Labradoodle – 10 Must Know Dog Breed Information

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• Origin: Australia
• Size: Medium
• Dog Breed Group: Guide/family
• Purebred: No
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Height: 22-24 inches(male), 21-23 inches(female) -Standard, 18-20 inches(male), 17-19 inches(female)-Medium, 14-16 inches- Miniature
• Weight: Weight: 15-25 lbs(Mini), 30-45 lbs(Medium), 50-65 lbs (Standard)
• Coat Appearance: Curly, wavy, or straight
• Coat Colors: Apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, gold, cream, chocolate
• Temperament: Affectionate, Cheerful,  Energetic, Friendly, Semi-independent, Intelligent, Obedient
• Good With Children: Yes
• Intelligence Level: High
• Good With Pets: Yes
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Grooming: Low
• Shedding: Shed Moderately
• Barking: Low
• Suitable For Apartments: Yes
• Need For Exercise: High
• Easy To Train: Yes
• Good For First Time Owners: Moderate-High
• Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, Sebaceous Adenitis, Addison’s disease
• Litter Size: 8 puppies (average)
• Average Price: $500 – $3000 USD (USA)

Size

They are widely available in different sizes. The first-generation breeders determine the actual size of this puppy.

Labradoodles come in three sizes as standard, medium, and miniature.

Miniature Labradoodle

Size – 14-16 inches

Weight – 15-25 lbs

Medium Labradoodle

Size – 18-20 inches(male), 17-19 inches(female)

Weight – 30-45 lbs

Standard Labradoodle

Size – 22-24 inches(male), 21-23 inches(female)

Weight – 50-65 lbs

Labradoodle Lifespan

The average lifespan of this dog is between 12-14 years.  Some are known to live much longer if given more dedication and care.

Labradoodle Colors

• Blue
• Lavender
• Chalk
• Silver
• Black
• Red
• Apricot
• Gold
• Cream
• Parchment
• Café
• Chocolate

Their coats are mainly divided into three different categories: hair, fleece, or wool.  Australian Labradoodles comprise of fleece coats that appear wavy or straight only.

Hair and wool coats are predominantly seen in early generation dogs.

Labradoodle Appearance

Coat:

They are an excellent choice for normal allergy sufferers.  There are basically three distinct coat types:

• Curly coat – Thick, dense curls that are non-shedding and have no odor
• Wavy coat – “Fleece coats;” low shedding and silky waves
• Straight coat – “Hair coats;” this variety sheds the most

Face

They have floppy ears, a broad head, and large, expressive eyes. This mixed breed is known for its scruffy look.

These dogs have long and soulful muzzles, sometimes mischievous looking eyes are covered in soft distinct curls.

With rounded cut around and near the pads, They look best with trim nails and pads.

Your new Labradoodle puppy would have met your local veterinarian by the time he is around 8 weeks old.  Your vet would have suggested at least the first puppy vaccination shot and deworming medicine as well.

The vet will recommend follow-up shots once every three weeks. You can start flea or tick and heart guard medications at around 10 weeks. After that, the puppy should attend regular vet check-ups.

Labradoodles are very healthy dog breeds and puppies purchases from reputable breeders have little or no health issues.

According to trainers, the most vital period for any puppy is between 8 & 11 weeks.

Simple Tips To Handle A Labradoodle Puppy

1. Puppy proofing your home is the first thing you should do before the puppy arrives. Try and remove all the small objects, toxic plants that could cause choking problems to your puppy.

Close all the open electric chords because it can cause unnecessary electric shocks. If there is an open yard, you better fence that part.  Fencing will save your dog from running astray and getting injured.

2. The second most important thing is to remove all dangerous trees, flowers, bushes, and trees from your yard. Plant pet-friendly plants.

Using organic manures in your garden is the right way forward. Toxic garden chemicals can enter your puppies body through their paws.

3. Prepare a special place with a cozy bed and toys

You should divide a private area for your dog to take rest. Install a doggie gate and ensure that your dog is safe and secure.

Kindly avoid shutting a door. This will increase the insecurity of your dog.  Providing a cozy bed to your dog is important for his growth.

Place the bed in a calm area and you can also try the latest orthopedic beds available in the market.

Interactive toys as well as other types of play items including balls, rope toys, squeaky toys, and plastic dog toys, and stuffed animals are also a better option to keep your dog mentally and physically active.

Labradoodle Grooming

It can keep its long coat and have a scissor cut at least once or twice. You should leave the coat at least six inches thick. Cut it back to two inches.

Start the grooming all over if needed.

1. Brush the coat completely
2. Use thinning shears and thin mats
3. Trim as short as possible around tush, eyes, and lips
4. Wash using shampoo and spray using a detangler
5. Avoid brushing repeatedly
6. Format care, thin area using thinning shears. Brush only that area, apply some water. Allow it to
7. Trim the edge (feet) so that ice does not form in the winter months
8. They are good swimmers. Keep the coat to a 2-inch thickness
9. Use tweezers and pull out excess hair from their ears.
10. For toenails, you can call a groomer or do it using a trimmer

Labradoodle Shedding

These breeds are considered as low shedding dogs. They shed between very low and average shedding. They tend to shed less and they are considered hypoallergenic.

The best puppies are fully aware of their boundaries. The sooner you train your Labradoodle puppy the sooner it gets freedom.

Strict training results always provide big points for owner and puppy.

Labradoodle puppies are intelligent and simple to train. These dogs should be potty trained within 6 weeks most. Most dogs are retrieving, shaking, staying, and sitting paws by three months.

Crate Training

The puppies view crave as a very safe place and the ideal crate should remain big enough so that they can lay down, walk, or stand up.

The first time places the crate in the in your bedroom and then later move the crate to a safe place.

Some puppies pee instantly in their crate. You better have patience.

The main aim of using the crate is actually to stop peeing at least for some period of time. Never leave water and food in the crate for a long time.

Always never leave the dog with the collar on.

Room Training

Create a safe room so that your dog can stay there until the not so friendly “dog people” visit. The room should be equipped with toys and a wee pad.

Wee Pads

Place the wee pads as close as possible to the bed or at some other safe place. Please do not punish them for using the wee pad.

Protein sources

The main food source should include animal protein. Grain or vegetable protein is not a good option.

Avoid food that lists more grains in their top 5 ingredients. If that’s the case,  you can select chicken.

Grain sources

Grains such as wheat gluten, corn gluten, corn, and soy can be quite hard to digest. This means possible allergic reactions and less nutrition.

Oatmeal, corn, rice, barley, and wheat are not the main food sources a dog instantly take a liking.

These ingredients can cause stomach issues if left unnoticed.

Fat Sources

Animal sources like chicken, meat, fish, and eggs in proper form are easily digested and give more strength and energy to your dog in general.

Toxic foods

Some of the toxic items to your Labradoodle puppy :

• Mistletoe
• Aloe Vera
• Umbrella Plant
• Caladium
• Asparagus Fern
• Virginia Creeper
•  Cherry
• Japanese Plum
• Wild Cherry
• Yew (all varieties)
• Apple (leaves and stem)
• Raw salmon
• Broccoli
• Tomato stems and leaves
• Hops
• Caffeine
• Yeast dough
• Alcohol
• Spoiled foods
• Potato peelings
• Onions and garlic
• Macadamia nuts
• milk chocolate (all types of chocolate)
• Cocoa powder
• Castor Bean
• Mushrooms
• Xylitol items-candy, gum
• Raisins and Grapes

Some of the common health problems that affect Labradoodles include:

Addison’s disease 

Also called hypoadrenocorticism happens due to malfunction of the adrenal glands. These glands are responsible for water, sugar, and salt balance in the body. This disease also affects the production of cortisol in dogs.

A dog will find it hard to digest food or manage stress without enough cortisol.

Other side-effects of Addison’s disease include excessive urination, thirst, diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, and fast heart rate.

Eye Problems

They are prone to certain eye problems including cataract and progressive retinal atrophy(PRA). These problems must be treated early; else, may end up in blindness.

Sebaceous Adenitis

Sebaceous Adenitis is a rare skin problem that affects all aged dogs. This condition causes odor, scaling, bacterial infections, skin lesions, and hair loss. Vets suggest antibacterials, shampoos, and oils for relieving pain.

Hip or elbow dysplasia

The hip or elbow joints grow awkwardly. The abnormal shape stops the sockets and joints from meeting one another. This leads to grinding and rubbing.

Hip dysplasia means joint instability while elbow dysplasia causes bone pieces to get lodged in the joint. With time, this condition can lead to secondary osteoarthritis and lameness.

A surgery can prevent arthritis if done early and get a vet to check your puppy before bringing him home.

Labradoodle Adoption

You can get a puppy from a shelter at a lower price when compared to a breeder. The adoption cost works out to around $300 USD. The average cost of the puppy is between $500-$3000 USD. Make sure you get your puppy from reputed breeders with proper papers and not from puppy mills.

Labradoodle Breeders

For more details contact:

Australian Labradoodle Club of America
829, Whisper Way
Bellingham, WA 98226