Greencross Vets
Originally bred to be used as hypoallergenic service dogs, the Labradoodle are a hybrid breed that are typically very affectionate, clever and energetic. They make for a great family dog due to their inherent ability to be trained and their low shedding habits. Topics Covered:
As their name would suggest, Labradoodles are the product of breeding between Labradors and Poodles. The breed was born out of the desire for a dutiful, intelligent and hypoallergenic service dog, where owners could combine the intelligence and workability of the Labrador with the coat of the Poodle.
The breed was created in Australia by Wally Conron in 1989, who was at the time heading up the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. After the success of their first Labradoodle litter, other breeders the world over began to see the benefits of breeding Labradoodles.
The Labradoodle is a very intelligent dog, making them an extremely trainable addition to your family. They can be potty-trained and behaviourally trained relatively easily and respond well to positive reinforcement.
Labradoodles are also very playful and loving. They enjoy nothing more than to play with their family and will require lots of playtime over the course of their lives. They are very friendly and can be very excitable when meeting new people.
They don’t have a high tendency to bark and they are generally rather laid-back in regard to their level of aggression. Labradoodles are very good-natured.
They enjoy bonding with their human family through regular exercise and play. They have a high energy level and love to be stimulated through swimming, running, chasing and training.
Labradors can be bred with Poodles of the Toy, Miniature, or Standard variety to produce Labradoodles of a number of sizes.
Labradoodles bred with Toy Poodles are the smallest variation of the breed, generally standing between 35 and 40 centimetres tall and weighing between 7 and 11 kilograms.
Miniature Labradoodles (bred with Miniature Poodles) typically stand between 45 and 50 centimetres tall, weighing in the range of 13 to 20 kilograms.
Standard Labradoodles are those bred with Standard Poodles and are generally the largest size of Labradoodle. They can grow as tall as 60 centimetres and as heavy as 30 kilograms.
The common health problems that Labradoodles suffer from are often problems that they inherit from their parent breeds. However, they are still considered to be a relatively healthy breed.
Joint Dysplasia is a common issue in a number of dog breeds including the Labradoodle, and refers to the abnormal development and growth in either hip or elbow joints. It is most commonly observed in larger dog breeds, often requiring physical therapy to treat. More serious cases may require surgery.
Labradoodles may also suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (or PRA for short). This refers to a group of diseases or conditions which slowly degrade the retinal cells within the dog’s eyes. In most cases of PRA, this will eventually cause a decline in the vision of the dog and may even result in blindness.
A number of less serious afflictions can also show up during the course of your Labradoodle’s life. Their long and floppy ears can unfortunately get infected easier than some other dog breeds, leaving them with an itchy and painful ear infection. Speak to your local vet team for more information about how you can keep your Labradoodle healthy.
The energy needs of a Labradoodle are rather high, stemming mostly from the similarly high energy needs of Labrador dogs. A good estimate of their exercise requirements ranges between 30 minutes to an hour daily, which could take the form of running, walking or playing. They also have a distinct affinity for water, being known to enjoy splashing and swimming.
They also require mental stimulation due to their high level of intelligence, or you may risk losing a few slippers or other household items to boredom-induced destructive habits. If you plan on leaving your Labradoodle alone for extended periods of time, you may want to invest in mentally stimulating toys or feeding apparatus.
One of the advantages of owning a Labradoodle is their low level of shedding. It isn’t guaranteed that your Labradoodle won’t shed due to the nature of crossbred dogs— they won’t always produce consistent results in their offspring. Labradoodle fur can be one of three types, one that sheds like fur, one that looks similar to sheep’s wool and one that is silky and wavy. The last option is most common and typically does not shed.
The frequency of grooming that your Labradoodle requires will vary depending on their fur and size. In general, they require a good brushing once every week or fortnight, and a trim every 6-8 weeks.
As Labradoodles can come in such a wide range of sizes, the amount they should be fed will vary from dog to dog. Feeding should typically happen daily on two occasions, to help encourage a healthy appetite and to prevent overeating and bloating. Speak with your local vet team to discuss appropriate food for your pet.
Their diet should consist of high-quality food that is high in protein and fat. Due to their high levels of energy, they need to be fed a robust and healthy dog food in order to keep up them firing on all cylinders. Look for dog food that is made with real protein such as chicken or fish, and no artificial fillers. The Petbarn Food Finder is a great tool to discover which puppy food options are available. Explore the options available and discuss with your local vet team the best nutrition choice for your pup.
The coat of a Labradoodle is generally described as shaggy, with thick, curly fur that can be both soft and fluffy or thick and wiry. Their fur will vary from puppy to puppy however. Their fur can be a number of colours based on which dogs were used to breed the offspring, including gold, caramel, black, chocolate, cream or a chalky white. Their fur is usually a consistent colour all over, but some also have visible markings or speckling that incorporates other colours. Labradoodle’s will often have long and floppy ears, complimented by dark eyes and a short snout. They are often compared to teddy bears! In other words, they are super cute.
They have a very low tendency to be aggressive, meaning they can join your family without feeling any worry towards their suitability around children. Their sociable and energetic nature makes them the perfect play pals with both children and other dogs. Their excitable nature may make them a little too much for small children to play with. Regardless of the breed of dog, we strongly recommend supervising all interactions with children and pets. They may accidentally bump into and knock over small children during playtime, especially in their younger and more boisterous years.
As Labradoodles are considered to be a relatively healthy breed, it isn’t unusual for them to live up to 14 years. This number fluctuates slightly based on which size of poodle breed is used to parent the litter, as well as the lifestyle that the dog lives. With good food, regular exercise and mental stimulation you can expect to maximise the lifetime of your Labradoodle.
There are a number of ethical breeders of Labradoodles in Australia, which raise their litters in a loving and nurturing environment during the early months of their lives. Be sure to avoid any Labradoodles that have been bred in puppy farms or puppy mills (which usually cost much less to buy).
Labradoodles are not a breed known for aggressive behaviour, and this includes barking. They are generally rather placid and do not bark, but this may be something you notice if they are left alone for too long.
In terms of all dogs, Labradoodles are not as hard to take care of as some other breeds. Due to their innate intelligence, training them is not usually an arduous process. Their ability to shed either very lightly or not at all makes them easy to clean up after, saving you effort in the long run. However, they do require a considerable amount of exercise and attention. You may find it fits into your schedule to combine this with your own daily exercise.
As social dogs, Labradoodles love to be around people. While they can be left alone, it is not something that we could recommend happens all too often. Without the stimulation of physical company, Labradoodles have been known to turn to destructive behaviour out of boredom.
Labradoodles don’t require frequent bathing, but a good rule of thumb is to do it once a month. Some Labradoodles love to get down and dirty during playtime, so if you notice that they have picked up some mud or dirt then you may want to consider bringing forward their bath time!
At Greencross Vets, nothing is more important than the health and wellbeing of your four-legged friend. If you have any more questions, please reach out to your local Greencross Vets. You can find your local Greencross Vets here .
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