The Labradoodle

Breed Background

The Labradoodle is a popular designer breed dog that is achieved by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle.  The breed was originally designed as hypoallergenic guide dogs by the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia with hopes to combine the social and intelligent traits of the Labrador with the low shedding coat of the Poodle.  While not recognized as an official breed by any kennel club, the Labradoodle has grown to become one of the most popular designer breeds.

Temperament

Since the Labradoodle is a cross breed, there is not a guarantee of consistent temperament traits.  Ideally they will possess the best qualities of both parents, making them affectionate, eager to please and trainable, fun loving, and friendly with people and other dogs.  They are generally fun loving and active pets that require daily exercise.  Due to their intelligence, they also require mental stimulation and early training or they may become destructive.  As with any dog breed, early socialization is key for Labradoodle puppies to ensure that they grow into friendly and confident adults.  

Fun Facts

• The Labradoodle comes in all sizes!  Their adult size depends on what type of poodle was a parent and can range from 25-80lbs.

• From black to white and every shade in between, a Labradoodle’s coat can come in any color.  Their coats also come in varying textures and may be wooly, curly, wavy or straight.

• As a working dog, the Labradoodle is mostly used to guide the blind.  They also make fantastic therapy dogs!

• The Labradoodle has an awesome nose and great tracking skills.  One pup jumped a 6’ fence and traveled across two counties in search of his owner after he was left to stay with relatives.

• The Labradoodle has replaced the Scottish Terrier in the “Here and Now” version of the popular board game Monopoly.