Labradoodle Dog Breed Facts & Information

A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. This cross was one of the first of the “Doodle” mixed breeds, or a purebred Poodle bred with another type of dog. Labradoodles carefully bred by experts for multiple generations are formally known as Australian Labradoodles, while “Labradoodle” can describe any first-generation cross between a Labrador and a Poodle.

The Labradoodle was originally created in the late 1980s by Australian breeder Wally Conron to work as a guide dog for a blind woman whose husband had a dog hair allergy.

Since then, they have gained popularity as pets—and no wonder! These dogs have something of a teddy bear appearance, though their curly coats require a good amount of maintenance. They also tend to be super smart and social and have plenty of energy.

While many people love Labradoodles, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Read on to learn more about this breed, including their traits, grooming and training needs, and ideal environment.

Breed Characteristics

Appearance

Labradoodles can weigh as little as 15 pounds or as much as 65 pounds.

The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) recognizes three sizes of Labradoodles, according to Maggie Palmblad, Owner of Bedrock Labradoodles in Oregon.

• Miniature Labradoodle: Between 14-16 inches and 15-30 pounds
• Medium Labradoodle: Between 17-20 inches and 30-45 pounds
• Standard Labradoodle: Between 21-24 inches and 45-65 pounds

They generally stop growing when they reach 12-16 months of age.

A Labradoodle’s appearance can vary quite a bit, Palmblad says. “Some can be really scruffy and more Lab-looking, like a Disney dog,” she says. “Some can be fine-boned and look more curly like a poodle.” She adds, though, that Australian Labradoodles tend to have a more consistent appearance.

One of their main traits, of course, is a non-shedding coat, which may have wavy hair, straight hair, or spiraling hair.

Another common trait, Palmblad says, is the Labradoodle’s intuitive personality.

“They are almost human-like and can pick up on moods and nearly communicate with you with their faces and actions,” she says, adding that they love their people.

Grooming

In general, Palmblad says Labradoodles should be professionally groomed every four weeks.

“If you are good about brushing and combing them out, then you could probably alternate a groom with cut and a bath or a blow-dry groom. It really depends on the consistency and dedication of the owner,” Palmblad adds. “Combing is the part many people skip, and it’s really the most important because this is when you can tell if there are any mats left in the coat.”

She also says the fleece-like coats, which have a combination of wavy and straight hair, tend to be the most desired coat type, but these require regular maintenance, with weekly brushing and combing.

Palmblad sends grooming tools home with her customers and instructs that grooming should be part of their dog’s regular care and socialization.

They won’t do well with professional grooming if they aren’t desensitized to it early, she says. Training them at home to get used to grooming tools can make a big difference.

Typically, Labradoodles are very low-shedding dogs, but each dog’s specific genetics will play a role in the amount of hair they shed.

Health

“In the 20 years we have been breeding, we have not found one particular consistent health issue,” Palmblad says. She notes that a few pop up from time to time, such as hip dysplasia, allergies, ear infections, and sensitive stomachs.

Labradoodles have a lifespan on the longer side, often living around 12-16 years. Palmblad says their first Labradoodle passed away at 16, and they’ve had many customers with dogs who have lived for 12-16 years.

Temperament

Labradoodles can be great dogs, especially with the right family! Palmblad describes Labradoodles as happy, social, and funny.

“I think training and proper socialization when they are young makes all the difference in how they are when they grow up,” Palmblad says.

For instance, training your puppy early own can help prevent unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking. Leaving them alone from time to time can also help them learn that you’ll always come back, which may help curb separation anxiety.

She also says Labradoodles are generally good around children and other pets, but puppies can become overstimulated with kids or other pets who are aggressive or extra active.

Wondering when your Labradoodle puppy will calm down? Palmblad says this depends on the puppy and their temperament—some are more chill to begin with. Others have higher energy, so it could be a year before you see this transition.

Palmblad says Labradoodles puppies need more frequent stimulation and exercise than some puppies, and these needs may carry over into adulthood for some dogs.

Training

Palmblad emphasizes the importance of positive training methods. These include positive reinforcement and counter conditioning, which is a form of training that can help dogs overcome anxieties and phobias.

“We have seen some very awful results when people have used e-collars,” Palmblad says. “They have a fun, loving, softer temperament, and I feel these collars can make them more aggressive and fearful.”

She says a few top things to work on with your Labradoodle include:

• Jumping
• Leash reactivity
• Sitting and waiting to enter and exit
• Boundaries in the home, like staying off furniture

Can Labradoodles be good service dogs?

Palmblad says Labradoodles can make great service dogs due to their intuitive personality and intelligence.

Of course, not all dogs who train as service dogs will succeed, but that’s OK.

“A dog can enter a service dog program and make it to the one-year mark before it’s decided they aren’t service dog material, and this can happen with any breed,” Palmblad explains. “If they don’t make it as a service dog, you will have a very well-trained dog and potentially an excellent therapy dog.”

Ideal Human & Environment

If you want a smart, playful, and engaging dog and you’re willing to put the time into proper training, you may be the ideal pet parent for a Labradoodle, according to Palmblad.

She adds that Labradoodles do particularly well in positive, loving, and nurturing environments where they get a good balance of attention, exercise and enrichment, and occasional time alone so they recognize this as a normal experience.

“If they’re never alone, they can become anxious and fearful when you do need to leave,” she says.

Labradoodles don’t do well in homes filled with anxiety and stress. Palmblad says they can really pick up on human emotions.

“Also, they won’t do well if left alone all day with no outlet for interaction, walks, and appropriate stimulation. They are definitely not meant to be backyard ornaments.”

Getting A Labradoodle

The cost of a Labradoodle can vary quite a bit.

Palmblad says standard Labradoodles generally range anywhere from several hundred dollars to around $1,500. An Australian Labradoodle, bred through a more careful process by expert breeders, may cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000.

Palmblad says the less expensive dogs typically come from backyard breeders, while breeders from organizations who conduct health testing, like hip X-rays and eye exams, will charge a higher price.

Palmblad says you can get a Labradoodle just about anywhere, but you should do your homework.

“If I were looking for a puppy, I would go to the ALAA website and search for breeders in my area,” Palmblad says. “Breeders involved in an organization like the ALAA breed dogs according to a set of standards, and the organization will also hold them accountable for their business.”

When vetting a breeder, Palmblad says that there are several things you should pay attention to.

• Are they available to talk to you about their puppies and breeding program?
• Do they have a website that provides updated information?
• Do they share health testing results?
• Do they refer you to other breeders if they can’t help you?
• Are they part of a community?
• Where do they raise their puppies?
• How do they socialize their puppies?
• At what age do the puppies go home?
• What kind of health warranty do they provide?
• How long have they bred dogs?
• Will you get the dog’s pedigree once you fulfill the conditions in the contract?

Rescuing a Labradoodle

Dogs may end up in foster homes or rescue organizations if they aren’t a good fit in their first homes, and rescuing a dog is a great option for many prospective pet parents.

If you’re considering rescuing a Labradoodle, Palmblad encourages you to consider your own needs and what you want in a dog.

“Some people really are better adopting an older dog so they don’t have to potty train and can bypass the puppy stages. Many families choose to get a puppy from a breeder because they don’t know exactly what to expect from a rescue,” she says.

For instance, she explains that when you adopt a rescue dog, you won’t know much about their early life experiences or how they get along with kids and other pets. On the other hand, well-respected and reputable breeders will provide enrichment and socialization for the puppy from birth until they go home to their new families.

Palmblad recommends reading all the reviews you can find when choosing a breeder: Yelp, Google, Facebook, the Better Business Bureau, and any other option you can think of.

“Customers are very comfortable sharing their experience, especially if it’s negative,” she says. “If you find someone who has consistent good reviews and has been breeding for several years, you are most likely on the right track.”

Labradoodles FAQ

What’s the difference between Labradoodles and other Doodle dogs?

A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. Goldendoodles are a cross between a Golden Retriever and Poodle. Other doodle breeds can include Bernedoodles (Bernese Mountain Dog + Poodle), Aussiedoodles (Australian Shepherd + Poodle), and Sheepadoodles (Old English Sheepdog + Poodle). In short, all Doodle dogs have one Poodle parent!

Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic?

Palmblad says people constantly ask if Labradoodles are hypoallergenic.

“I let people know that most likely, they won’t have allergy issues. However, allergies are so personal and individual. Some people are allergic to a dog’s saliva, some the coat, and some the dander. You can’t guarantee everyone will react the same way.”

She adds that since they’ve started breeding, they haven’t had issues with allergies for years.

Why do Labradoodles have a bad reputation?

Negative stories about Labradoodles may in part relate to their widespread popularity. Whenever you have an extremely popular breed, they get plenty of attention—both positive and negative, Palmblad says. She adds that the rise of backyard breeders may play a role. People often start breeding as a hobby to make money without carefully considering the dogs they’re breeding, following protocol, or paying attention to a dog’s temperament. Some families also see a gorgeous face and take on the responsibility of a puppy without preparing properly and supporting their new pup with training, she says. This can happen in any breed, and it’s not necessarily the dog’s fault—pet parents need to support dogs by providing the training they need to succeed!

Does the creator regret making the Labradoodle? 

According to various media sources, Wally Conron has expressed regret for creating the Labradoodle. However, it may be more accurate to say he regrets the way people have started to crossbreed their own Labradoodles without considering the parents’ genetics and health status. This type of irresponsible breeding can lead to health concerns and other issues, according to Palmblad.