A cute and smiling brown Labradoodle.
A cute and smiling brown Labradoodle.

Labradoodle

avatarJenna Kahn, MBA, VMD

Height14 - 20"
Weight30 - 100 lbs
TypeN/A
Life Expectancy12 - 14 years
Area of OriginAustralia

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Labradoodle is an adorable hybrid breed of dog that combines the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle with the patience and trainability of a Labrador Retriever. Originating as a guide dog for people with allergies, Labradoodles are often found working as service and therapy animals. These outgoing, energetic, and faithful pets warm the hearts of everyone they come into contact with and make easy going additions to any family with children or other pets.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Labradoodles From?

The Labradoodle crossbreed was developed in the late 1980s by Wally Conron, a dog trainer for the Australian Guide Dog Association.

The idea for mixing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle was sparked by a request for a hypoallergenic dog from a Hawaiian woman married to a blind man with allergies. Conron initially attempted to make a Standard Poodle, well known for having a coat that doesn’t shed or carry dander, into a guide dog. However, his attempts were futile, as the Poodle breed did not prove amenable to the depth of training required of a service dog.

Conron then decided to cross the hypoallergenic Poodle with the intelligent, dependable, and trainable Golden Retriever breed. Initially, patrons were not interested in obtaining crossbred dogs and only wanted purebreds. In an attempt to raise public perception, Conron gave his crossbreed a name: the “Labradoodle.”

The hybrid “Labradoodle” quickly became widely desired, inspiring the creation of additional breeding programs worldwide. Although crossbreeds are not recognized by the AKC, there are numerous organizations that ensure ethics and breeding standards for the Labradoodle.

Where Are Labradoodles From?

The Labradoodle crossbreed was developed in the late 1980s by Wally Conron, a dog trainer for the Australian Guide Dog Association.

The idea for mixing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle was sparked by a request for a hypoallergenic dog from a Hawaiian woman married to a blind man with allergies. Conron initially attempted to make a Standard Poodle, well known for having a coat that doesn’t shed or carry dander, into a guide dog. However, his attempts were futile, as the Poodle breed did not prove amenable to the depth of training required of a service dog.

Conron then decided to cross the hypoallergenic Poodle with the intelligent, dependable, and trainable Golden Retriever breed. Initially, patrons were not interested in obtaining crossbred dogs and only wanted purebreds. In an attempt to raise public perception, Conron gave his crossbreed a name: the “Labradoodle.”

The hybrid “Labradoodle” quickly became widely desired, inspiring the creation of additional breeding programs worldwide. Although crossbreeds are not recognized by the AKC, there are numerous organizations that ensure ethics and breeding standards for the Labradoodle.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Labradoodle Need?

The Labradoodle thrives on a diet designed for high-energy dogs, but avoid overfeeding, since this breed is prone to obesity.

Caring for a Labradoodle

What Kind of Diet Does a Labradoodle Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Labradoodle Need?

Are Labradoodles Healthy Dogs?

How Much Training Does a Labradoodles Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Labradoodle Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Labradoodle Need?

The Labradoodle thrives on a diet designed for high-energy dogs, but avoid overfeeding, since this breed is prone to obesity.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Labradoodle?

The size of a Labradoodle is dictated by the Poodle used in breeding. Three size options exist: miniature, medium, and standard. Miniature Labradoodles weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and are 14 – 16 inches in height. Medium Labradoodles weigh between 30 and 45 pounds and are 18 – 20 inches in height. Finally, Standard Labradoodles weigh from 45 to over 100 pounds and are 21 – 24 inches in height. Regardless of size, their fluffy, curly coats and large, floppy ears are hallmarks of their endearing appearance.

The head of a Labradoodle is broad and clean cut, with distinct eyebrows and big, round eyes. The ears are large and flop straight down at either side of the skull.

Labradoodles are deep-chested, with well-sprung ribs. The loin is muscular. Overall, the body is square and well-proportioned.

The Labradoodle tail is long and follows the movement of the body. It can be carried in an upward swing when playful, but should not fully curl over the back.

The shoulders are smoothly muscled and set back on the body. The forelimbs are straight and parallel. The feet are small and oval, with well-arched toes.

Since Labradoodles are hybrids, their coat types and colors have a large and unpredictable variety. Possible colors include brown, black, cream, caramel, red, and silver, among others. The coat can have one solid color or can be a mixture of multiple colors. The texture of the coat can range from hair to wool to fleece.

The hindlimbs are well-muscled and straight. They run parallel when viewed from the back. The feet are medium-sized and round.

Labradoodle Facts

1

The term "Labradoodle" is cited in both the Oxford English and Merriam-Webster dictionaries.

2

Monopoly used a Labradoodle to replace the Scottish Terrier icon in their “Here & Now” version of the game.

3

Wally Conron, the breeder behind the Labradoodle, expressed regret about creating this popular designer dog, fearing that his creation inspired dangerous and unethical breeding practices.

Other Breeds to Explore

Labrador Retriever
Poodle
Golden Retriever

References

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