The Labradoodle is an enchanting crossbreed, with its lovable personality, cleverness, and kind nature. It is also blessed with the supposed hypoallergenic coat that each breeder of the designer dogs seems to have their own definition of. The Labradoodle first came onto the scene back in the 1980s but has gained popularity even since then. It was initially bred to serve as a service dog that would possess the low-shedding qualities ideal for those with allergies and sensitive skin. Yet, just because a dog possesses the kind of coat that one with allergies and sensitive skin could theoretically live with doesn’t make a dog with that kind of coat a Labradoodle. It takes considerably more than that, of course.
History
In the late 1980s, Wally Conron attempted to breed a dog that was suitable as a guide dog for people who have allergies to dogs. He succeeded by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. The mix produced a dog with a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat while also maintaining the intelligence and trainability that are the desired hallmarks of a service animal. The breed has grown in popularity and is now considered a cherished member of many families; they are known for their friendly and loving personalities.
Size
Largely influenced by their Poodle parent’s size, Labradoodles can grow to be one of three sizes.
Labradoodles are bred in three sizes: standard, medium, and miniature. The standard variety is the largest of the three, with males standing 21-24 inches tall and females 20-23 inches. They weigh from 45 to 65 pounds, with males typically being on the heavier side. Medium Labradoodles generally stand 18 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. The smallest is the miniature; this would stand 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.
Exercise
You need to give active dogs like Labradoodles something to do every day. Of course, they need at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity. Walks are great for that. So are playtime and exercise in the park. If you know how to train your dog for agility or figure skating, you can give them that, too. But just as important as all that is mental stimulation. You want to engage your Labradoodle’s mind so they won’t feel they have to make up reasons to live in a world of their own.
Personality
The Labradoodle has a very kind and intelligent character, which is why it’s so well-suited to being part of the family. This breed is very trainable and has a real desire to please its family. These dogs are very people-oriented and have a real affinity for being around children and adults alike. Probable service and therapy dog prospects are easy to pick out at an early age, as they’re the ones naturally inclined to interact with “their humans.” Because this breed is very much not naturally aggressive and is a true pleasure to live with, it has surged in popularity since it was first created.
Health
In general, Labradoodles are healthy dogs. However, they do have a few health problems that they are more than likely to experience. Some of these problems include hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a condition where the ball and socket joint of the hip doesn’t fit quite right, or where the joint of the elbow is inclined to pop out of place. The Labradoodle can also experience eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.
Care and Feeding
To ensure your Labradoodle gets the nutrition it needs, give it a diet that is balanced, high in quality, and specific to its age, size, and energy level. Ask your vet to suggest diet options and feeding amounts if you’re not certain, and keep an eye on how much you’re actually serving. Although treat-giving is a normal act of love, too many snacks throughout the day could be putting your canine at risk for becoming overweight or even obese.
Coat and Color
There are many kinds of Labradoodle coats, and they can range in texture from merely wavy to very curly. Most Labradoodles do not shed or shed very little, making them suitable for people with allergies. Labradoodle coats come in at least three textures, nine shades, and a multitude of color combinations.
Grooming
It is important to take care of your Labradoodle’s grooming needs so you can be sure their coat is in the best condition possible. This pet will need regular brushing to keep a long, flowing hairstyle intact—a variety of brushes can help with this job. Regular trims and deep-conditioning treatments can help prevent split ends and keep the fur from drying out. When letting your Labradoodle outside, try to keep it on soft grass—sandy areas might lead to the dog having matted fur.
Lifespan
The average lifespan for a Labradoodle is 12 to 15 years. However, some of these dogs can live quite a bit longer. There are reports of Labradoodles reaching 16 years or more, so it’s not unreasonable to expect your dog to be around for a long time if you provide them with proper care. Make sure to feed your Labradoodle a good, balanced diet, give them regular exercise, and take them to the vet so that any potential health risks can be identified and dealt with as soon as possible.
Interacting with Children
Labradoodles have a gentle, patient, and loving personality, which makes them excellent family dogs. Since they were bred to be service animals, they also have the added bonus of being incredibly smart. And thanks to their easygoing nature, Labradoodles get along wonderfully with children and other animals. Remember, if you bring a Labradoodle (or any dog breed, for that matter) into your home, it’s your responsibility to teach your kids how to safely interact with them. Here are a few guidelines you may want to cover when teaching children about dog safety.
Interacting with Other Pets
Because of their affable and relaxed demeanor, Labradoodles normally mesh well with other family pets. They generally enjoy the presence of other dogs and can, with the right kind of introductions and socialization, live in peace with a cat or two and even a few pocket pets. That’s not to say that some Labradoodles aren’t aggressive toward other animals, but as this hybrid breed becomes more common, so too does the behavior of living well with others. When it comes to interacting with other pets, Labradoodles are almost always up to the task.
Conclusion
Families who want a pet that’s both amiable and smart are increasingly turning to the Labradoodle. This hybrid breed of Labrador retriever and standard or miniature poodle has great looks and a fabulous personality. Some Labradoodles are even blessed with the bright, beautiful blue eyes of a poodle. The Labradoodle is also known for its hypoallergenic coat. In general, first-generation Labradoodles have a wavy or curly coat. Pet Labradoodles tend to take on more of the Labrador appearance with a sleek, shiny coat that is short or medium in length. When you give a Labradoodle a loving home and the care it needs, you’ll welcome a wonderful, winning pet into your family.