People looking for low shedding service dogs are increasingly going for the Labradoodle, while others are choosing this dog breed simply because of its appearance and temperament.
What exactly is a Labradoodle? The Labradoodle is a designer dog breed that was developed by crossing the Labrador Retriever with the Standard Poodle. The reason behind the development of the Labradoodle was to create an even tempered guide dog with a low shedding coat.
Are you interested in the Labradoodle but don’t know whether it is the right dog for you? This article will answer all your questions about this designer dog breed, such as… Do Labradoodles bark a lot? What is the best generation Labradoodle? Is F1 or F2 Labradoodle better? Are Labradoodles high maintenance dogs? How do you take care of Labradoodle? Before that, however, let’s take a look at how to determine what type of coat a Labradoodle pup will have.
How Do You Tell What Coat A Labradoodle Puppy Will Have?
One of the greatest concerns for people interested in the Labrador Poodle Mix is the type of coat their pup will have.
Labradoodle Coat Texture
Labradoodles have three types of coat texture. A Labradoodle could have a hair coat that is shaggy, a wool coat that is a bit dense and curly, or a fleece coat that is the texture of silk and is typically straight, though it can also be wavy.
A lot of people prefer the curly hair texture. So, how do you tell if a Labradoodle will be curly? Unfortunately, there is no way of telling the type of coat a Labradoodle pup will have until it’s born. Coat texture is dependent on genes, with F1 Labradoodles likely to have a shaggy coat, while F2 are more likely to have a curly coat.
In addition, contrary to the common misconception, Labradoodle don’t get curlier as they grow older. If your Labradoodle was born with a curly coat, they’ll remain with the same coat. While Labradoodles shed their puppy coat as they get into adulthood, they coat type won’t change even after they shed the puppy coat.
Labradoodle Coat Color
Labrador Poodle Mixes come in a wide range of colors, and some will even have multiple colors. In addition, it is common for Labradoodle puppies to change color as they grow older. For instance, chocolate Labradoodles can fade as they grow older and turn into tan or parchment. Similarly, red Labradoodles, which are rare, can fade to a lighter shade of red.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Labradoodle?
Lifespan
Labradoodles have a relatively long life span, with most living for about 12 to 15 years.
Despite the advantage of hybrid vigor, Labradoodles are prone to some health conditions that could shorten their lifespan.
What Do Labradoodles Die From?
The greatest cause of death in Labradoodles is cancer. Labradoodles have a high risk of getting cancer once they get past 10 years. Other common causes of death among Labradoodles include heart problems and stroke.
Some other issues that concern Labradoodle owners include:
Overheating
Many Labradoodle owners are concerned about their Labradoodles overheating. Labradoodles get hot easily because of their thick fur, which makes it harder for them to lose heat on a hot day. A good way to prevent this is to have a shaded area where your furry friend can shelter from the sun’s heat.
Smelling
Sometimes, Labradoodles do smell. This is particularly common among Labradoodles with the shaggy hair coat. If your Labradoodle has a curly or silky coat, and they still smell, this is either because your pooch needs a bath, or because you are not using the right kind of shampoo when giving your pooch a bath.
Sleeping On Their Back
Labradoodles sometimes sleep on their backs, which can be disconcerting to some owners. However, there’s nothing wrong with your Labradoodle sleeping on their back.
They do this either because they want to cool off, because they want to get some sun on their belly, or simply because they want you to give them a belly rub.
How To Take Care Of Labrador Poodle Mixes?
Diet
Labradoodles are highly active dogs with high energy requirements, so they require foods with a high protein and fat content. The food should also be easy to digest.
One of the best foods for your Labradoodle puppy is Pet Plate’s Barkin’ Beef, which is cooked in a USDA kitchen using human-grade beef and other ingredients. In addition, Pet Plate’s Barkin’ Beef does not contain any fillers.
The best part about Pet Plate is that they will even create a customized meal plan for you based on your canine buddy’s age and size.
Exercise
Both the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle have lots of energy, something that the Labradoodle has inherited in full. Their high energy means that your Labradoodle will require adequate exercise to help them release this energy and keep them healthy.
You should ensure that your labradoodle gets about 30 minutes to an hour of exercise every day. A great way to exercise your Labradoodle is to go jogging with them. If you have a fenced-in yard, they will also enjoy running around off-leash.
Shaving
Giving your Labradoodle a haircut can make it easier for you to take care of and maintain their coat. However, it is not okay to shave a Labradoodle down to the skin.
This will interfere with your pooch’s ability to regulate their temperature. It will also increase their likelihood of getting sore spots and sunburns. Your Labradoodle should get their first haircut when they are between 4 and 6 months old.
Do Labradoodles Bark A Lot? Temperaments Of Labrador Poodle Mixes
Temperament
Labradoodles are friendly dogs that love showing affection to their owner and family, and enjoy spending time with them. Labradoodles also like to cuddle, and can be very playful.
Labradoodles form strong bonds with the family and don’t like being alone. So, how long can Labradoodles be left alone? If you leave your Labradoodle for more than 5 hours, they will develop separation anxiety and get destructive.
Labradoodles are good family dogs that will get along well with everyone in the family, including children and other pets.
Aggression
There is a common misconception that Labradoodles are aggressive. This is not true. Labradoodles are easy-going canines that are generally friendly.
There’s also a lot of concern about whether Labradoodles bite. As puppies, Labradoodles can have the tendency to bite anything they come across. However, this can be prevented by buying your pooch toys and chew balls.
Hyper-Active
Labrador Poodle Mixes are hyper-active dogs. They are very high spirited and boisterous, which sometimes leads to people thinking Labradoodles are crazy.
However, most Labradoodles will calm down once they get to about 4 years, while others will maintain their active nature into adulthood.
The best way to calm down a Labradoodle puppy is to ensure they burn off all their energy through exercise.
Training
Labradoodles are not difficult to train, mainly because of their intelligence and their eager-to-please nature. Labradoodles are also easy to potty train, especially if you start the training early enough. The best way of training your Labradoodle is through positive reinforcement.
Are Labradoodles High Maintenance? Grooming Tips For Labrador Poodle Mixes
Shedding
A Labradoodle’s level of shedding will be determined by the kind of coat they have. This will also determine how they need to be brushed. So, how often should you groom a Labradoodle puppy?
Labradoodles with the Labrador’s coat will be okay with two or three brushings every week, while those with a curly or silky coat will need to be brushed daily.
Using the Furminator Undercoat Tool will allow you to brush your pooch’s coat without the risk of damaging their skin.
If your Labradoodle has the Lab’s coat, they will shed moderately. Having a vacuum will help keep your floors free of furs. For this, you can buy the iRobot Roomba i3+, which has brushes that are specifically designed to catch pet hairs.
Bathing
A lot of Labrador Poodle Mix owners are often confused as to how often they should bathe a Labradoodle. You should give your Labradoodle baths only when necessary, since frequent bathing can remove essential oils and negatively affect their skin.
To keep your Labradoodle’s coat shiny, use the Mighty Petz 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo And Conditioner, which is vet approved and has advanced formulation that will help keep your Labradoodle’s coat healthy.
Can I Groom My Labradoodle Myself?
You can do most of the grooming on your Labradoodle by yourself, such as coat brushing, bathing, and brushing your furry buddy’s teeth. However, for some grooming requirements, such as clipping your doggie’s nails, it is advisable to have a vet or professional groomer do it for you.
Related Questions
What’s Better Goldendoodle Or Labradoodle? This will ultimately depend on what you are looking for in a dog. Labradoodles are more energetic and stronger than Goldendoodles, while Goldendoodles are generally calmer. Which sheds less, Labradoodle or Goldendoodle? This will depend on the genetic makeup of the pooches. Those that take after the Poodle parent more than the Retriever parent will shed less.
How Much Do F1b Labradoodles Cost? The price of a Labradoodle puppy will range from as low as $500 to as high as $4,000, with F1b Labradoodles being more expensive compared to F1 Labradoodles. The price will also be affected by factors like the pedigree of the parents, the registration status of the parents, health testing, as well as the breeder’s reputation.
How High Can A Labradoodle Jump? Despite being high energy and athletic dogs, Labradoodles are not built for jumping, and can only jump to a height of about 4 to 5 feet. This means that a 6- or 7-foot fence will be enough to keep your Labradoodle from going outside your yard. However, keep in mind that your pooch could also try scaling the fence.
