What do you get when you combine the stunning good looks and sunny disposition of the Labrador Retriever with the affectionate nature, intelligence and devotion of the Standard or Miniature Poodle? A wonderful family dog known as the Labradoodle! The Labradoodle is the epitome of the perfect family dog. Less shedding and highly intelligent, it surpasses both the Standard Poodle or the Labrador from which it is bred.
Country of Origin:
Australia
Labradoodle Breed History:
Labradoodles receive their heritage from the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The story began in 1988 when a manager of Guide Dogs, was in Hawaii on holiday and met ‘P’. She told him of her dream to have a Guide Dog but this remained unfulfilled because of her husband’s allergy to dog hair. She had heard that Standard Poodles had been trained for Guide Dog work in Australia and asked if their was any chance that this could be tried again.
Thus began the quest to find more non allergic dogs which could be trained for Guide Dog work. After a long and unsuccessful search for a suitable Standard Poodle, Harley the Standard Poodle was mated with Brandy the female Labrador Retriever with a proven ability to produce Guide Dogs.
The hope was to produce the fine temperament of the Labrador with the non shedding coat of the Poodle. The result of the union was three very cute Labradoodles, Sultan, Sheik and Simon. Most breeders breed 1st generation dogs. They do so to maintain hybrid vigor. The Labradoodle has the friendly nature and trainability of the Lab, and the intelligence of the Poodle.
Labradoodle Breed Description:
The Labradoodle comes in three sizes, Standard (largest), Medium (somewhere between the Standard and Miniature size), and Miniature (smallest). There should be no appreciable difference in the general appearance in any of the three sizes.
A compact dog, not exceptionally boxy nor long bodied. A galloping dog which gives the impression of light footed athleticism, and joyful bearing. Medium to light boning, graceful in movement and with vivacious expression. Coat should be non shedding, be of even length over body, on legs neck, tail and head, and should be as close to non allergenic as possible. Their unique traits of intuitive nature and the seeking of human eye contact should be easily discernible at a glance. Easily amenable to training.
Standard – 21 – 24 plus inches and weighing between 20 kg and 40 plus kg. (2.2 lbs = 1 kg)
Medium – 17 – 20 inches and weighing between 15 kg and 19 kg. (2.2 lbs = 1 kg)
Miniature 12- 16 inches and weighing between 10 kg and 15 kg (2.2 lbs = 1 kg)
Labradoodle Breed Temperament:
Labradoodles are very loving, social, highly trainable, easily maintained, quiet, and excellent companion dogs for children, the blind, people with disabilities, retriever hunters, and those with allergies. Their sweet temperaments make them a true joy to be around. Their versatility can be enjoyed as a watchful family companion, a patient baby sitter, a clever helper or a brilliant athletic performance dog. Physically, they present a statuesque picture of lithe grace and beauty .with a dash of comical humor an uncanny wit.
Labradoodle Breed Exercise Requirements:
Labradoodles will gladly partake in all family activities, but they do not have unmanageable exercise requirements, which makes them a wonderful choice for disabled or elderly dog lovers.
Labradoodle Breed Grooming Requirements:
The Labradoodle has a wavy or curly coat that sheds very little. Depending on the coat type, it may need to be stripped occasionally. Regular brushing should be done to keep your Labradoodle’s coat shiny, fluffy and tangle-free.
Other Names for the Labradoodle:
Doodle, Labrador-Poodle, Lab-Poodle Hybrid
Common Misspellings for Labradoodle: Labra-doodle,
Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 Years
Good with Children: Yes
Dog Breed Group: Dog Breed Hybrid
Size: Varies
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