Labradoodle dog breed
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Labradoodle dog breed information and advice
One of the most popular mixed-breed dog breeds, the Labradoodle has swept into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Their cute coats and playful personalities have made this dog breed a popular choice for families, and if the pup has inherited the coat of a poodle, they can be a good choice for allergy sufferers.
As the name suggests, the Labradoodle was born from breeding a Labrador with a Poodle. But did you know that the parents play an important part in Labradoodle puppy’s characteristics? Their size and weight, for example really depend on whether a toy, miniature or standard Poodle was used in the breeding.
Here’s your go-to Labradoodle dog breed guide with facts and care tips you need to know about Labradoodles to help keep your pup in tip top shape.
Labradoodle facts
| Lifespan | 12 - 15 years |
| How much | £430 - £2500 |
| Size | there are three size variation varying between 36 - 61cm |
| Weight | 23 - 27 kg depending on the height |
| Colours | caramel, chocolate, cream, golden/apricot, parchment, red, chalk, black, silver, blue, lavender, phantom |
| Grooming | every 4 - 6 weeks depending on coat |
| Temperament | intelligent, affectionate, excitable |
| Exercise | 30 - 60 minutes a day |
Labradoodle insurance
Dog insurance for your Labradoodle will give you peace of mind when it comes to providing healthcare for your pet. Even the healthiest of dogs can have an unexpected tumble, so it’s good to know that their dog insurance can help when it comes to vet bills, illness or injury. Having dog insurance for your Labradoodle ensures your pup can get the help they need.
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance
Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance can protect your Labradoodle puppy as young as 8 weeks old. We also cover older Labradoodles if you take out insurance before their 8th birthday. Once you have cover in place, we’ll insure them for their entire life - as long as you renew your policy year after year.
How to care for a Labradoodle
Feeding and nutrition
The amount of food your dog needs depends on its size. Labradoodles can be big dogs if they have been bred with a standard Poodle. This means they need a diet to match. Generally, dog food is made to a dog’s size, and in terms of how much you feed them, you’ll find this on the packaging.
If you have your Labradoodle from a puppy, they should be fed 3-4 times a day. As they grow to an adult, they can be fed 1-2 times a day. Mini Labradoodles prefer to be fed twice. Small dogs prefer smaller portions more often to suit their small stomachs. A big Labradoodle would also benefit more from two meals instead of one, as it helps to prevent any stomach issues. If a dog eats a lot of food and exercises too soon before or after, it can cause their stomach to twist. This is a serious condition so should be avoided by not exercising your dog too close to meal times.
Weighing your Labradoodle’s food will make sure they are not eating too much or not enough and will help you to control your dog’s weight.
Grooming
Labradoodle shedding is minimal and their fur is curly, so their grooming needs are fairly minimal. If your dog has a short coat, it will need brushing and washing every 4-6 weeks. To manage their coat, they should be trimmed 2-4 times a year depending on your personal preference and the curliness of their fur.
Labradoodles are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed because of the low shedding, making them a good breed choice for dog allergy sufferers. However, it’s still possible for allergy sufferers to have a reaction as no dog is completely hypoallergenic.
Exercise
Walking your dog is the best form of exercise, especially if they have some time off lead. But make sure your dog is only let off its lead in a secure area. Labradoodles have lots of energy and are very playful and need 30-60 minutes of exercise every day to burn off all that energy.
Beware, if your Labradoodle doesn’t get the exercise it needs, it may display behaviour such as chewing, barking or running around the house. Exercise also helps to keep them at a healthy weight. Most Labradoodles love to play and are good at fetch, probably due to the Labrador in them. This is a great way to get some additional exercise.
Training
Both Labradors and Poodles are intelligent breeds, meaning that Labradoodles are too. This makes training them easy, although they can get distracted. They have a lot of energy and need to be kept interested in what they’re learning. Use toys or treats to reward them, making the training fun and enjoyable for both dog and trainer.
Training classes are a great way to socialise your pet and to pick up training tips. Labradoodle puppies should start toilet training from the first day you bring them home. House training is simple if you give your dog lots of chances to go to the toilet in the designated toileting area. Always praise and reward your dog when they go to the toilet in the right place.
Temperament and behaviour
Labradoodles have a lively personality no matter what size they are. Their friendly and loving temperament makes them ideal pets for any age, but they are best suited to those who have the time to meet their exercise demands. They can display bad behaviour if they are bored and haven’t been able to release some energy. Make sure they have toys to play with to keep them entertained.
Common health problems
There are not many health problems that are common in crossbreeds. There is a possibility that they'll develop an issue that is common in the parent breeds, but it’s unlikely unless both parents are predisposed to that condition.
To make sure your Labradoodle has access to the help and care they need should a problem develop, it’s worth considering pet insurance.
Dental problems are common in all dog breeds, some more than others. You should brush your dog’s teeth daily to reduce plaque build-up. Take your dog for regular vet health checks so that a vet can pick up on any health care needs before they become a problem.
Below are the main conditions that you should keep an eye out for because they are common in Labradors and Poodles.
Hip dysplasia
This is an inherited condition that typically affects medium and large dog breeds, causing instability of the hip joint. Affected dogs will experience pain and lameness, and develop arthritis in later life. The condition is a result of the ball-and-socket joint not fitting together properly, causing it to rub and damage the surface of the joint. Diet, growth rate and level of exercise can all affect the severity of this condition. Pain medication can be given to manage the pain, but in severe cases, surgery is the only treatment option.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a group of inherited eye diseases, which is untreatable and will eventually lead to blindness. It’s most commonly seen in miniature and toy poodles, as well as Labradors. Affected dogs gradually lose their sight; early signs being poor vision at night or in dimly lit conditions. Your labradoodle may show signs of being nervous when there is poor lighting. Dogs are typically affected when they are between 3-8 years old, but it can take months to years for complete blindness to happen. Fortunately, dogs adapt well to being blind and can continue to live long happy lives.
Is a Labradoodle right for you?
The Labradoodle breed is perfect for you if you’re looking for a loving and energetic addition to your family. Labradoodles are suited to owners who like to spend time outdoors and have lots of love to give. With minimal health conditions and pet insurance to cover your dog if needed, there is little to worry about with this breed.
Do Labradoodles shed?
Labradoodles are generally low-shedders due to them having the curly coat of a Poodle. This makes them a good breed choice for those that suffer from dog allergies. No dog breed is completely hypoallergenic but low-shedders are less likely to cause a reaction for allergy sufferers.
How long to Labradoodles live?
Labradoodles have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. In general, small dogs live longer than larger dogs, so Miniature Labradoodles and Medium Labradoodles tend to live longer than the standard. Health conditions can affect a dog’s lifespan so make sure your dog receives the health care that it needs. Overweight and underweight dogs are more prone to health conditions.
How big do Labradoodles get?
The size of your Labradoodle depends on whether it was bred with a standard, toy or miniature Poodle. A standard will reach between 56-61 cm in height; a medium will be between 46-51 cm and a Mini Labradoodle will be between 36-41 cm. Their weight will also vary between 23-27 kg, with a smaller dog being at the lower end of the scale.
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References
Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis - www.vetstream.com/treat/canis 
Keizer R J & Llewellyn-Zaidi A (online) Retriever: Labrador. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/retriever-labrador
Vetstream ltd (online) Poodle: Toy. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/poodle-toy
Vetstream ltd (online) Poodle: Standard. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/poodle-standard
Vetstream ltd (online) Poodle: Miniature. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/poodle-miniature
Brooks D E, Williams D L & Gould D (online) Retina: generalized progressive retinal atrophy. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/diseases/retina-generalized-progressive-retinal-atrophy
Vetstream Ltd (online) Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/owner-factsheets/progessive-retinal-atrophy-(pra)
Harari J & Langley-Hobbs S (online) Hip: dysplasia. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/diseases/hip-dysplasia
Vetstream Ltd (online) Hip dysplasia Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://www.vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/owner-factsheets/hip-dysplasia
Terms and conditions
Important information
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