In this article, you’ll know more about what Labradoodles are like. Where did the breed come from? Do they like to cuddle? How do I take care of my Labradoodle?
Whether you are already a Labradoodle fur parent or still deciding if you should be one, you’ll want to know about these information and the answers to frequently asked questions about Labradoodles.
Labradoodle Breed History
What Are Labradoodles Like?
Labradoodles are sweet, energetic dogs that love being around people and are perfect for families. What Labradoodles are like greatly depends on how they are bred and trained.
While they may seem like they’ve been around forever, Labradoodles are actually a new breed. The new breed came about because a blind woman needed a guide dog, but her husband had terrible allergies.
She wrote a letter to Wally Cochran from The Royal Guide Dogs that resides in Victoria, Australia. They took hair and saliva samples from 33 poodles in Hawaii and sent them to the blind woman and her husband.
They were exposed to each sample to see which would not elicit a reaction from the husband’s allergies. Sadly, all of the samples caused a reaction. Cochran then asked his manager if they could cross one of the Labrador retrievers with a poodle. And thus, Labradoodles were born.
The first litter came into the world in 1988, and there were only three. Out of the three, only one didn’t bother the husband’s allergies. Out of the two remaining, one was a lovely guide dog, and the other was a Remedial dog.
Cochran continuously bred Labradoodles with other Labradoodles. He bred 31 at the Royal Guide Dogs and 29 graduated to guide dogs.
There was such a demand for these cute little dogs that Cochran couldn’t keep up. People started breeding them on their own by crossing a Labrador and a Poodle. Because they didn’t know what type of breeds worked best, they used a Labrador with any poodle they could find.
To keep up with demand and ensure there was a standard of Labradoodles, the Rutland Manor Labradoodle Breeding and Research Center and Tegan Park Labradoodle Breeding and Research Center were created in Australia. In this center, they only bred Labradoodles from healthy Labradors, Poodles, and the third generation bred Labradoodles.
The Tegan Park bred a miniature Labradoodle in 1998. Labradoodles come in three sizes, miniatures, medium, and standard. The miniatures are between 14 to 17 inches tall; the medium is between 18 to 21 inches tall, while standard Labradoodles are between 23 and 26 inches tall.
Labradoodle Temperament And Personality
If properly trained, Labradoodles make the perfect pets for families. Truly man’s best friend, these dogs are friendly and very family-oriented. Labradoodles are sweet, happy, and gentle dogs.
They like to jump around and play. They are full of energy and make perfect companions for small children. Labradoodles are bred to be gentle dogs. While they are bred to be non-aggressive, that may not always come through.
A dog’s temperament depends on a few factors. Breeding plays a role, but it also comes down to training and socialization. An already sweet and curious Labradoodle puppy can be trained to have a gentle temperament.
These puppies also need to be put in social situations at an early age. They should be exposed to people and experiences as a puppy so they can get used to being around people and being in different situations.
The more acclimated they are to being around people and children, the more relaxed they will be when they are.
Labradoodle Care
Taking care of your dog is important. Not doing so could affect their temperament and health. Here are some things that Labradoodles need to maintain their fun, loving, and energetic selves.
Training And Exercise
Caring for a Labradoodle can be quite easy and fun. Labradoodles are energetic and they need exercise. They do best in a home with a yard rather than an apartment. They need to be able to run around for a couple of hours a day.
The dogs need to be trained. They are brilliant dogs that need to be stimulated, but they also need to be trained with a steady and firm hand. Because these dogs are so smart, training them is easy, but you can’t slack off.
Labradoodles should be trained consistently. These dogs, while smart, can get bored easily. They should always be learning, so they stay stimulated. You should also make sure that they interact with other dogs.
When they’re puppies, take them to dog parks and let them off the leash. Let them play with other puppies so they can see and learn how other dogs act and learn from them.
Training your dog is not only about teaching them commands and giving them treats. It’s much more than that.
Crate Training
Crate training is an important aspect of dog training. This type of training involves your Labradoodle being in a crate for a couple of hours a day and then sleeping in the crate at night.
This may seem like you’re locking your dog in doggy jail, but that’s not true. Crate training allows your Labradoodle to become acclimated to being in a smaller space just in case they have to.
It limits the number of accidents they may have and stops them from exploring and destroying things they shouldn’t. But don’t leave them in a crate for a long period of time.
Grooming
Labradoodles have beautiful coats that come in various colors like brown, caramel, red, and black, to name a few. To keep their coats beautiful requires grooming.
Labradoodles have one coat, and their hair can be either straight or curly and anything in between. Depending on Labradoodle’s breed, they may not shed, but it’s not a lot if they do.
There are three different types of texture: hair coat, fleece coat, and wool coat. The fleece coat is silky and can be straight or wavy.
The wool coat resembles that of a sheep. The coat isn’t heavy and is covered in beautiful curls. The hair coat is not as common or popular. The hair coat sheds and has an odor while the others usually don’t.
Grooming your dog involves trimming their nails, brushing their coat, trimming their coat, and brushing their teeth.
Brushing their coat should be done at least once a week, while the coat should be trimmed every six weeks. Trimming ensures that the coat can be easily maintained.
And you don’t want the hair to get so heavy or so long that it is hard for the Labradoodle to play and move around. You don’t have to bathe your Labradoodle every day. It would be best if you only did it when they need it.
When you do bathe them be mindful of their ears. Labradoodles can get ear infections, so make sure you dry them and clean them at least once a week.
When it comes to trimming your dog’s nails, you should probably let a professional handle it. There are blood vessels in your dog’s nails, and if you cut at the wrong angle or cut too deep, you will cause your dog pain, and they will bleed.
Labradoodle nails should be trimmed at least twice a month or as you see fit. A very playful dog may wear their nails down, so you won’t have to trim them as often. But if their nails start tearing up the furniture, then they need to be cut down.
Teeth brushing is as important for dogs as it is for you. But you don’t have to do it every day, just two to three times a week.
Brushing their teeth will quell any tartar buildup and bacteria that can be found in a dog’s mouth. If you don’t want to brush their teeth every day, you can buy toys and treats that will help with cleaning their teeth and freshening their breath.
Food
When it comes to food, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. There are many factors to consider when it comes to feeding and taking care of your dog. How much they eat is contingent upon the size, build, age, and level of activity. Your dog will eat more if they are more active.
It is important to be mindful of the type of dog food you buy. Only feed your dog food of the highest quality that will meet all of their nutritional needs.
Your Labradoodle should be fed twice a day. You should measure out their food instead of just leaving food out for them to nibble on throughout the day. Setting food out is not healthy for your Labradoodle or any dog.
It might not be possible in some situations, but feeding your dog on a schedule is best for them. If the food is set out for them all day, they will eat on it all day, probably when they’re not even hungry. This can cause bloating.
To make sure your dog gets the nutrition they need, take 1 to 2 cups, and divide them. This way, you will have two carefully measured meals to feed your dog twice a day.
Labradoodle Lifespan
The lifespan of Labradoodles is anywhere from 12 to 15 years. While that is standard, if the dog is properly taken care of, they could live a little longer.
Labradoodle Common Health Problems
A healthy Labradoodle is a gentle energetic Labradoodle. While they are usually healthy, there are some conditions that they are susceptible to.
There is a list of diseases that you should be aware of. That does not mean that your Labradoodle will get one of them, but it’s best to be aware of them so you know what to look out for. If you think there is something wrong, you should take them to the vet immediately.
Allergies
Allergies are actually common among dogs. There are food allergies, contact allergies, and chemical allergies. Food allergies happen when a dog is allergic to certain foods, like how some small dogs can’t eat poultry.
To treat these allergies, all you have to do is remove the food from your dog’s diet.
Contact allergies happen when a dog is allergic to something they have touched. This could be shampoos, flea powders, bedding, or plants they have walked through outside.
Chemical allergies happen when dogs are allergic to pollutants in the air. This could be pollen, mildew, or dust.
The treatment for the allergies depends on the type of allergies your dog has. But some treatments may require changes in diet, new medications, and changes in their environment.
Hip Dysplasia
With this disorder, the dog’s thighbone bone doesn’t fit into the hip joint. This disorder is inherited and can be very painful for dogs.
With some dogs, it is easy to tell they have the disorder, while with others, it can be more difficult. A dog may find it hard to walk using one or both legs, or they may not be able to use both rear legs.
This is a sign of hip dysplasia. Some dogs don’t show any signs and need an X-ray to show they have the disorder. With this disorder, the dog will likely experience arthritis as they get older.
Because this disorder is inherited, if a dog has hip dysplasia, they shouldn’t be bred. This will ensure that dogs in the next generation will not have to experience the pain that comes with this disorder.
Elbow Dysplasia
This disorder happens when the joint is weak or not properly formed. This may happen because of abnormal growth and or development. One of two things could happen if a dog experiences elbow dysplasia: they could develop arthritis, or they could lose the use of the limb.
There are a few different possible treatments that depend on the severity of the disorder. A dog could either get surgery, have their weight managed, and take anti-inflammatory medication.
Ear Infections
This happens a lot with Labradoodles. Because their ears are floppy, moisture can be easily trapped. Their ears should be checked often to deter this from happening.
Epilepsy
This condition can happen to dogs too. Epilepsy is a condition that can cause seizures, but seizures in dogs are different from that of humans.
A dog having a seizure may run around like something is chasing them, falling, and losing consciousness. Just because a dog has epilepsy doesn’t mean it can’t live a long life.
They can, but you need to get them to a vet as soon as possible. While the seizures may come from epilepsy, they also might be from something else.
Hypothyroidism
Much like with humans, the thyroid gland is important in the way the body functions. Hypothyroidism is a disorder wherein the thyroid gland isn’t working properly.
This disorder can cause epilepsy, obesity, lethargy, skin problems, and alopecia. This disorder can be treated with medication and the right diet.
Diabetes Mellitus
Dogs can get diabetes too. With this disorder, their bodies aren’t managing their blood sugar levels. Watch your dog to see if they start eating more than usual.
Dogs who are diabetic will start eating more because they are trying to get more energy. And while they may be eating more, they will still be losing weight.
Weight loss, frequent urination, excessive thirst, and fervent appetite are signs of diabetes. A proper diet and insulin will help regulate diabetes.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
This disease affects the retina. With this disease, the retina slowly breaks down. Early on, the Labradoodle may only be blind at night.
But as time goes on, eventually, the dog will be blind during the day as well. This isn’t a death sentence, though.
Labradoodles can adapt to their new condition. It would be best to keep their surroundings the same. This would make it easier for them to get around because they know where everything is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that you might have about Labradoodles.
Are Labradoodles Good With Children?
Absolutely! Labradoodles are great with children. They have energy to spare and can keep up with any energetic and lively child.
Bear in mind, Labradoodles can get very excited and may knock over a toddler so keep an eye out.
It would be best to teach your small children how to approach a dog so they aren’t scared and the dog isn’t frightened.
What Are Labradoodles Known For?
Labradoodles are known for being intelligent and calm. They are also affectionate, family-oriented, and very energetic.
They are also known for being family dogs. This is because they are very affectionate and sociable. This makes them perfect for families with children, no matter their ages.
Do Labradoodles Bark A Lot?
Yes and no. A Labradoodle can bark excessively or not; it depends on a few factors. How they are trained is one of them.
It also depends on if their needs are being met. If a Labradoodle is bored, they could bark a lot. If your dog hasn’t been socializing with other dogs or has no one to play with, they may start barking a lot.
If you find this irritating, you should stimulate them more often or train them to stop barking during certain situations, like visitors or cars.
Do Labradoodles Like To Cuddle?
Labradoodles are very affectionate and can experience loneliness. So they should be cuddled and loved often. Just make sure you aren’t rough with them.
We actually have a full article about this here.
We hope you enjoyed reading this post on what Labradoodles are like.
If you loved this post, then we are sure you would love these amazing posts about Labradoodles:
- What Are The Best Treats For Labradoodle Puppies? [Top 10]
- How Long Do Large Labradoodles Live? [Real Truth]
- Best Food For Mini Labradoodle [Top 15]
- How Much Does A Labradoodle Cost? [Full Breakdown]
If you want to know more about Labradoodles and get more tips about taking care of them, then click here.
