5 Things to Know Before Getting a Labradoodle

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Crossbreeds have always been a part of the human love affair with dogs. While purebreds provide stability of a breed’s characteristics, crossbreeding is how breeders are able to develop new breeds with new traits and characteristics. Without crossbreeding, there would likely only be a handful of dog breeds in the world today. 

In recent years, crossbred dogs or hybrid breeds have become even more widespread and desirable. The various Poodle crosses have gained renown for their easygoing nature and suitability for people with dog allergies. Of these crosses, the Labradoodle is undoubtedly one of the most popular. 

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a miniature or standard Poodle. The breed was originally created in the 1980s to serve as a hypoallergenic guide dog. Australian dog breeders were the first to intentionally breed a Labrador with a Poodle. 

The experiment proved so successful and the breed’s traits were so desirable that the Labradoodle rapidly became one of the most popular hybrids.

Let’s look at some of the things you should know before getting a Labradoodle.

• Labradoodles are high-energy dogs

The Labrador Retriever is known to be a high-energy working breed. The Poodle, whether miniature or standard size, is a born retriever despite usually being classified as a non-working dog. In fact, both breeds are water retrievers and have the energy to match.

It then makes sense that the product of crossbreeding between the two breeds will result in a dog that is equally high-energy. While they may not have the endless stamina or explosive athleticism of full-fledged working and hunting dogs, Labradoodles still enjoy running around, playing, and swimming. A Labradoodle owner will have to be able to keep up or get left behind. 

• Labradoodles tend to be smart and friendly dogs

The Poodle is widely considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. The Labrador Retriever is also highly intelligent, as the breed is meant to join their owner on hunts. Both dogs rank in the top 10 dog breeds in terms of intelligence, and their offspring are similarly intelligent.

Both breeds are also famously friendly and sweet to humans. The Poodle may be slightly more reserved with strangers than the Labrador, but that’s because the Labrador is one of the friendliest dogs when it comes to new people. Neither has any trouble charming new friends into giving them treats or scratches. 

Labradoodles are almost never aggressive towards anyone they meet, whether it be dogs or people. Their friendliness extends to their family members, and Labradoodles are sweet and gentle with their chosen humans. Labradoodles are so good at cheering up people that they’ve successfully been trained to be therapy dogs!

• Labradoodles have 3 coat types

Because they’re a crossbreed, Labradoodles may inherit the coat characteristics of either parent breed. There are 3 Labradoodle coat types:

• Wool coat 
• Fleece coat
• Hair coat

A wool coat Labradoodle will have hair that is arranged in loose, lamb-like curls, similar to a Poodle. They generally do not shed, as the curls will trap any fallen hair. This type of coat is often almost completely allergy-friendly, as dander is also trapped along with fallen hair.   

A fleece coat Labradoodle will have a more straight or wavy coat that has a soft, silken texture. Their hair will grow longer than a Labrador’s hair. This type of coat is often allergy-friendly and does not shed much.   

A hair coat Labradoodle will have short, wiry fur similar to that of a Labrador, but ranging in length from 2 to 3 inches. This type of coat will shed a moderate amount. 

Washing and grooming your Labradoodle is definitely possible at home, depending on the coat type. All three types benefit from regular brushing and grooming, which will help to curb any shedding.

• Australian Labradoodles may have more consistent traits than other Labradoodles

Australian dog breeders created the Labradoodle, so they put special emphasis on keeping the breed’s traits and characteristics consistent. As a result, they have more stringent standards for breeding. Australian Labradoodles can cost 2 to 3 times more than your typical Labradoodle. 

• Labradoodles are great family pets

There’s a reason why Labradoodles have become so popular – they’re a good fit for most families and pet owners. They typically grow up to be gentle, sweet, and affectionate adult dogs who are both smart and friendly. Because they’re smart, they can be easily trained to get along with other household pets and strangers. They’re athletic enough to keep up with active owners who enjoy the outdoors. They also bond deeply with their owners, and are fine with snuggling up on the couch if that’s what their human family members want to do. 

With all these positive qualities, it’s no surprise the Labradoodles are quickly becoming one of the world’s favorite breeds.