Whether your dog is a purebred Labradoodle, or a Labradoodle mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. Or maybe you're looking to adopt a Labradoodle and want to do a bit of research first — we can help with that.
Labradoodles are a popular dog breed because of their wide range of looks and temperaments. The dog breed is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a poodle.
Labs are extremely friendly, sociable and athletic, while poodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. Whether you have a Labradoodle or plan to adopt one, read on to learn about what you can expect from these unique dogs.
Explaining what the average Labradoodle looks like isn’t an easy thing to do. Labradoodles come in an incredible range of shapes, colors and sizes, depending on what they inherit from their Lab and poodle ancestors. It can be hard to predict what your Labradoodle puppy will grow up to look like, but generally, the mixed breed will have similar features to its parents.
“These dogs have a variety of ‘looks,’ from a curly-coated, lamb-like appearance to a larger, sturdy-bodied Lab type,” Dr. Liz Devitt, DVM, a veterinary consultant for Fetch, says.
While Labs usually weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, poodles come in three sizes, meaning your Labradoodle could be a lapdog or a huge cuddle buddy. Depending on what size their poodle parent or grandparent was, Labradoodles weigh anywhere from 15 to 100 pounds, falling under miniature, medium and standard categories.
Labradoodles have a grab bag of personality traits, and it can be hard to predict what traits each dog will inherit. But with consistent training and socialization, your Labradoodle can make a great family dog and be oodles of fun. Commonly, Labradoodles exhibit intelligence, gentleness and playfulness.
“These dogs are generally known for their friendly, outgoing disposition,” Dr. Devitt says. They can make great family pets and need daily exercise to burn off their playful energy. Some, like Labs, may love to swim.
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It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about the best way to groom your Labradoodle’s coat. While commonly considered a hypoallergenic breed, Labradoodles may or may not inherit the non-shedding hair of their poodle ancestors and can’t really be considered dander-free.
Typically, the mixed breed has either a wooly, curly coat or a fleece coat that can be straight or wavy. In some cases, they might inherit their Lab side’s flat coat or even a wiry coat. Each fur texture has different grooming needs, but typically, Labradoodles will need a consistent haircut appointment to keep their hair out of their eyes. It’s also important to regularly brush Labradoodle’s coats to avoid matted fur, which can be painful for your pup and require a full shave if not properly managed.
There are some potential health issues that affect both Labs and poodles, so they’re important to think about when considering adding a Labradoodle to your family. Both breeds are capable of inheriting progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic disorder that causes blindness.
Some health issues are dependent on your Labradoodle’s size, according to Dr. Devitt. Large Labs and poodles are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, as are larger Labradoodles. Both parent breeds are deep-chested, making it easier for them to develop gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, which is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach becomes distended with gas and twists on itself. And as they age, some Labradoodles may develop thyroid disease.
Due to their hair texture and floppy ears, Labradoodles are susceptible to earwax buildup in their ear canals, which may lead to ear infections.
Are you interested in adopting a Labradoodle, Labradoodle mix or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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