LABRADOODLE
Breed Group: Gun Dog
The Labradoodle is a mixed breed so it is not recognized by the UK Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club. To best understand your dog, look at both these breeds individually.
Average height: 35 - 60.96 cms (14 - 24 in)
Average Weight: 6 - 22 kgs (15 - 50 lbs)
Coat Length: Short
Life Span: 12 - 14 years
Colours: Cream, Red, chocolate, black, white, apricot, silver, caramel, lavender, phantom, parti
HISTORY
In the late 1980's, an Australian breeder for the Royal Guide Dogs Association, Wally Conron, was asked to breed a service dog for a blind woman whose husband was allergic to dogs. Believing a good mix would incorporate the working ability of the Labrador Retriever and the coat of the Poodle, he bred the first litter of 'Labradoodles'. One of the three puppies was suitable for guide dog work, and the other two remained and could not be homed. Enter the PR department that named these puppies 'Labradoodles. Before long, Labradoodles were being bred all over the world; for better and for worse.
L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.
Knowing the sort of 'job' a breed was created for can offer valuable insights into the type of life dogs of that breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as an indication of breed tendencies – not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR LABRADOODLE
- They are ridiculously intelligent
- They are very playful and adorable
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- They require a great deal of enrichment
- They are easily bored and will get into trouble if left to their own devices
- They require a lot of grooming
- They can be barkers
- They learn quickly, but often choose not to do what their humans are asking of them
YOUR LABRADOODLE PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Labradoodles tend to be very mouthy puppies, but much less so as they get older. Giving them proper chew toys and redirecting them onto appropriate chew items is key during puppyhood.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Being naughty
- Excessive barking
- Not listening
- Puppy mouthiness
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- Make sure you labradoodle gets plenty of brain stimulating activities throughout the day as well as physical exercise
- Get them used to grooming at an early age and be ok with a dog that has a mind of its own
- Puppies need a variety of chew toys
UPBRINGING
Get your labradoodle used to being handled and brushed at an early age and start training them early and give them lots of mental and physical stimulation.
LIFESTYLE
Labradoodles need a home that affords them a lot of time with their people. If there are children in the home, the children will need to learn boundaries with these dogs as they can become aggressive if pushed too far. This is often an issue as the doodle's fuzzy and adorable appearance can be misleading. They like their own space and do not do well when children or adults invade their space. Daily mental and physical exercise is a must and quiet time as well. Labradoodles do best when their people are around most of the day. They typically do well with other dogs, but not always.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
Labradoodles love to play and many like to swim and retrieve. They do well with hide and seek games as well as puzzles.
EDUCATION
Learning to communicate various cues at an early age is key. Reward-based training works well with them and they respond well to their people, but they often choose to do their own thing. Owners will need to be OK with this as they learn cues extremely quickly, but are often independent thinkers.
