Labradoodle (Lab Poodle Mix) - Unlock Your Dog's Full Potential with MastersDogClub

I’m actually not surprised that the Labradoodle has become so popular in such a short time.

Originally, this breed was bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs; the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia was the first to arrange the crosses of Poodles and Labrador Retrievers.

And, this cross yielded a Labradoodle, which is an intelligent and sociable dog that has a nature right for guide dogs and comes with a low-shedding coat.

This hybrid dog is extremely well-known, and it is an adorable breed even though it has yet to achieve consistent results in coat or temperament.

In Australia, they are commonly referred to as "cobberdogs," and in recent years, since the rise of social media, the popularity of the Lab Poodle mix has been rising.

They were actually ranked the 7th most popular dog breed in the United States in 2020.

This is more or less the result of their combination of desirable traits like their friendly temperament, versatility, and hypoallergenic coat.

Origin of the Labradoodle

In 1989, the man who was in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, who goes by the name Wally Conron, intentionally crossbred a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever, which resulted in the Lab Poodle mix that is a hypoallergenic guide dog.

The Sultan is the first cross to be produced, and it is a dog with a hypoallergenic coat, intelligence, personality, and aptitude ideal for being an efficient guide dog.

The Labradoodle rose in popularity in no time, like its Labrador Retriever parent, after other breeders saw the merit of crossing these two breeds.

Most times, these dogs are produced by mixing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, but multigenerational breeding has started in order to produce a practical and distinguishable breed.

In the next few years, this hybrid dog will be moved into the registered breed status of the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle Association.

These groups have made wonderful efforts to bring breeders together; that way, they are working to create the same standards through multigenerational breeding.

Labradoodle Size

This breed is available in three size variations based on the size of the Poodle used for first-generation breeding.

The three sizes include Standard, Medium, and Miniature.

• In height, the Standard Labradoodle should be around 22 to 24 inches for a male and 21 to 23 inches for a female. And, in terms of weight, both sexes can range from 50 to 65 pounds.
• In height, the Medium Labradoodle should be between 18 and 20 inches for a male and 17 and 19 inches for a female. And, in the case of the weight for both, it should be around 30 to 45 pounds.
• Lastly, for a Miniature Labradoodle, the average size is around 14 to 16 inches, weighing 15 to 25 pounds.

That being said, when it comes to Labradoodle sizes, there are plenty of variations. Some can be smaller or larger than anticipated.

Labradoodle Personality

If properly trained, the Labradoodle is a smart dog that can make the perfect family companion.

This breed is congenial and accepts and treats everyone like a close friend. 

Labradoodles are loyal to their family and live life as active companions.

They can be calm but can also be high-spirited, showcasing their happiness through cheerful jumping and playing.

Since the Labradoodle was bred not to be aggressive, they are likely to be even-tempered.

Some might not be that friendly, which is the same with any breed, but a well-trained Labradoodle with a distinctive temperament is pure bliss.

Temperament and Intelligence of the Labradoodle

Labs and Poodles are both intelligent dogs, so the Lab Poodle mix inherits intelligence from both parents.

These are intelligent and affectionate dogs that love obeying commands and completing tasks.

Labradoodles are also used as service and therapy dogs for this reason.

They are actually perfect for anyone, from beginner dog owners to people with a house full of pets, thanks to their gentle nature combined with their intelligence and love for people.

Lab Poodle mixes are low-maintenance dogs that enjoy spending time with their families.

If they are left alone for a long period of time, they can suffer from separation anxiety.

And they can display this through howling, pacing, barking, urinating in the house, and also by being destructive.

I strongly suggest you get someone, like a dog walker or friend, to stop by and visit your dog and take them for a walk if you are going to be gone for a long period of time.

Doing this will definitely help keep your pooch entertained and happy.

Training and Exercise

For an adult Labradoodle, I recommend at least an hour of exercise every day, and I also try to add in extra playtime in an enclosed yard and tasks like retrieving.

It is extremely important that you do not allow your pup to become overweight or lazy due to the fact that both Labradors and Poodles are susceptible to hip dysplasia.

A lot of physical activity will keep their joints moving and flexible; additionally, mental stimulation will keep a Doodle both physically and mentally fit.

You might want to pass on a Labradoodle if you are the type that is not ready to handle a dog with a high energy level, given that the parents of this breed are two working breeds that can go all day.

Training is an essential part of raising a well-mannered dog of any breed.

However, keep in mind that the training needs of a dog differ throughout the different ages of life.

Plus, Lab Poodle mixes should be trained to walk without straining at their leash and to come back when given a recall signal.

Grooming

Labradors have moderate grooming requirements. Oftentimes, a good brush once or twice a week should keep their coats in excellent shape.

However, it is certain that you will need to put more effort into the coat of a Lab Poodle mix than you would with a purebred Lab, in spite of its generation.

I suggest that you take any dog with a Poodle-type coat to the groomer for a clip once a month.

The Labradoodle's coat can sometimes be a problem for owners, particularly those who lack the time or readiness for rigorous grooming.

Lack of grooming can sometimes become a health issue, just like with the Poodles, with matted fur getting out of control and covering the dog's eyes and bottom.

And there’s the likelihood that this can grow rapidly as the owner becomes uncomfortable seeking help.

Just ensure that this is not the same in your case. Plan ahead and ensure that you have your Doodle attend a groomer at regular intervals if you don’t have the time or readiness for DIY grooming.

Health and Conditions

In general, Labradoodles are healthy dogs, but genetically, they are susceptible to certain diseases that their parent breeds, the Labrador and the Poodle, suffer from.

Plus, the popularity of this breed has increased, leading to overbreeding and irresponsible breeding.

The truth is that breeding this way does not aim to get rid of health issues in the puppies but instead to make a profit.

Below are some possible issues that could show up down the road if you have a Labradoodle.

Also, remember that regular veterinary exams are vital as they help prevent and detect these conditions.

Minor Conditions

• Epilepsy
• Sebaceous adenitis
• Obesity
• Ear infection
• Chronic allergies
• Progressive retinal atrophy

Serious Conditions

• Bloat
• Von Willebrand disease
• Hip dysplasia
• Exercise-Induced Collapse
• Elbow dysplasia
• Addison’s disease

Food and Dietary Requirements

Labradoodles require around 3 cups of dry dog food every day on average.

Ensure that you follow the feeding guidelines of your chosen food; this is important because every formula has slightly different serving recommendations.

I recommend that you watch your adult Labradoodle’s appetite, activity level, and weight throughout their lifetime since Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are susceptible to obesity.

You can always schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to learn more if you have any concerns or questions about your dog’s weight.

Life Expectancy

Theoretically, you may expect a designer dog breed to have a similar life expectancy to one or both of its parent breeds.

However, a good number of studies have shown that hybrid dogs possess a greater life expectancy compared to most purebreds.

This is to say that there’s potential that your Doodle will live longer than either of its parents.

The life expectancy of Labradors is 12 years, while that of Poodles is around 10 to 18 years, and note that the smaller Poodles outlive the larger ones.

So, with luck and good care, your Doodle is very likely to be with you for the next 12 years or more.

Final Notes

With all that being said, I’m sure it is now clear to you why a lot of people have grown to love and cherish this designer dog breed.

Some might even say that Lab Poodle mixes are the perfect dog, particularly with the captivating personality of a Lab and the stunning looks and brains of a Poodle.

Even so, there’s still no perfect dog for every prospective owner. This dog breed needs plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation.

You can actually be left with an overexcited ball of energy on a leash if you fail to properly train and socialize one of these dogs.

I certainly have no reason to discourage you from owning this beautiful hybrid dog, a Lab Poodle mix, if you can handle the daily challenges of raising a Labradoodle and you are ready to invest your time and money to buy or adopt one responsibly.