Labradoodle breed guide

For a dog who is friendly and intelligent with an appetite for adventure, look no further than the Labradoodle!

Read our guide to find out more about the loveable Labradoodle breed…

Labradoodle breed history

There’s a little confusion as to exactly where and when the Labradoodle’s story began…

Some sources suggest that the first Labradoodles appeared in 1950s USA, whereas others say that the crossbreed originated in 1980s Australia as the first allergy-friendly assistance dog.

Wherever they were first seen, Labradoodles continue to be popular as pets and working dogs, thanks to their high levels of intelligence and sociable personalities!

The Labradoodle isn’t considered a pedigree breed, however, because they are a cross between a Labrador and a poodle.

Crossing a Labrador and a poodle is intended to produce ‘hypoallergenic’ canine companions who are both kind and clever enough to be trained as assistance dogs. But it’s important to note that a Labradoodle’s tendency to shed can be difficult to predict, as it depends on the characteristics of both their parents.

Labradoodle generations classification

Labradoodles are classified by the breeding of their parents, which means you’re likely to see categories like “F1” or “F3” beside their breed’s name to indicate their parentage. To explain, here’s how to help keep track of a Labradoodle’s ancestry:

• F1 = a ‘first generation cross’, meaning a Labrador crossed with a poodle.
• F2 = a ‘second generation’ cross, with two ‘F1’ Labradoodles.
• F3 = a ‘third generation’ cross, with two ‘F2’ Labradoodles.
• F4+ = each subsequent generation of Labradoodles.

By the time a Labradoodle family line reaches the ‘F3’ level, the amount their coat sheds should be more predictable.

A cross between two different generations of Labradoodle will produce puppies whose ‘F’ code is considered one number higher than the parent with the lowest ‘F’ number. For example, if an F1 and an F3 Labradoodle had puppies, those puppies would be considered ‘F2’ Labradoodles.

Sometimes, the letter ‘b’ (meaning ‘backcross’) is added to a Labradoodle puppy’s ‘F’ code to show that their parents are a Labradoodle and either a Labrador or a poodle. For instance, should an F1 Labradoodle be bred with a Labrador, their puppy would be ‘F1b’ – whereas an F2 Labradoodle bred with a poodle would produce ‘F2b’ puppies. It’s unusual for a Labradoodle to be backcrossed with a Labrador, because the main reason for backcrossing is to produce a dog whose coat is less prone to shedding.  

Common characteristics of the Labradoodle breed

The following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for Labradoodles, and since each dog is a unique individual, your Labradoodle’s characteristics may differ. 

Important: Since a first generation or backcrossed Labradoodle could be part standard poodle (which is more commonly seen!) or part miniature poodle, all Labradoodle characteristics vary greatly depending on their parents.

Average height for a Labradoodle

Labradoodles tend to be 35-70cm at the shoulder.

Average weight for a Labradoodle

A Labradoodle can weigh in at around 10-30kg, or more.

Average lifespan for a Labradoodle

On average, Labradoodles are known to live for about 12-16 years.

Typical Labradoodle appearance

In terms of appearance, there isn’t a ‘breed standard’ currently available for the Labradoodle because they often differ in how they look, based on traits inherited from their ancestors.

Aspects of their appearance that are shared by most Labradoodles include expressive eyes, medium-sized floppy ears, and a relatively long tail that either curves or curls at the end!

The gorgeous Labradoodle usually has one of the following coat types or textures:

• Straight or wavy hair (which is prone to shedding).
• Soft, free-flowing curls (sometimes referred to as a ‘fleece coat’).
• Dense, tight curls (sometimes referred to as a ‘wool coat’).

Please note: Labradoodles with wool coats need to be clipped regularly, especially during the warmer months, to prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled and to keep them comfortable.

Whichever coat type or texture your Labradoodle has, they’ll require daily grooming to keep their coat in tip top condition!

Labradoodle coats are seen in a huge variety of colours as well, including:

• Black.
• Blue (pale grey).
• Chocolate or brown.
• Golden or cream.
• Apricot (a golden-orange colour).
• Red (a rich orange-brown colour).
• Silver (very pale grey).

Typical Labradoodle temperament

Whether you’re taking a trip to the beach, trying out an exciting activity, or adventuring somewhere new, your Labradoodle will want to go with you!

Owing to their kind nature and boundless energy, Labradoodles make wonderful pets for active families who enjoy exploring with their canine companions. However, it’s important that Labradoodles aren’t left alone for too long, otherwise they may end up suffering from separation anxiety.

Since both the Labrador and poodle are famously intelligent breeds, the Labradoodle is an extremely clever dog, too. Your Labradoodle should be fantastic to train, thanks to their eagerness to learn – especially once you’ve found the right reward! Although, it’s essential that your Labradoodle also gets to enjoy plenty of mental stimulation while at home, like puzzle games or obedience training, to keep them entertained.

Smaller Labradoodles require a minimum of an hour’s exercise each day, though larger Labradoodles will need at least two hours of exercise daily.

While their background as an assistance dog means the Labradoodle excels when working as a guide dog or therapy dog, they’re also great at canine sports, like agility!

Labradoodle health conditions

It’s not unusual for dogs to be prone to certain health concerns depending on the health of their parents, and Labradoodles are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the Labradoodle:

• Ear problems.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Elbow dysplasia.

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your Labradoodle may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns.

Fun facts about Labradoodles

Fact 1 – The Labradoodle is sometimes referred to as the ‘doodle’!

Fact 2 – While no dog can be truly hypoallergenic (they all produce dander – skin cells that shed naturally), Labradoodles with curlier hair tend to be better for pet parents with allergies.

Fact 3 – Jennifer Anniston, an American actress known for her role as “Rachel Green” on the sitcom Friends, has owned Labradoodles!

Fact 4 – Some pet parents find that their female Labradoodles are extra responsive to training compared to males, whereas their male Labradoodles can be slightly more affectionate than females.

Fact 5 – It’s likely you’ll have to wait until they’re tired after adventuring all day before your Labradoodle will stay still long enough for a snuggle on the sofa!