Do Labradoodles Make Good Family Pets [The Real Truth]

Do Labradoodles make good family pets? If you’re looking for the perfect dog for your family, then the sweet and playful Labradoodle should be on your list!

Learn about Labradoodle characteristics that make them great family pets, and answers to frequently asked questions about Labradoodles.

Do Labradoodles Make Good Family Pets?

The quickest, simplest, and most definitive answer to this question would be: It depends. 

Labradoodles are the cross between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles of various sizes. Through the years, they have gained popularity for their good-naturedness, intelligence and energy. 

By nature, Labradoodles are friendly, fun-loving, and extremely loyal dogs. On top of all these, this dog breed is known to be devoted to its owners, very playful, and easy to train. 

If this is what you and your family are looking for, then the gorgeous Labradoodle might just be the perfect breed for you!

Labradoodle Characteristics

Being the mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle offers the best of both breeds. The crossbreeding process leaves the offspring with the superior characteristics of each parent dog.

This includes physical attributes such as the coat and build of the dog, and the psychological aspect, such as the pup’s temperament and personality.

This section will tackle all there is to know about this adorable breed, from the top of its head down to its toes.

Size

Labradoodles typically come in three different sizes: Miniature, Medium, and Standard. Each size has its own charm that appeals to every dog lover. 

First up are the Miniature Labradoodles. Minis can measure anywhere between a modest 14 to 16 inches. The average for this size is 15 to 25 pounds. 

The Medium Labradoodle is slightly larger than the Miniature, measuring 18 to 20 inches for males and 17 to 19 inches for females. They weigh anywhere between 30 to 45 pounds for both sexes.

Lastly, the Standard Labradoodle comes in at a whopping 22 to 24 inches for males, and 21 to 23 for their female counterparts. They can weigh 50 to 65 pounds for both sexes.

However, these sizes should be taken with a grain of salt. Labradoodle pups and their sizes can come with a lot of variation.

Coat

Despite the amount of fur this dog has, you might be surprised to find out that Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. This means that a Labradoodle’s coat has only minimal shedding, and won’t be causing you a runny nose or teary eyes. 

Aside from this, Labradoodles also have very unique coats. Unlike other breeds, their coats can be categorized into three types: fleece, wool, and hair.

Each category has its quirks and differences, making hair care for this breed a little more diverse than most.

Fleece coats are silky and the most common in the breed. It is often likened to the famous Angora goat texture and can either be straight or wavy.

Labradoodles with this coat are called “shaggy.”

Wool coats are similar in texture to the coat of a lamb. Labradoodles with this coat are often called “curly” because their hair hangs in loose curls.

This coat is the most similar to the Labradoodle’s Poodle parent. 

The least common coat among Labradoodles is the hair coat. Hair coats are straight and similar to the coat of their Labrador Retriever parent.

Unfortunately, this coat is the most prone to odor and shedding, so breeders try to avoid it.

Temperament

Labradoodles are generally good-natured dogs. They are fiercely loyal and devoted to their owners, making them great family dogs.

They are also extremely affectionate, caring, and are bred originally as guide dogs.

Additionally, Labradoodles are inquisitive and energetic. Your Labradoodle won’t be one to shy away from a healthy bout of playtime.

However, their high levels of energy make them unsuitable for apartment or condo living. 

They are smart and sociable dogs. This, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners, makes them fairly easy to train.

This is amazing news for first-time dog owners because you won’t be disheartened or overwhelmed by the training process.

The Labradoodle’s pleasant and easy-going personality makes it a great fit for any household.

Health

Labradoodles have a fairly long life span. They can live up to 14 years with proper care and nourishment.

However, like any dog breed, they are also prone to a variety of diseases most common in their parents, the Labrador Retriever and Poodle.

Eye diseases are common among Labradoodles because they are usually hereditary. Your beloved pet can suffer from cataracts, multifocal retinal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Make sure to look out for any telltale signs of these diseases such as bumping into things because of their impaired vision.

Labradoodles are also genetically predisposed to having elbow and hip dysplasia. This means that the bones near the joints do not fit properly in the socket.

This causes pain, inflammation, degeneration, lameness, and movement impairment in the dog.

They are also prone to hypothyroidism which makes bodily functions slow down. It is caused by a deficiency in the hormone called thyroxine.

Lastly, Addison’s disease, or hypoadrenocorticism, is common among this designer breed. Addison’s disease is caused by a deficiency in corticosteroids, a hormone that helps maintain normal metabolism in the body.

Regular visits to a trusted veterinarian will help catch the early signs of these diseases and prevent their progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section will go over frequently asked questions regarding the gorgeous Labradoodle. 

Do Labradoodles Bark A Lot?

A Labradoodle’s bark only usually comes out when they are excited, mad, or bored.

With that said, some Labradoodles do exhibit problems with excessive barking. They will bark at people and other animals outside, and even your visitors.

However, excessive barking is something that can be remedied with training. It is easier to correct this behavior with younger, more impressionable dogs, but that does not mean it is impossible to teach an older Labradoodle proper behavior.

Keeping your dog stimulated will also help alleviate the problem. This is because Labradoodles are highly intelligent, and require plenty of interaction.

Are Labradoodles High Maintenance?

In certain aspects, Labradoodles can be considered high maintenance. 

Their grooming, for instance, can be rather meticulous and expensive. Their fluffy coats require daily brushing, and a trip to the groomer’s at least once every six to twelve weeks is a necessity.

On top of this, Labradoodles also require a lot of playing since they are a very active and playful breed and need to be stimulated often. Having ample space, such as a moderately sized yard, is a must if you plan to get a Labradoodle. 

You also need to have a lot of time for your dog. As previously mentioned, Labradoodles love to play, so you need to be able to devote enough time to play with your dog.

However, these things shouldn’t deter you from getting a Labradoodle because the pros of getting one far outweigh the cons.

Aside from being a loyal companion, Labradoodles also double as therapy or guide dogs when properly trained. They were originally bred for this purpose.

Training them is also fairly easy because they are an intelligent and inquisitive breed. You do not have to worry about the stress and hassle of training a young dog.

Are Labradoodles Easy To Train?

As said before, yes! Labradoodles are extremely easy to train. Many Labradoodle owners have testified to their trainability. 

This can be credited to their highly social and intelligent nature. They are also people-pleasers which makes them a great pet for first-timers.

However, as with any breed, it is important to start them out young. A consistent routine will help your Labradoodle become an exemplar for good behavior. 

There are many resources available online to help you train your beloved Labradoodle. Aside from starting young and being consistent, it is also advisable to use a technique called reward training. This technique utilizes prizes like treats or praise to enforce good behavior. 

Socializing your Labradoodle is also a breeze. They are naturally friendly dogs and can get along with people and other animals fairly well. 

It is important to make socialization a pleasant experience for your dog so they won’t develop an aversion to other people or dogs. You can do this by respecting your Labradoodle’s boundaries.

Never force them into situations where they are uncomfortable or scared, and observe your dog for any signs of fear or aggression. Allow them to make the first move, rather than forcing them to. 

Do Labradoodles Need Complicated Grooming Routines?

Yes, grooming a Labradoodle can be rather complicated. As mentioned before, daily brushing is a must if you want to keep your dog’s hair soft and luscious. 

Taking your Labradoodle to a groomer should be done once every six weeks to make the most of your dog’s great looks. Each visit can cost anywhere between $45 to $75.

This can get rather expensive, so learning to bathe and groom your pet might be something you’d want to consider. Grooming at home is fairly common, and there are many websites you can visit that will teach you how to properly groom your Labradoodle.

Aside from learning how to groom, you will also need certain tools, such as a reliable pair of cutting and thinning shears, a trusted brand of dog-friendly shampoo, and ear powder and cleaner.

You might want to try Nature’s Miracle Natural Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner for Dogs!

By learning how to groom your Labradoodle yourself, you get to save some money, and bond with your pet even more. 

Grooming a Labradoodle does require effort, patience, and money. As a Labradoodle owner, you should be prepared to shell these things out.

All the factors that go into grooming a Labradoodle are well worth it when you see just how gorgeous your dog is!

Bonus: Here is a Complete Guide on How To Groom a Labradoodle!

Does My Labradoodle Need A Special Diet?

Labradoodles do not require a “special” diet. However, how much they eat in a day depends on how old they are.

Labradoodle puppies aged 2-4 months old typically need to eat 4 meals daily. As they grow older, this decreases to 3 meals daily for pups aged 4-6 months, 2-3 meals for pups aged 6-8 months, and 2 meals daily for dogs older than 8 months.

Making sure your Labradoodle pup eats enough food in a day is extremely important. Their blood sugar can drop to dangerously low, and borderline fatal levels if left unfed for too long.

For mature Labradoodles, high-quality dry food like the Pedigree Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food is recommended.

Two cups to two and a half cups are recommended each day, to be divided between two meals. Dividing feeding time helps avoid gastric tension or bloat.

However, dogs are carnivores. With this in mind, some Labradoodle owners do opt for raw meat instead of dry food. If this option interests you, consult your veterinarian or your breeder for any tips or suggestions they may have. 

The internet is also a great resource to find fellow Labradoodle owners. You can get valuable advice from forums and communities dedicated to your beloved pet.

Are Labradoodles Expensive?

As with any designer breed, Labradoodles can cost a pretty penny. If bought from a reputable breeder, a Labradoodle puppy can cost up to $3000. 

Before purchasing one, it is important to determine whether your breeder is ethical and responsible, or if they are just another puppy mill that subjects innocent dogs to inhumane and unprincipled breeding practices.

If you’re on a budget, rescue Labradoodles are also an option. Visit your local animal shelter or look for ones online to get a feel of the price range.

Generally, an adopted Labradoodle will only cost you a few hundred dollars.

On top of the initial purchase or adoption fee, you should also consider other fees such as food, healthcare, grooming, leisure, and travel fees. When totaled, this can amount to quite a large number. 

Taking care of a Labradoodle requires a lot of commitment, whether monetary or emotional. Make sure you are ready to spend your time, money, and effort on this gorgeous dog for the rest of its life so you can spare it from a life of abandonment and neglect.

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If you enjoyed this post, then you will love these posts:

• How Long Do Large Labradoodles Live? [Real Truth]
• When Do Labradoodles Lose Their Puppy Coat? [Full Breakdown]
• What Does A Full Grown Labradoodle Look Like? [25 Examples]
• Do Labradoodles Get Cold? [Full Breakdown]
• Top 10 Best Collar For Labradoodle [Ultimate Guide]

Thanks for reading! You can get many more tips and tricks for your Labradoodle here.