If you’re looking for the perfect family dog that’s friendly, smart, easygoing, loving, loyal, and is perfect for those with allergies, a labradoodle is a great option! Labradoodles are one of the most popular doodle breeds out there at the moment, and it’s pretty clear why. Here are some of the top questions and answers about labradoodles.
Breed Breakdown:
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What are the parent breeds: Poodle + Labrador Retriever
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Do labradoodles shed? Yes, but they’re low-shedding.
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How big do labradoodles get? Depends on the size, but usually around 35-60 pounds.
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How much is a labradoodle? $1500-3000
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How long do labradoodles live? 12-14 years
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What’s a labradoodle’s temperament? Active, loyal, friendly
Do labradoodles shed?
Because a labradoodle is a mix between a poodle and a Labrador Retriever (a breed that sheds a lot), labradoodles do shed. However, they don’t shed nearly as much as purebred Labrador Retrievers, and in the grand scheme of dog breeds, they don’t shed much comparatively.
Because there are different types of labradoodles (f1 labradoodles, f1b labradoodles, f2 labradoodles, etc.), the amount of shedding depends on the type of labradoodle you have. More specifically, it depends on what your dog’s parents are. If your dog has more poodle genes than Labrador genes, your dog won’t shed as much. On the flip side, if your dog is more Labrador than poodle, then it will shed more.
A labradoodle’s coat ranges from wool to fleece to hair. Labradoodles with wool hair have the tight, curly hair of a poodle. These dogs will shed the least, and are the most ideal for individuals with allergies. A labradoodle with fleece has wavy, shaggy hair. This is generally the most popular type of labradoodle. This dog is still considered low shedding, although it will shed more than a dog with very curly hair. Lastly, some labradoodles will have hair, which is generally seen in a straight hair labradoodle and is the least common. These types of doodles will shed the most.
Are labradoodles hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, there is no dog breed that is truly 100% hypoallergenic. All dogs have fur that can shed, making it a potential issue for individuals with allergies. Despite being completely hypoallergenic, labradoodles are one of the most allergy-friendly dog breeds on the market.
This is due to the incorporation of poodles into the breed mix. Pet dander, saliva, and urine are the three elements that produce allergic reaction symptoms in individuals who have allergies. Luckily, poodles have only a single coat with low dander, and their fur is non-shedding. Therefore, if your labradoodle is more poodle than Labrador, your pet will be more allergy-friendly. In other words, a f1b labradoodle (labradoodle + a poodle) will be more allergy friendly than a f1 labradoodle (Labrador + poodle).
How big do labradoodles get?
When it comes to labradoodle size, there are generally three classes: mini labradoodles, medium labradoodles, and standard labradoodles.
Mini labradoodles are under 30 pounds when they’re full grown labradoodles. They’ll stand around 15-16 inches. This is a great choice if you don’t have as much space for a large dog, or if you just prefer smaller dogs. Keep in mind, though, that regardless of their size, labradoodles have high energy, so they still need to be able to run around and play.
Medium labradoodles are a bit bigger than mini labradoodles, and will generally weigh between 30-40 pounds when they’re fully grown. These dogs will usually stand at 17-20 inches tall.
Standard labradoodles are the most popular size of labradoodle, and they’re also the biggest. Standard labradoodles weigh above 40 pounds, and will generally reach about 50-60 pounds when fully grown adults. They’ll also stand at about 22 inches tall. Because this is the biggest type of labradoodle, these dogs usually need more space to run around and play.
How much does a labradoodle cost?
Pricing for labradoodles depends on a number of factors, although a general price tag will fall between $1500-$3000.
Due to their hypoallergenic nature and their insanely cute teddy-bear looks, these breeds are more expensive than other dog breeds. There are also a number of factors that affect their price, such as:
Color: There are a number of different labradoodle colors. In addition to the typical apricot labradoodle or brown labradoodle colors, you can find breeders who specialize in breeding chocolate labradoodles, white labradoodles, black labradoodles, red labradoodles, merle labradoodles, or silver labradoodles. The more exotic the color, the higher the price tag.
Coat: Breeders charge different prices based on the coat. Essentially, the curlier the coat, the more allergy-friendly the dog is. This can result in a higher price tag. On the flip side, straight hair labradoodles look much more like labradors, but can be a nice allergy-friendly option.
Size: Because the most common size of labradoodles is the standard size, you can expect to pay more money for a smaller version of a labradoodle. The most expensive size is a teacup labradoodle (these are pretty rate and will usually sell for over $4,000).
Location & Demand: Prices can fluctuate based on where you live along with how high the demand is for a labradoodle. Bigger metropolitan cities like Los Angeles or New York will often have higher price tags, both because of the higher general cost of living, but also because these cities usually have a higher demand for allergy-friendly dogs.
Reputation of the Breeder: When it comes to purchasing a labradoodle from a breeder, you certainly want to do your research so that you purchase from a reputable, established breeder. While it may be cheaper to buy your doodle from an at-home breeder or from Craigslist, a good breeder can mean a world of difference. If you want a healthy, long-living dog, then it can certainly be worth spending the extra money on a reliable breeder who has done their due diligence in producing healthy pups.
How long do labradoodles live?
In general, labradoodles will live between 12-14 years. There are a few factors that can result in outliers to this generalization. For example, smaller dogs usually live longer than larger dogs. Therefore, a mini labradoodle or a medium labradoodle will be expected to live longer than standard labradoodles. An increased lifespan can also be attributed to crossbreeding (crossbred dogs usually outlive their purebred counterparts) and purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder.
What’s a labradoodle’s temperament?
Because of their easygoing, playful temperament, labradoodles are perfect family dogs and are great around children. They love companionship and are incredibly loyal dogs. However, because they are so friendly and joyful, they might not make the best protection / guard dogs. Likewise, labradoodles are incredibly active and have a lot of energy, especially as puppies. Be sure to give your labradoodle plenty of exercise and play time; they love it and they need it! Labradoodles are also incredibly smart and love to be trained and learn tricks.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of adding a doodle to your family, a labradoodle might be the perfect fit. Once you’ve thought about what size, color, and coat you’d like in your dog, you’re ready to do your research on reputable breeders or rescue options. Whether you opt for a labradoodle puppy or for rescuing an older doodle, you really can’t go wrong. Be prepared for the addition of a loyal, playful and furry new family member!