Labradoodle Dog
The Labradoodle, a cross between a poodle and a labrador, is an affectionate and playful dog, making it an ideal family pet. As an easy-to-train, intelligent dog, it’s perfect for first-time pet owners looking for a loyal companion who’ll bring plenty of fun into their lives.
Quick Facts about Labradoodles
| Size | The Labradoodle dog size is large (22 – 27 kgs) |
| Types | Miniature, Medium or Standard (determined by the Poodle parent’s size) in a range of colours |
| Lifespan | The Labradoodle lifespan is 10 – 14 years |
| Temperament | An intelligent, highly playful, loving and loyal companion who thrives on being included in your daily life |
| Suitable | They are great for allergy sufferers and first-time pet owners who live an active lifestyle. Their high intelligence levels make them easy to train. |
| Health | Overall, a healthy breed, but predisposed to specific Labradoodle health concerns |
Trainability - Are Labradoodles Easy to Train?
With their high intelligence levels and desire to please their owners, Labradoodle dogs are among the easiest breeds to train. Their ease of training makes them ideal for first-time pet owners without any previous experience. You should start training your Labradoodle early, using lots of positive reinforcement like praise, treats, and pats. Your Labradoodle puppy will quickly learn commands like sit, stay and come. With high energy levels, your Labradoodle will need at least an hour of exercise each day. Use 10 minutes of this time for training and keep it fun, active and entertaining. Their social side means they’ll happily co-exist with other animals and all the family members, including children. Labradoodles are easy to train as they are loyal and eager to please their family.
Grooming Requirements - Keeping Your Labradoodle Looking Great
Although your Labradoodle’s coat is low to non-shedding, regular grooming is still required to keep them looking cute and fluffy. Labradoodles can have different coats depending on the parent’s genes and may be thin, wool-like or thick. Labradoodle grooming needs will depend on their coat type and length, but it’s best to give them a brush twice weekly to prevent matting, making them uncomfortable. Professional grooming and trimming to maintain coat health and nail clipping are needed at least every 6 to 8 weeks. You’ll only need to bathe your Labradoodle when they’re visibly dirty or smelly or leave this for their professional grooming and pampering session. Regular ear cleaning is best to prevent infections, and brushing their teeth is recommended to avoid dental issues and doggy breath.
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Labradoodle Health Concerns
Although the Labradoodle dog is generally considered a healthy breed with responsible breeding, it may still be prone to genetically inherited Labradoodle health concerns from its parents. That’s why choosing a reputable breeder and having pet insurance can help to keep your furry family member as healthy as possible.
- Hip Dysplasia: Due to their larger size, Labradoodles can be prone to hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, the head of the femur (thigh bone) doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. Physiotherapy, a healthy diet and regular exercise (or surgery for extreme cases) are the most common options to alleviate symptoms of this condition.
- Cruciate Ligament Disease: The cruciate ligament is found in your Labradoodle’s knee and is responsible for keeping them stable and supporting their weight. If these ligaments fray or rupture, usually from running or jumping, or weaken over time, your dog will struggle to stand. An emergency trip to the vet will be required for medical attention. However, you can help to prevent this condition by keeping them at an ideal weight.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a common condition in Labradoodle dogs where both parents carry the defective gene. With this condition, your dog’s retina will gradually deteriorate, leading to blindness. The first signs are your dog bumping into things or refusing to enter dark spaces. Although it’s not curable, your vet can advise you on managing this disease and having your dog live comfortably at home.
- Ear Infections: Labradoodles have long, floppy ears that require special attention. Any time they’re wet from bathing, being in the rain, or playing in the water, it’s crucial to dry their ears. If their ears aren’t dried or cleaned regularly, they’re prone to ear infections. Your vet can advise you on the best ear-cleaning methods and products and may prescribe antibiotics if an ear infection is found.
- Otitis: This is another common ear condition often associated with the Labradoodle breed due to their hairy ears. It is caused by allergies, infections, or foreign objects that inflame the ear canal (Otitis). Your dog will experience intense itching and irritation, but a quick visit to your vet for a checkup and medication will make them feel more comfortable.
- Overeating & Bloating: Labradoodles love their food, and the amount you feed them will depend on their genetic size (miniature, medium or standard). This breed is prone to overeating and becoming bloated, so 2 daily feeds can help prevent them from scoffing food too fast. Their diet should be high in protein and fat to sustain their energy levels. If unsure, ask your vet about the best diet for your Labradoodle.
- Body Lumps & Bumps: Like many dogs, Labradoodle can develop lumps and bumps over their bodies, which you’ll see or feel during a grooming session. While many of these can be harmless (i.e. fat lumps, warts or cysts), some may be more serious (tumours). The only way to rule out the worst-case scenario is to visit your local vet. They can do a small biopsy of the lump to check the fluid inside; surgery may be suggested to remove the lump if it's not desirable.
- Skin allergies: Despite their fluffy coats, Labradoodles may also be prone to skin allergies caused by contact with an allergen, food intolerances, environmental allergens, hormones or parasites. If left untreated, skin allergies can lead to skin infections that will cause your dog distress. Your vet will advise you on the best course of treatment and help you determine what’s causing the allergy so you can change their home environment and help them continue to love their life.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Due to their big appetites, your Labrador may eat things it shouldn’t, such as stones, shoes, dirt, clothes, etc. This can cause blockages in their GI tract (from the mouth to the other end!) and cause them to vomit, have diarrhoea or show signs of pain and discomfort. A trip to your local vet is a must, as they’ll likely need x-rays to find the blockage and give you options for fixing the problem.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Labradoodle here.
Shedding and Smell - Managing Shedding and Odour
The beauty of the poodle mix means your Labradoodle dog is low to non-shedding. This is ideal for allergy sufferers or people who don’t like pet hair all over their floor, furniture, and clothes. Your Labradoodle will require regular brushing (at least twice a week) to prevent its fluffy coat from matting and a professional groom and trim every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the length of its coat. This breed is perfect if you’re not a fan of doggy smells. They are reasonably odour-free but require a bath if they’ve found something dirty to roll in. Your professional groomer can bathe them when you take them for their regular grooming, trim and pamper sessions.
Exercise Requirements - Do Labradoodles Need a Lot of Exercise?
Labradoodles are full of energy and need at least 1 hour of daily physical activity. They’re prone to zoomies and will happily race around your backyard or local dog park, chasing balls and playing with their family or other dogs. At a minimum, a morning and evening walk will help to keep your active dog happy. Labradoodles are hunting dogs who are also very food-oriented, so they’ll enjoy hide-and-seek games with their favourite treats. They’ll also enjoy dog sports like agility courses where they can duck through tunnels, weave through poles, and jump over hurdles. Labradoodles love the water, so they’ll love a swim in your pool or a family day at the beach. Although they’re high energy and have high exercise needs, your gorgeous furry family member will also love snuggling on the couch at the end of a long day.
Intelligence - Are Labradoodle Smart?
Labradoodles are very intelligent! This is one of the reasons they’re popular service dogs and were first bred for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. Their cleverness makes them easier to train than other dog breeds. However, it can also get them into trouble. If you don’t keep this breed mentally stimulated, they can be prone to naughty behaviour like chewing and digging. Food-related puzzle games, like snuffle mats, will keep your Labradoodle entertained while you’re away. As water lovers, they’ll enjoy a clam pool for splashing and playing in during the warmer weather. Off-leash training will also help them explore the world around them while you’re on your daily walk or playing at the local dog park.
Family Friendly- Are Labradoodle Friendly
You can’t go past a Labradoodle’s personality if you’re looking for a super friendly, loyal, loving furry family member. The charming Labradoodle temperament, adaptability and social side make them ideal for families with children of all ages. They’ll love nothing more than being included in your daily life, going on walks, playing in the backyard and snuggling up on the couch or a willing family member’s bed at night. Due to the Labradoodle dog size and their energetic, excitable nature, care should be taken around smaller children as they may get accidentally knocked over while playing. The Labradoodle’s intelligence and training ability means they’ll adapt quickly to your household rules. As an extraordinarily loving and loyal breed, your beautiful Labradoodle will form strong bonds with all their human family and happily lap up the attention they receive.
Indoor/Outdoor? - Ideal Living Conditions
Due to their low or non-shedding coats, Labradoodles are suitable for indoor living, especially for those with allergies. Their coats also make them tolerant of weather conditions, so they can be kept outside if needed, providing shelter and places to stay warm or cool depending on the season. As active dogs, they’ll thrive in a securely fenced yard where they have room to run around and burn off some energy. Labradoodles will adapt to apartment living but need multiple daily walks to stretch their legs and toys to keep them entertained. They can tolerate being alone, provided entertainment is left for them, and will give you the warmest greeting when you arrive home, where they’ll want plenty of hugs and time with you.
Responsible Breeding
There’s no denying that Labradoodle puppies are lovely, with their teddy-bear-like coats and gorgeous faces. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement, but ensuring you’re buying your new puppy from a responsible breeder, not a puppy mill, is essential. An ethical breeder cares about the welfare of their breeding dogs and their puppies and will know about the health and temperament of the parents. They’ll screen for any potential health issues that may come from the mix of the parents so you can make an informed decision on the health of your puppy and any future problems that may arise. You’ll find a responsible breeder will answer your questions, provide paperwork, vaccinate your puppy, and have already started socialising your puppy to allow them to easily transition into your family life when you take them home.
Contact PIA for Pet Insurance for Labradoodles
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Labradoodles. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
