Want to know how bad do Labradoodles shed? Then you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll show you everything about how bad Labradoodles shed, which generation shed the least and the most, the reasons they shed, how you can manage it, and more.
How Bad Do Labradoodles Shed?
Labradoodles do not shed a lot, which means this dog breed is not bad at all. In fact, they are considered to be minimal to non-shedders!
What “shedding” to them is just losing a bit of its fur and that’s just it! I can assure you: your furniture, clothes, and the carpet won’t be covered with swath-like fur.
It is easily compared to how we humans lose damaged hair from time to time. Don’t worry too much about it—they will get replaced too!
Does This Thing Happen On Labradoodles Alone?
All types of dogs shed their coat. From the tiniest dog you have in your pack to the biggest one that loves to ignore its size and sits on your lap.
Shedding is only one of the things we have to manage when we have pets, and it happens all year round. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, it is a natural thing for our furry friends to experience this. We just have to deal with it and maybe consider it as a perk for having a pet.
A Labradoodle is a type of Poodle mix that is bred to cater to the needs of a fur-sensitive home just like yours. However, the likelihood of a Labradoodle to shed—if it even sheds at all—depends on its generation.
Which Labradoodle Generation Sheds the Least?
Second generation and multigenerational offspring are known for their minimal to non-existent shedding. Second generations, or commonly called F2 Labradoodles, are offspring of two purebred first generations.
The Labradoodle generation chart is a bit confusing. But once you look at it closely you would easily understand which pair produces which generation.
The Labradoodle generations are indicated by a combination of a letter, the generation number, and another letter. For instance, “F1B” stands for “Filial Hybrid, first generation, Backcross”.
It works with other Labradoodle generations as well like “F2B” meaning “Filial Hybrid, second generation, Backcross”.
We will get to what “backcross” is in a moment.
The Breeding Process of Labradoodles
To make a Labradoodle, you will need a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Standard Poodle. If they have managed to produce puppies, those are the first generations or commonly called F1 Labradoodles.
The offspring share 50% percent of their genes with each parent. So if you are looking for a more prominent Labrador Retriever or Poodle look, you may want to opt for their pure breeds instead.
To produce a second generation Labradoodle or commonly called F2, you will need two F1 Labradoodles. If they did have offsprings, chances are the puppies are satisfyingly 100% Labradoodles.
Two pure F2 Labradoodles will produce F3 Labradoodle offsprings, while F3 and other succeeding generations will produce what is called multigenerational. Multigenerational Labradoodles are undeniably 100% Doodles.
Moreover, there are generations of the breed that “branches off” from the main. For instance, an F1 Labradoodle and a Standard Poodle will produce an offspring that is called F1B Labradoodle.
Methods as such are called backcross breeding. This is done to separate a characteristic or gene of interest that should be passed down to the offspring.
The Importance of Proper Breeding
Careful and selective breeding processes help in choosing attributes that we want to appear in a dog. Because of that, the latter generations now exhibit the primary characteristics of a Labradoodle such as friendly with people and other dogs, gentle, has a wavy or curly coat, and minimal to non-shedder.
Fun fact: did you know that Australian Labradoodles are mostly part Standard Poodle according to a report by New Scientist?
That could explain why F2 and multigenerational Labradoodles shed little to no fur since Standard Poodles are minimal shedders!
Which Labradoodle Generation Sheds the Most?
If you are getting a Labradoodle and have a massive concern about shedding, I’m telling you: do not get a first-generation. It will just be the same as getting a cat; although it’s a big one.
Since Labradors tend to lose their coat much more frequently compared to Poodles, it is most likely that F1 Labradoodles will inherit that physical attribute. They would shed their coat as much a Labrador Retriever would.
The coat of an F1 Labradoodle can be either flat like a Labrador Retriever, or wavy and curly like Standard Poodle. Either of those, the dog is still an adorable Labradoodle.
To add to that, a Labrador Retriever’s coat needs to be groomed on a daily or weekly basis to cope with their shedding. Such methods could be useful too in managing your F1 Labradoodle’s shedding.
It’s best if you use a slicker brush but don’t apply too much force in brushing their fur. Just let it slide through your dog’s coat.
FYI – want to know how much Labradoodles shed? Learn more here!
Why Do These Generations Shed More?
They also inherit what is called “Health Vigor.” To simply put: it implies that first generations will be much healthier if compared to later generations because they were the first ones that inherited the best genes of their parents.
The later generations are at risk of inbreeding due to their parents’ very similar characteristics. It’s as if you are pairing up two siblings!
Temperament should not be a concern to an F1 since it will likely inherit its parents’ caring and absolutely friendly personalities. Because of that, Australian Guide Dog Association and similar organizations in the United States use F1 Labradoodles in their guide dog programs.
However, you have to keep in mind that there is no guarantee that all of the first generation litter will immediately look like a purebred Labradoodle because that’s not how genotypes work.
How To Select The Right Labradoodle
If you prefer a Labradoodle that does not shed at all, carefully plan the breeding process to eliminate the types of characteristics that you do not want. It’s best if you work with a reputable breeder.
But you have to be cautious because the offspring might inherit a bad gene from both parents. For instance, Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodle breeds suffer from hip dysplasia.
It is a condition in which either of the joints of their hip won’t grow, rendering a dog limping with its rear legs.
Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
Families choose Labradoodles because they shed fur the least of all dog breeds. However, Labradoodles are not always hypoallergenic because all pets certainly release allergens.
Whilst inhaling fur does make us cough and our nose itchy, it is not the main cause for having allergic reactions to dogs. It does not even make you itch or make your skin turn red.
According to William H.Miller, VMD, dogs produce six allergens commonly found in dander (flake of skin that they shed), urine, and saliva.
He explained that you can be allergic to one dog but not to the other even if they have the same breed. He reassured that the breed of a dog is not a contributing factor to your allergic reaction.
Dr. Oren P. Schaefer also stated that all animals produce allergens, the matter is how much they make. Dr. Schaefer specializes in Allergy and Immunology, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine at Worcester, Massachusetts so you better believe it.
The most common ways we take in allergens are through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.
The Best Ways To Deal With Your Allergies
Common effects of allergies are watery eyes, itchiness and redness of the skin, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and in very rare cases: anaphylaxis. It can also trigger symptoms of asthma such as wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and tightness of the chest.
The question now is: does that disprove the supposed hypoallergenic characteristics of a Labradoodle and other types of Poodle mix? Sadly, yes.
Moreover, a respectable breeder will not brand his dogs as “hypoallergenic.”
Officially, there are 360 dog breeds around the world according to Federation Cynologique International; but, sadly, none of them are truly hypoallergenic. We have to keep in mind that allergens are not affected by the amount of shedding.
You can manage your allergies by simply:
- taking medications or getting allergy shots
- installing an air filter
- cleaning your home regularly (allergens tend to stay even when your pet has gone)
- reducing your contact with the pets (as adorable as they are, try not to kiss or hug them if you have allergies)
- asking someone to assist you in taking care of the pets
- having your pets regularly groomed
Additional Allergy Tips
When you suddenly had an allergic reaction to your pet Labradoodle, contact a professional and ask for the best way to manage your allergies and your pet.
Though Dr. Miller has a bit of advice: if your allergies cause asthma attacks, it’s best if you live without a pet, particularly a dog or a cat.
Reasons Labradoodles Shed
Like all animals, particularly dogs, Labradoodles shed their fur. Molting is another word for shedding.
You have read before that the amount of shedding depends on the generation of the dog. First generations tend to shed more because the Labrador Retriever gene is more dominant compared to the second generations and multi generations.
Well, you are not wrong. But aside from the fact it is a natural process that occurs within the non-human animal species, there are conditions that make a dog shed its fur.
We’ll get to that later.
There are various reasons why they shed their fur.
Types Of Coat Affect Shedding
While it is true that Labradoodles are exceptional due to their minimal shedding, their fur still has to be replaced. Some experts even say that the amount of shedding of a Labradoodle is unpredictable even though they are multigenerational offspring.
There are three types of coat that a Labradoodle might exhibit. Each has different characteristics and a “say” about shedding.
Hair coats are usually described as long and straight. It is similar to the fur coat of the shedding breeds because the first generations usually exhibit this type of fur. With that said, hair coats are prone to shedding.
Wool coat is characterized by its wool-like appearance. It is curly but not dense. It is usually not prone to shedding.
Fleece coat is long and wavy. It is silky and tends to straighten out as it grows. It is non-shedding.
Such distinctions about fur type truly prove the differences between generations of a Labradoodle breed!
Bonus: Want to know the best shampoo for your Labradoodle? Check out our full guide here!
They Shed Their Fur Because They Do Not Need It
This is usually a seasonal thing that happens in almost all mammals.
During summer, dogs would tend to lose a huge amount of their fur to lessen the chances of getting heatstroke. It is a way for them to cool down.
In fall, they would lose their summer coat to prepare for the biting cold of the winter months. Losing their coat wouldn’t be so bad at all because it’s all part of the process to survive.
Come spring, they would lose their winter coats to prepare for the rising temperature.
That’s how wolves do it; dogs are not so different from them. The apple truly does not fall too far from the tree.
They Have To Grow A New Coat
When the fur has fallen out, the new coat starts to grow.
We have to remember there are three phases of fur growth in a dog. Think about it as a “life cycle” of a fur.
Anagen phase is when the fur is actively growing.
Catagen phase is the period when the fur stops growing.
Telogen phase is the period when the fur falls out which gives new fur to grow.
When the fur finally grows, your dog has finally got its new and sleek coat. Then at some point, it will fall out again. It is truly a cycle!
They Have To Replace Damaged Fur
There are some moments in your life that no matter what you do fueled by your best intentions, your dog’s fur still gets damaged. It could be caused by shampoo or a soap that you bought online during a holiday sale.
Just like our hair, when it is dry it tends to fall. It is similar to dogs as well.
How To Take Care Of Your Dog’s Fur
Dry fur is usually caused by too much bathing which could strip essential oils that keep their fur healthy and shiny. Flea bites or rather too much scratching and chewing by your dog could also damage their fur.
Any type of dog could experience a damaged fur so don’t be too worried.
Your dog’s fur would undergo the three different phases aforementioned above until the damaged fur is replaced.
So you see: animals are way stronger than we think. But they still need our help and tender care to get the best out of them.
Additionally, your dog’s health condition prompts it to lose its fur. These conditions range from simple to severe.
Simple in the sense that it could be a rash that is likely caused by fleas or an allergen. And severe meaning the shedding is a symptom of an organ’s poor health.
Stress could also force your dog to shed. If there is a problem with your dog’s behavior, you could approach a professional who might recommend behavioral therapies and sometimes medications.
How To Manage Labradoodle Shedding
Stopping your Labradoodle from shedding is impossible; however, managing it is the best way to ensure your dog’s health and well-being. It is also beneficial to you if you have allergies because it lessens your chances of getting an allergic reaction.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Grooming does not have any specific steps that one should take.
You could brush your dog’s coat to catch the dead hair. Giving it a bath is also a huge help in managing the shedding because the fur is washed away but gently rubbing your dog.
Grooming is also beneficial to you as the owner because you are cementing your bond with your Labradoodle.
Provide A Nutritious Diet
Dogs tend to lose their fur, oftentimes a patch, when they are not taking enough nutrients to keep their body going. Shedding is one of the symptoms of such a condition.
What you can do as a pet owner is to make sure that your dog gets the nutrients it needs. If it is getting severe even though you are feeding your dog well, don’t be ashamed to phone your vet and ask what could be done to improve the health of your dog.
Provide A Friendly Environment For You And Your Dog
It is a fact that stress affects an animal in one way or the other. It could encourage the dog to lose its fur.
Start by making your dog feel your warmth. It is an assurance that you are its friend and there is nothing to worry about.
Cuddling with a pet stimulates both of your brains which calms you down. It’s a similar thing that happens when we humans come in contact with a person we like.
Managing your dog’s shedding should not be a hard thing no matter what breed it is if you are truly committed to taking care of it. Moreover, shedding is a natural process that helps the dog one way or the other.
Hope you enjoyed this post about how bad do Labradoodles shed.
If you enjoyed this post, then you will love these posts:
- How Expensive Is A Labradoodle?
- What Are Labradoodles Like?
- Do Labradoodles Like To Cuddle?
- How To Take Care Of A Labradoodle [Step-By-Step]
Thanks for reading! You can get many more tips and tricks for your Labradoodle here.
