chocolate.

Most Fawn and Black-coated Labs have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years while the Chocolate coated Lab has a shorter lifespan when compared with the two. The shorter lifespan of the Chocolate Labs has been associated with the attempt of the breeders to increase their numbers through selective breeding at the cost of other health traits.

Medium Labradoodle Lifespan

A Medium Labradoodle is created by crossing a Lab with a Miniature Poodle. Therefore, it is likely to have a lifespan of 14 to 16 years with an additional year or two.

Black Labradoodle Lifespan

Regardless of the coat color, the lifespan of a Labradoodle is based on the size of the Poodle parent. Therefore, a Standard Black Labradoodle may have a lifespan of more than 12 years while a miniature will have a lifespan of more than 14 years.

Labradoodle Grooming

To prepare for a successful professional or DIY grooming, get your Labradoodle accustomed to touch. Although, grooming at home provides great bonding time between the pet parent and the dog. A Labradoodle pup has a short fuzzy coat that transitions into an adult coat. This is when the owner finds out the type of coat that the pet inherited from the parents and how much grooming will be needed. The grooming needs of a Labradoodle depends on the type of coat; wool, fleece, or hair. A cross between a Poodle and a Lab may produce F1 Labradoodles that either have a Hair or fleece coat.

The hair or straight coat is inherited from the Lab parent. This coat sheds but does not require trimming unless in the rear end due to sanitary purposes. The hair coat is also referred to as an undesirable coat. Although, straight coated Labradoodles may have a longer nose and curly fur on the tail and legs. A hair coated Labradoodle sheds all-year round at low to moderate levels. They also blow their coats once or twice a year during seasonal change in Spring and/or Fall. Therefore, they will require twice a week brushing during the non-shedding season and daily brushing during the heavy shedding season using a slicker brush.

A Fleece coated Labradoodle sheds minimally or may not shed at all. Weekly brushing using a slicker brush all-year round will suffice to prevent mats or tangles. Spend extra time brushing around the neck, under the ears, chest, and armpits since the fur easily gets matted. As for the Wool coated Labradoodles, they require daily brushing to prevent mating. This is because the coat sheds but the fur is trapped by the woolly coat. This coat also requires trimming every 6 to 8 weeks to always be in a top condition. The fur of Labradoodles should have a length of 4 to 6 inches. If the fur grows longer than 6 inches, it is painful for the dog.

F1B Labradoodles are likely to have a woolly coat. These Labradoodles are created by backcrossing an F1 Labradoodle to a Poodle. Regardless of the coat, always spritz spritz the coat with a water conditioner solution or a detangling spray to avoid breakage of hair. Spritzing also makes it easier to work on mats. Labradoodles require a bath once every 3 to 4 weeks. Although, the frequency of bathing is determined by outdoor activities especially swimming. Before bathing the dog, brush the coat to remove dirt, mats, and lose hair for straight coated dogs. Mats or tangles also tend to get messier when wet.

Place a non-sliding mat to prevent sliding of the pet which can lead to injury. Following a bath, thoroughly rinse off the hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner using lukewarm water to prevent irritation. Wipe the face using canine wipes or a clean damp washcloth. Avoid using soapy water to wash the face since it will irritate the eyes. After drying the coat, brush it to avoid matting. Trim the nails once every two weeks using nail clippers if they don’t worn out naturally.

Overly grown nails make running and walking painful for a Labradoodle. Brush the teeth twice a week using a tasty canine toothpaste and finger toothbrush to remove excess tartar buildup. Labradoodles have floppy ears that are highly susceptible to ear infections. Use cotton balls and an ear cleanser solution to clean the ears once a week. Occasionally, pluck the hair that grows inside the ears.

Labradoodle Grooming Tools

When grooming a Labradoodle you will require the following grooming tools: Hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner, nail clippers, a slicker brush, a non-slipping mat, a detangling spray or a solution of water and conditioner, cotton balls, ear cleanser solution, dog-formulated toothpaste, finger toothbrush, grooming table, hair clippers, and a dry towel.

Clean Labradoodle Ears | Cleaning Labradoodle Ears

A Labradoodle is susceptible to ear infections. Clean the ears on a weekly basis to remove excess debris or wax and also check for redness, dark discharge, and odor. The floppy shaped ears protect the ear canal from dirt and debris whereas creating a humid environment for bacteria to thrive. In order to clean the ears of a Labradoodle, you will need cotton balls and an ear cleanser solution. Before starting the ear cleaning process, ensure that your dog is calm and relaxed.

You may relax a Labradoodle by showing him affection and giving him some treats. Remember to only clean the external ear canal. Avoid inserting the cotton into the inner ear. The following are the steps for cleaning the ears of your pet.

Put the ear cleaning solution in a bowl and get the cotton balls ready.
Immerse one cotton ball into the solution one at a time until it gets soaked. It is totally okay if the excess solution is dripping off the cotton.
Use the soaked cotton to clean visible parts of the inside and outside of your Labradoodle ear.
Wipe the ear with the cotton until it has visible debris and dirt on it. Repeat this process until both ears have been successfully cleaned.

Don’t worry about getting excess ear solution into the ear of your pooch as it will shake it out after the cleaning is done. Avoid the use of water to clean the ears. Water makes the skin soft and swells putting Labradoodles at risk of suffering an ear infection.

Remember to give your dog a treat before and after ear cleaning is done. Following a successful complete process of cleaning the ears, make sure you safely dispose off the used cotton balls. Don’t leave the ear solution sitting out all day. Use a fresh ear cleaning solution anytime your are cleaning the ears.

Labradoodle Haircuts | Grooming Styles

For easy maintenance and prevention of matting, pet parents may utilize various grooming styles or haircuts. They may trim the coat themselves or utilize services of a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. Haircuts suitable for Labradoodles include:

Puppy Cut – The fur on the body is clipped to a length of 1 or 2 inches. The hair on the tail and face is left a little longer than 2 inches. Use a pair of shears to trim the face and hair clippers to trim the body. It is a low maintenance haircut that requires weekly brushing to prevent matting.

Teddy Bear Cut – This also looks like a puppy cut. However, the fur on the body is left a little longer to a length of 3 inches. The hair on the face is also trimmed in a rounded shape to achieve a teddy bear look.

Lamb Cut – The fur on the body is trimmed to a length of 1 or 2 inches. Although, the fur on the legs is left longer.

Lion Cut – To achieve a lion cut the fur on the body is clipped short to about an inch or two. The hair on the face, head, neck, and shoulders is left longer to form a mane.

Kennel Cut – The hair on the body is clipped shorter to about half an inch or shorter all over the body.

Labradoodle Shedding | Shedding Level | Shedding A Lot

The level of shedding depends with the type of coat that a Labradoodle has. Hair coated Labradoodles shed all-year round at moderate levels. They also blow off their coats once or twice a year during the seasonal change. Fleece-coated Labradoodles are non to low shedding dogs. A woolly coated Labradoodles is also a non to low shedding dog. Although the shedding is barely noticeable since it gets trapped under the woolly coat. Pet parents notice the loose hair while brushing the coat to prevent matting.

F1 Labradoodle Shedding

An F1 Labradoodle may have a straight( hair )coat or fleece coat. Although, it was predicted about 89% of First generation ( F1 ) have a hair coat. Fleece coated Labradoodles are non-to low shedding dogs while straight coated Labradoodles shed all-year round at moderate levels.

Mini Labradoodle Shedding

A Mini Labradoodle is a cross between a Lab and a Toy-sized Poodle. The shedding of the Mini Labradoodle will also depend on the type of coat. Fleece or woolly coat shed non to low levels while a hair coat will shed all-year round at moderate levels. Although, Large-sized shedding dogs are likely to shed more hair as compared to small-sized dogs.

F1b Labradoodle Shedding

An F1B Labradoodle is likely to have a fleece or wool coat that are both non-to low shedding coats. F1B is created when an F1 is backcrossed to either parent but most likely to a Poodle.

Labradoodle Coat | Labradoodle Coat Types

A Labradoodle may either have a Hair, Fleece, or Wool coat. Each of the three types of coats looks and feels different. A Hair coated Labradoodle inherits the coat genes from the Lab parent. Whereas fleece and wool coat inherit more coat genes from the Poodle parent.

F1 Labradoodle Coat Types

Most F1 Labradoodles are born with either fleece or hair coat.

Fleece Labradoodle Coat

A fleece coat is a combination of the wool and hair coat. It may be present in F1, F2, F1B, and multigen lines Labradoodles. Fleece coats require weekly brushing using a slicker brush to prevent matting especially under the ears, around the neck, armpits, and chest.

F1 Labradoodle Coat Changes | Labradoodle Coat Changes | Coat Change

A Labradoodle pup has a short fuzzy coat that transitions into adult coat from the age of 6 to 12 months. During this process, the dogs shed more than normal even for the Fleece and wool coated puppies. Daily brushing is key to avoid mating during the coat changing season.

Labradoodle Hypoallergenic | Hypoallergenic Dog

A Labradoodle may be nearly hypoallergenic or not depending on the coat type and multi-generational breeding. According to AKC, there is no 100% hypoallergenic dog. However, nearly hypoallergenic dogs have a non-shedding coat that is likely to produce less dander. Hair coated Labradoodles shed all-year round and blow of their coats once or twice a year hence not considered friendly for people who suffer from dog allergies. The initial aim of crossbreeding Labs with Poodles was producing a dog that is gentle, trainable, and has a low shedding coat of the Poodle.

However, crossbreeding the two pure breeds is not always a guarantee that the dog will inherit the low-shedding coat of a Poodle which is regarded hypoallergenic. Fleece and Woolly coated Poodles have a non-to low shedding coat and may be regarded nearly hypoallergenic. A cross between an F1( a Lab and a Poodle mix) with a Poodle creates an F1B which can be more allergy friendly as compared to F1. A backcross of F1B to a Poodle will create an F1BB which is 87.5% Poodle hence likely to be more allergy friendly as compared to F1B and F1. However, experts urge people who suffer from dog allergies to spend lots of time with a particular dog before adopting to determine whether the dog triggers their allergies or not.

Labradoodle Training Tips | Training Guide | Training | Mini Labradoodle Training

A Labradoodle is an intelligent pooch. A trait that it gets from the Lab and Poodle parents( with the Poodle considered the second most intelligent dog after Border Collie). They are also friendly, gentle, and eager to please the pet parents which makes training a bit easier. In order to raise a well-mannered, friendly, outgoing, and well-adjusted dog citizen, ensure the pooch is socialized from an early age. Socialization usually starts from the age of 3 weeks while the Labradoodle stays with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the pet has already settled in its new home.

Pet parents are advised to take a pup home from the age of 8 weeks so that it can build its social skills. All size varieties of Labradoodles undergone the same training including Mini Labradoodles( Miniature labradoodles). However, when potty training Mini Labradoodles may need frequent breaks of at least 1 to 2 hours since they are small-sized dogs that have smaller bladders as compared to Standard Labradoodles.

During socialization training, expose a Labradoodle to a wide variety of people, places, animals, situations, surfaces, sights, smell, and sounds like lawn mowers, washing machine, sirens, whistles, and vacuum cleaners. A socialized Labradoodle is less nervous around other people and dogs. Nervous or anxious dogs can become aggressive out of fear. You may also enroll your pet to puppy classes which also serve as a form of socialization. These classes also help dog parents to identify and correct bad habits such as growling when someone approaches the food bowl while eating.

A labradoodle thrives on positive reinforcement methods such as the use of treats, toys, playtime, petting, and verbal praise. They are also sensitive to harsh correction methods such as shoving, kicking, beating, yelling, and use of choke or prong collars. Therefore, they should not be used on them. Remember to keep the training sessions short and fun. Puppies tend to get easily destructed and have a short concentration span. Teach the puppies for a period of 5 to 10 minutes. The training duration may increase as the dog matures to about 15 to 30 minutes.

Start teaching the basic command words such as sit, lie down, heel, come, stay, and leave it immediately the dog comes home. Teach one basic command word at a time until the dog understands before proceeding to the next command word. Avoid uttering the command words while you are too excited or frustrated since they may not sound the same to your Labradoodle. Clicker training is also is essential while teaching command words. This method incorporates a sound and a treat immediately the dog completes the command in question.

For positive outcomes, reward the dog immediately it does a good behavior so that it may understand the reason behind the reward. A Crate is an indispensable tool for housebreaking and teaching a pup to stay alone. For effective housebreaking, crate training, creating a feeding schedule, and potty training is necessary. Patience, consistence, and being firm are the required qualities while potty training.

Labradoodle Training Book

The Complete Guide to Labradoodles: Selecting, Training, Feeding, Raising, and Loving your new Labradoodle Puppy(September 2019).

The Labradoodle Handbook(February 2014).

Labradoodle Potty Training

Potty training a Labradoodle may be relatively easy which may take a period of 4 to 6 months before a dog is fully housebroken. There are various factors that affect potty training including consistency, bladder size, and attention span. Depending on the size of the Poodle parent, the size of the bladder may be smaller or bigger. Therefore, miniature Labradoodles have smaller bladder sizes as compared to Standard Labradoodles. Therefore, they will require frequent potty breaks as compared to the latter.

The general rule of the thumb for this training is understanding that an 8-week-old puppy may be able to hold for a period of 1 to 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old pup may hold for a period of 2 to 3 hours before eliminating. The bladder and bowel muscles of the dog strengthens as it develops. A crate is a required device when housebreaking. It allows the pet parent to monitor the dog for signs that the it wants to eliminate including whining, squatting, circling, heading to a corner, and trying to lift a leg against the crate wall. This device is also significant with this training since dogs don’t soil where they sleep. If the dog roams freely yet it is not fully housebroken, it increases the chances of having accidents in the house.

Before bringing a Labradoodle pup home, choose a designated toilet where the dog will be doing its business. It is also recommended to decide whether it will eliminate inside or outside especially for apartment dwellers who have a hard time accessing the street or yard. For indoor potty training, use a puppy pads or litter box. Although, Labradoodles are highly energetic dogs that require a home with a yard. For dogs that reside in apartment, they should be mentally and physically stimulated on a daily basis to avoid destructive behaviors. For outdoor potty training, select a toilet spot that is far from the BBQ area or patio deck.

Take your pet to the toilet spot after every 20 to 60 minutes(Miniature Labradoodles) 1 to 2 hours ( medium sized Labradoodle), and 2-3 hours (Large-sized Labradoodles) until it matures to hold for a period of 6 hours from the age of 8 months, after meals, immediately it wakes up, car ride, before bedtime, after exercise, and after naps. Once you take a Labradoodle to the potty area give it the command word ‘potty’ or ‘toilet’. Regardless of the command word that you will settle with, consistency is key. At no time should you interchangeably use the command words to avoid confusion. In the elimination area, remain there for at least 15 minutes to allow the bladder and bowel muscles to relax for a pee or poo.

If a Labradoodle fails to eliminate, take it back to the house and return it to the toilet area after 15 to 30 minutes. Before Labradoodles are fully house broken, there is a possibility that the dog will have accidents in the house. When this happens, utter a firm No and immediately scoop up the dog to the designated elimination spot. After the dog eliminates outside, give it a treat, playtime, or verbal praise. This will make the dog associate eliminating with the designated spot.

Avoid yelling since it will make a Labradoodle fearful encouraging future accidents. Remember to clean the mess using an iodine solution or an enzymatic detergent to get rid of the odor. Failure to remove the odor will encourage future accidents once the dog sniffs and relieves in the same spot. Before a Labradoodle is 4 months old, set an alarm to take it to the potty area at least once a night.

Labradoodle Crate Training

Contrary to the belief that a crate is used for caging animals, it provides a feeling of security for dogs. They are naturally den animals. A crate is a device used as a safe haven where a Labradoodle can retreat to. It is also essential when potty training since it is easier to monitor for signs that the dog wants to eliminate such as the walking in circles, whining, squatting, and trying to lift a leg against the crate. By choice, dogs avoid soiling where they sleep. A Crate helps to keep a Labradoodle safe while in the house so that it can’t injure itself when no one is closely looking after it.

This device helps to train a pup to build confidence in staying alone and spending sometime there. In the long run reducing the severity of separation anxiety especially for pups. A crate eases transporting a dog when traveling by air or car for short distances or long vacations. At no time should a crate be used as a form of punishing Labradoodles. This device should also be positioned in a room where there is a lot of family activities going on so that the dog doesn’t feel isolated. While in the house, always leave the crate door open so that a Labradoodle may understand that staying in a crate is not a forced experience.

Leaving the door open while at home will allow your pet to come into the crate as it pleases. Don’t place a crate in a place that tends to be too hot or too cold which will make it difficult for the pet to relax. Remember to make the crate appealing by positioning favorite treats and toys inside the crate. Make it comfortable by lining it with a comfy blanket or bed linen. A crate is not a place to imprison a dog. Therefore, limit the time a Labradoodle spends in the crate depending on the level of housetraining and its age.

To ensure the safety of the dog, remove any collars or harness when the pooch is about to get to the crate. Patience is key when crate training. It may take months before a dog is fully crate trained. A Labradoodle may also sleep overnight in the crate. Position the crate in your room where the dog can see you so that it doesn’t feel alone. Cover the crate with a towel or sheet leaving only the front section uncovered. Use a specific word like ‘bedtime’ every night so that the Labradoodle understands that a crate is used for sleeping at night.

Labradoodle Temperament | Traits

Gentle.
Intelligent.
Trainable.
Energetic.
Great with families and older children.
Friendly.
Playful.
Sociable.
Outgoing.
Curious.
Eager to please.
Enthusiastic.

Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle Temperament

Both Goldendoodles and Labradoodles have being bred from a poodle parent. Therefore, they share temperaments that are unique to the breed including being intelligent, higher trainability, playful, and sociable. However, a Goldendoodle has some of the traits that are inherited from the Golden Retriever including being people-oriented, intuitive, affectionate, and devoid of guarding instinct. Of the two crossbreeds, Labradoodles are more intelligent and less likely to be social as compared to Goldendoodles. The former may also bark to alert the owner, although they are likely to invite the intruder.

Labradoodle Exercise

These are intelligent dogs that need to be physically and mentally stimulated. Failure to exercise Labradoodles result to behavior issues like chewing furniture, scratching the walls, and excessive barking. The exercise needs of a Labradoodle can be met through brisk walks, game of fetch, and running in a secured yard.

Labradoodle Barking

A Labradoodle will bark when alerting the pet parent of an intruder. Although, they don’t make good watchdogs since they will let the intruder in. Excessive barking may be due to pent up energy because of lack of mental and physical stimulation.

Labradoodle Height | Height In Cm

Different sized Labradoodles have varying heights as discussed below:

A Standard female Labradoodle has a height of 21 to 23 inches ( approx. 53 to 58 cm) while the male counterpart has a height of 22 to 24 inches ( approx. 56 to 61 cm).

A Male Medium Labradoodle has a height of 18 to 20 inches ( approx. 46 to 51 cm ) while the female counterpart has a height of 17 to 19 inches ( approx. 43 to 48 cm ).

The average height for a Miniature Labradoodle female and male is 14 to 16 inches ( approx. 36 to 40 cm).

Mini Labradoodle Height

A Mini Labradoodle has a height of 14 to 16 inches ( approx. 36 to 40 cm).

Labradoodle Weight

A Labradoodle has an average weight range of 15 to 65 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 29 kg ) depending on the size of the dog.

Mini Labradoodle Weight

A Mini Labradoodle has a weight of 15 to 25 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 11 kg ).

Standard Labradoodle Weight

A Standard Labradoodle has a weight of 50 to 65 pounds ( approx. 23 to 29 kg).

Medium Labradoodle Weight

A medium-sized Labradoodle has a weight of 30 to 45 pounds ( approx. 14 to 20 kg).

Labradoodle Size | F1b Labradoodle Size

A Labradoodle has three size varieties depending on the Poodle parent that was used regardless of the multigen crossbreeding. A cross between a Labrador and Standard Poodle produces a Standard Labradoodle that has a weight of 50 to 65 pounds ( approx. 23 to 29 kg ) and a varying height for both male and female. A Male Standard Labradoodle has a height of 22 to 24 inches ( approx. 56 to 61 cm) while the female counterpart has a height of 21 to 23 inches ( approx. 53 to 58 cm).

Crossing a Lab with a Miniature Poodle creates a medium-sized Labradoodle that has a weight of 30 to 45 pounds ( approx. 14 to 20 kg). However, the height of a Medium-sized Labradoodles varies. A Male Medium-sized Labradoodle has a height of 18 to 20 inches ( approx. 46 to 51 cm ) while female Labradoodles have a height of 17 to 19 inches ( approx. 43 to 48 cm ).

A Miniature Labradoodle is created by crossing a Labrador with toy-sized Poodle which has a weight of 15 to 25 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 11 kg ) and a height of 14 to 16 inches ( approx. 36 to 40 cm).

Mini Labradoodle Size | Miniature Labradoodle Size

This is a small-sized Labradoodle of the three varieties. A mini(miniature) Labradoodle possesses a height of 14 to 16 inches ( approx. 36 to 40 cm) and a weight of 15 to 25 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 11 kg ).

Medium Labradoodle Size

Medium-sized Labradoodles are created by crossing a lab with a miniature poodle. It is slightly smaller as compared to the Standard poodle and slightly larger when compared to Miniature labradoodles. A medium-sized female Labradoodle has a height of 17 to 19 inches ( approx. 43 to 48 cm ) while the male counterpart has a height of 18 to 20 inches ( approx. 46 to 51 cm ). Both male and female medium-sized poodles have a weight of 30 to 45 pounds ( approx. 14 to 20 kg).

Standard Labradoodle Size

This is the largest variety of the three-sized Labradoodles. Both female and male Standard Labradoodles have a weight of 50 to 65 pounds ( approx. 23 to 29 kg ). Although, both have a different height range. A Male Standard Labradoodle has a height of 22 to 24 inches ( approx. 56 to 61 cm) while the female counterpart has a height of 21 to 23 inches ( approx. 53 to 58 cm).

Goldendoodle Vs Labradoodle Size

Goldendoodles have a height range of 13 to 24 inches ( approx. 33 to 61 cm) and a weight range of 15 to 80 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 36 kg ). On the other hand, Labradoodles have a height range of 14 to 24 inches ( approx. 36 to 61 cm) with a weight range of 15 to 65 pounds ( approx. 6.8 to 29 kg ).

Labradoodle Aggressive | Aggressive Biting | Aggressive Behavior

Labradoodle are gentle and friendly dogs that make good therapy dogs. They are neither fearful or aggressive. If not properly socialized they can become anxious or nervous and may be aggressive due to fear. A Labradoodle that has experienced a traumatic past may be fearful and may defend itself by exhibiting an aggressive behavior such as growling, snarling, barking, and biting.

Labradoodle Bite Force Psi | Bite Force

A Labrador Retriever has a bite force of about 230 Psi while a Poodle has a bite force of between 200 to 400. Therefore, a Labradoodle is likely to have a bite force of about 215 Psi.

Labradoodle Biting

The parents breed of a Labradoodle were bred as retrievers. Therefore, Labradoodles may tend to be mouthy especially puppies while exploring their environment, playing, and when teething due to discomfort. Puppy biting may seem adorable but not after the dog matures to have serious biting issues. Pet parents are urged to curb biting before it develops into a habit through bite inhibition training and redirection. While teething, a puppy may bite you feet or hand trying to relieve the discomfort. A pet parent may redirect the biting to teething toys instead. Socializing a Labradoodle also reduces the chances of biting due to fear of a new stimuli.

Labradoodle Hair Loss

A Labradoodle pup experiences hair loss while the coat is transitioning to an adult coat between the age of 6 to 12 months. However, hair loss in bald spots may be a result of hormonal changes especially an increase in estrogen levels when female Labradoodles are experiencing the heat cycle which leads to a thinning coat. Other causes of hair loss include demodex mange, allergies, stress, and hypothyroidism.

Labradoodle Eye Infection

Dog eye infections are caused by virus or bacteria. Although, bacteria is the main culprit. It gets an opportunity of invading the eye after dry eye disease, virus, or trauma to the eye since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised.

The face of a Labradoodle has hair that grows and need to be trimmed to keep it away from the dog’s eye. If the hair is not trimmed, it can injure the cornea which leads to bacterial eye infection. Injury or scratch to the eye surface result in an eye infection. Foreign bodies also cause eye infection if they are swept into the eye including fur, plant material, dirt, or debris.

Common symptoms exhibited by a Labradoodle that is suffering from an eye infection includes squinting, redness, pawing at the eye, swelling of the eyelids, and a discharge. A thick yellowish greenish discharge may be a result of bacterial infection while a clear discharge is a result of viral infection. A Home remedy for dog eye infection is the use of saline rinses to flush the eye.

Labradoodle Ear Infection | Ear Problems

A Labradoodle is predisposed to ear infection because of its floppy ears. These drop ears protect the ear canal against dirt or debris but also create a dark and humid environment for bacteria to thrive. A Labradoodle also has ear hair which needs to be plucked at least once every two weeks. Overgrown ear hair inhibits air flow and leads to accumulation of moisture which causes ear infection. Labradoodles also love to swim which leads to accumulation of water in the ears. The ears should be dried following a swimming activity.

Other causes of ear infections in Labradoodles include endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, allergies, ear mites, and yeast imbalances. A Labradoodle may suffer from three types of ear infections, externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Although, externa otitis is the most common and results to the inflammation of the cells located in the external ear canal.

If left unattended, the infection spreads to the middle and inner ear canal. Inflammation to the middle and inner ear canal is media and interna otitis respectively. If these infections are not treated, they result to deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs such as blurred vision, dizziness, and disorientation.

Labradoodle Ear Infection Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that a Labradoodle exhibit while suffering from an ear infection include:

Head shaking.
Walking in circles.
Dark discharge from the ears.
Rubbing the affected ear against the surface.
Redness.
Pain.
Odor.
Loss of balance.
Scabs in the ears.

Labradoodle Ear Infection Treatment

If the owner notices that the Labradoodle has exhibited the above signs, then he or she should give the vet a call to book an appointment. After getting to the Vet, you are expected to give a brief history of whether your dog has suffered from an ear infection before, or it is affected by skin and food allergies which also predispose your pet to ear infections.

If a Labradoodle is in so much pain, the Vet will sedate it before proceeding to conduct a physical examination which involves looking out for the symptoms as well as taking a swab from the affected ear. The ears will be thoroughly cleaned using a cotton ball that has been soaked in a medicated ear cleanser solution after the examination.

While going home, atopical medication and ear cleanser solution may also be prescribed. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory and oral antibiotic medications are prescribed. The symptoms that your Labradoodle was manifesting may go away after a week or two if the case was uncomplicated. However, severe ear infections, especially those caused by underlying issues may take months to resolve. If treatment fails, then surgery may be recommended by the vet, a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA), which removes the ear canal getting rid of the diseased tissue.

Remember to fully and keenly follow the instructions given by the vet. Continue administering the prescribed medications even if the symptoms go away to avoid additional problems such as resistant ear infections. Cleaning the ears once a week using a cotton balls dampened in an ear cleanser solution reduces the risk of ear infections. Labradoodles love to swim, after such an exciting outdoor activity, wipe the ears to prevent accumulation of moisture that also trigger ear infections.

Apart from Labradoodle, other breeds of dogs include:

English Bulldog.

Australian Cattle Dog.

Cavapoo.

Vizsla.

Goldendoodle.

Pomeranian.

French Bulldog.

Mini Australian Shepherd.

Australian Shepherd.

Dachshund.

Siberian Husky.

Pug.

Yorkshire Terrier.

Italian Greyhound.

Shiba Inu.

Belgian Malinois.

Whippet.

Bull Terrier.

Rat Terrier.

Airedale Terrier.

Weimaraner.

Labradoodle Eye Problems

Apart from eye infections, other eye problems that labradoodles suffer from include:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy ( PRA) – This is an inherited eye condition caused by a group of degenerative diseases that affect the photoreceptors cells causing progression loss of vision and eventually blindness.

Cataracts – is an eye condition that results in cloudy and whitish pupils that affects the vision of a Labradoodle. If left untreated it causes blindness.

Glaucoma is an eye problem caused by the insufficient drainage of the fluid from the eye, therefore, putting pressure on the optic nerve which causes a lot of pain to Labradoodles. Symptoms include redness in the whites of the eyes, bluing of the cornea, squinting, and watery eyes.

Glaucoma Health Issues | Miniature Labradoodle Health Issues

Labradoodles are hybrid dogs that benefit from hybrid vigour that reduces the risk of inbreeding depression and lower the chances of susceptibility to disease. Although, a Labradoodle is at a risk of developing health issues associated with Labs and Poodles. Some of the health issues that a Labradoodle may suffer from include neurological disorder like epilepsy, eye disorders like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, ear infection, Addison’s disease, Hypothyroidism, Gastric Torsion, heart disorders, and canine cancer.

Labradoodle Names

After getting a Labradoodle pup from a responsible breeder, the next best thing is getting a name for the fur baby. Names may be inspired by the coat color of the dog, personality, origin, historical figures, music, celebrities Labradoodles, books, movies, and nature.

Regardless of where you will get the inspiration, ensure the name that you settle with can be easily pronounced. The name should also not make you embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places including parks and malls. A Labradoodle and other dog breeds better understand a name that has a vowel in it.

A name that rhymes with the command words would create a lot of confusion. If your dog has a long name, find a cute nickname for it. If a Labradoodle shares a name with other family members or people who frequent your home, it may create a lot of confusion.

Male Labradoodle Names

Ryder.
Chase.
Hank.
Max.
Gus.
Otis.
Winston.
Cooper.
Leo.
Tucker.
Fynn.
Basil.
Buddy, etc.

Labradoodle Speed

Depending on the terrain and distance, a Labradoodle can maintain a speed of 25 miles per hour ( approx. 40 km/h ). However, some may ran up to a speed of 35 miles per hour ( approx. 56 km/h ).

Female Labradoodle Names

Lola.
Bailey.
Coco.
Rosie.
Daisy.
Ruby.
Penny.
Sage.
Gwen.
Sasha.
Zoey, etc.

Labradoodle Seizures

Both Poodles and Labrador Retrievers are predisposed to seizures, which is the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain due to a sudden surge of the electrical activity that is normally accompanied with uncontrollable muscle activity. The breed parents suffer from focal seizure that affects one side of the brain.

A pooch that suffers from a focal seizure is conscious and looks confused for a few seconds or minutes and simply staggers without hitting the ground. The causes of seizures are categorized into; primary, secondary, and reactive seizures.

Primary seizures are hereditary although the cause remains unknown. For this reason, they are referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Secondary seizures are caused by stroke, trauma to the brain, or brain tumor. Reactive seizures occur after the brain detects a problem with the metabolism caused by toxins, low blood sugar, or organ failure. Other dogs may experience grand mal seizures that causes disorientation, stiffening of the muscles, foaming mouth, urination or defecation.

Labradoodle Heat Cycle

The heat cycle of a Labradoodle lasts for a period of 2 to 4 weeks. This process may recur twice a year, approximately after every 6 months. However, Miniature Labradoodles may experience a heat cycle after every 4 months, approximately thrice a year. If intact, a Labradoodle dam may get pregnant in its teen since dogs experience the estrus cycle throughout their lives. If a pet parent has no intention of breeding the dog, they are advised to spay it.

Some of the signs that Labradoodles exhibit while on heat include increased urination, swollen vulva, bloody discharge, tail flagging, moody swings, and changes in eating behaviors. Before breeding a potential Labradoodle dam and sire, ensure they are screened for underlying genetic health issues such as progressive Retinal Atrophy, hip and elbow dysplasia, and seizures.

Although breeding of Labradoodle F1 to another Labradoodle F1 to Produce F2 is rare, most F1 Labradoodles are backcrossed to the Poodle parent. It is recommended to wait until the dam is 2 years old before breeding. This allows the dog to emotionally and physically mature to take care of a litter. Avoid breeding an aggressive dam since the puppies will likely be aggressive or fearful.

Labradoodle Pregnancy Length

After conception, a Labradoodle has a gestation period of approximately 63 days before whelping a litter.

Labradoodle Litter Size

An average litter size of a Labradoodle is 6 to 10 puppies depending on the generation and the size of the dog. F1 Labradoodles tend to have a bigger litter size as compared to other multigen.

Labradoodle Collar | Harness

Dog owners have to decide whether to use a collar or harness for their Labradoodles while walking and training the dog on a daily basis. A collar is suitable for a dog that is less likely to pull. On the other hand, a harness is the preferred option for a dog that is likely to pull while on a leash. Harnesses offer more control and it distributes pressure evenly across the upper body and reduces strain.

However, some owners may choose a collar to discourage pulling since it causes tension on the neck when the dog pulls. According to a study conducted by Anders Hallgren in 1994, it was discovered that there was a clear connection between neck problems and how a collar is handled. Even so, dog owners may use both a collar and a harness. A collar will attach the ID and Rabies Tag while a harness will attach a leash.

Labradoodle Muzzle

Even though, Labradoodles are non-aggressive dogs, they may be muzzled when they are in pain since they are likely to bite or nip. A pet owner may also muzzle the dog in a situation where he or she is not sure of how the dog will react to a new stimulus especially a dog from a rescue center.

American Kennel Club urges dog parents to create positive associations with the muzzle through the use of treat and verbal praise. This will reduce the possibility of the dog reacting harshly when it is muzzled. However, a muzzle is not used to correct behavior issues like destructive chewing, biting, or excessive barking.

Labradoodle Feeding Chart

The amount of food that a Labradoodle feeds on depends on the age, energy levels, metabolism, body build, and size. Standard Poodles are likely to feed more food as compared to Miniature Labradoodles. Puppies have a high metabolism rate and should fed three or four times a day. Puppies from the age of 6 months are fed twice a day.

Labradoodle Food | Best Labradoodle Food

Depending on the time and budget of a Labradoodle parent, he or she may decide whether to feed dry kibble food, wet food, raw food, or homemade food. Regardless, they should ensure that the food meets all the nutritional requirements of the pooch based on age and activity level.

The best way to know whether you are overfeeding or underfeeding your Labradoodle is to take them to the vet to be informed about their weight and health. However, you can also tell by checking the physique of your pet. If you can see your Labradoodle’s ribs, chances are they are being underfed. If the pet parent cannot feel the ribs of the pooch under the coat, then chances are that it is being overfeed.

When you get a Labradoodle from a responsible breeder, chances are that you will want to switch to another quality of food than the one it was previous feeding on. Gradually do this by mixing small portions of new food about 1/4 with 3/4 old food for the first week. During the second week, feed your dog with the same amount of the new food and old food.

On the third week feed your Labradoodle with 1/4 of old food and 3/4 of the new food. During the fourth week, totally switch to new food. For dog owners who want to feed commercial dry or wet food, they should purchase food that are specifically designed for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Large and Medium Labradoodles will feed on food for Medium-sized dogs while the Miniature will feed on food for small-sized dogs. As rule of thumb, dog commercial food or any other food should not contain fillers, preservatives, chemicals, or additives. The dog food should also have protein listed as the first ingredient. This also applies to the treats.

Labradoodle Neck Size | Collar Size

The neck size and the collar size of a labradoodle is the same since a collar rests around the neck. However, it is recommended to insert one finger between the neck and the collar for small-sized dogs and two fingers for a large-sized dog to ensure it doesn’t get choked. The collar | neck size of a labradoodle is 16 to 20 inches ( approx. 41 to 50 cm).

Labradoodle Colors | Coat Colors

A Labradoodle may have any coat color that the Poodle and Lab has. Some of the coat colors include gold, black, chalk, cafe, cream, parchment, apricot, silver, red, chocolate, blue-ish gray, and lavender. The patterns of the coat maybe phantom, solid, parti, white abstract markings, or tri-colored.

Labradoodle Types

There are three types of Labradoodles categorized according to the size of the Poodle Parent. A Lab crossed with Standard poodle produce Standard Labradoodles. Crossing of a Labrador with Miniature Poodle produces Medium Labradoodles. A cross between a toy-sized Poodle and a Lab creates Miniature Labradoodles. These three size varieties are bred into several generations.

A cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle produces F1 Labradoodles. When F1 is crossed with another F1 Labradoodle, the offspring is referred to as F2 Labradoodles. An F2 crossing to another F2 Labradoodle result to F3 generation. Although, if F1 is backcrossed with either parent, the offspring created are F1B. If F1B is again backcrossed to the parent the offspring are F1BB Labradoodles.

Labradoodle Allergies

A Labradoodle is susceptible to various forms of allergies as discussed below:

Food allergies – Rarely, Labradoodles are affected by true food allergies that result to an immune response that is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including gastrointestinal signs and skin condition issues. They are also affected by food intolerance as a result of a gradual offending ingredient in the diet and snacks of the dog.

Skin allergies – A Labradoodle is exposed to skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies. These allergies manifest on the skin exposing it to secondary skin infections if left unattended.

Contact allergies – This is an allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergies that cause inflammation include plastics, lawn chemicals, grooming products like shampoos and conditioner, latex, bed linens, carpet cleaning detergents, and medication. Commonly affected body parts include paws, around the muzzle, and feet.

Environmental allergies. One of the environmental allergens that cause allergic reaction include flea’s saliva which cause flea allergy dermatitis. This allergy affects underneath the tail and back legs. It causes excessive scratching and biting until skin around the bite area is raw. Other environmental allergies that may affect Labradoodles include ragweed, pollen, trees, grass, dust and dust mites, and house molds. Symptoms of environmental allergies nasal discharge, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, feet, ears, around the eyes, groin, muzzle, underarms, and between the toes. If left untreated, it result to secondary skin infections due to excessive scratching, biting, and licking.

Labradoodle Skin Allergies

A Labradoodle is prone to skin allergies that may be caused by environmental, food, or contact allergies. Food allergies cause an immune response that leads to a wide range of symptoms ranging from skin issues such as crusting lesions, hives, sores, dermatitis, facial swelling, and pruritus. On the other hand environmental allergens such as flea’s saliva cause flea allergy dermatitis that affect the back legs and underneath the tail of the dog.

It causes excessive scratching and biting until the skin surrounding the bite is raw. If left untreated, it may lead to yeast and bacterial skin infections. Environmental allergies also cause atopic dermatitis. This is an inflammation that occurs when a Labradoodle inhales substances such as pollen or ingests a substance that they are sensitive to.

Skin allergies cause itchiness on various body parts including paws, ears, belly sides, feet, around the eyes, groin, and armpits. Symptoms manifested by a Labradoodle that is suffering from food allergies include dry flaky skin, hair loss, crusting lesions, sores, chewing, scratching, licking, or biting the affected body parts, and rubbing of the ears or face.

Labradoodle Food Allergies

Although rare, Labradoodles may also be affected by food allergies which is accompanied by a wide range of symptoms including skin issues symptoms and gastrointestinal stress. Some of the skin issues symptoms include hives, facial swelling, hot spots, crusting lesions, pruritus, and dermatitis. Gastrointestinal symptoms include acute vomiting and diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and bloating.

A Labradoodle may also be affected by food intolerance which doesn’t result in an immune response. However, it occurs as a gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of the dog. Some of the ingredients that cause food sensitivities include chemicals, additives, preservatives, milk, soy, corn, wheat, eggs, chicken, beef, lamb, pork, turkey, fish, etc.

Symptoms of food intolerance include poor skin and coat, itchiness, foot infection, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pet parents are recommended to work along with the vet to manage the symptoms and find the offending ingredient in the diet of the pooch.

Labradoodle Eyes | Eye Color

A Labradoodle has oval shaped eyes that may either be brown or hazel in color.

Labradoodle Ears

Labradoodles have floppy-haired ears that hang close to the head.

Labradoodle Tail

F1 Labradoodles have tails that vary in terms of coat texture depending on how much the dog takes after the parents. Tail docking is rare with this breed unless the vet recommends due to a medical reason.

Why Is My Labradoodle Shedding

The level of shedding for Labradoodle puppies is determined by the coat that the dog has. This breed may have a hair, fleece, or wool coat. Fleece and Wool coat are non-to low shedding coats. However, hair coat sheds all-year round at moderate levels and experiences heavy shedding once or twice a year during the seasonal change. Labradoodle puppies experience coat changes where they shed a lot of hair between the age of 6 to 12 months as the coat changes to an adult coat.

Is Labradoodle Hypoallergenic | Are Labradoodle Hypoallergenic

Yes/No. A Labradoodle is considered nearly hypoallergenic depending on the type of coat that it has. Multigeneration of Labradoodles also determine whether the dog will be allergy friendly. Fleece and Wool coat shed at non to minimal levels all-year round and they also produce less dander. They may, therefore, be considered allergy friendly. F1B Labradoodle is considered more allergy friendly than F1 or F2 Labradoodles. Even though, F1BB is also more allergy friendly when compared to F1B. A Labradoodle that has a hair coat is not regarded nearly hypoallergenic. This is because the hair coat sheds all-year round at moderate levels. Pet parents are advised to live with a certain dog that is regarded nearly hypoallergenic before adopting the dog.

Are Labradoodlea Aggressive

No. Labradoodles are friendly, gentle, outgoing, and non-aggressive dogs. Although this may vary by individual dog. A Labradoodle from a rescue shelter may exhibit aggressive behavior due to past traumatic experiences.

Labradoodle Quick Facts

They were created by crossing a Labrador Retriever with Poodle in the 20th century.
Labradoodles may have a hair, fleece, or wool coat.
Labradoodles are owned by the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway.