When you think of a Labradoodle, you probably envision a dog with wavy or curly hair. After all, the Poodle portion of a Labradoodle generally contributes curly genes to the offspring. However, have you ever wondered if a Labradoodle could have completely straight hair? Well, it’s definitely a possible. That type of dog is called a straight hair Labradoodle.
Quick Facts: Straight Hair Labradoodle
- Parent Breeds: Labrador Retriever and Poodle
- Size: Mini to Standard
- Weight: 55-85 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Coat Type: Straight
- Hypoallergenic: Yes!
What is a Straight Hair Labradoodle?
A straight hair Labradoodle is a dog that has inherited the coat genes from a Labrador Retriever parent and a Poodle parent, but has ended up with completely straight hair as opposed to the wavy or curly hair that is more commonly seen in Labradoodles. Straight hair Labradoodles are relatively rare, but they are out there!
The thing to keep in mind with straight hair Labradoodles is that even though their hair may be Straight, they will still likely require regular grooming like any other Labradoodle. This is because all Labradoodles have double coats, meaning they have an outer layer of course hairs (the guard hairs) and an inner layer of softer hairs (the down). Both the outer and inner hairs need to be properly cared for to keep the coat healthy and looking its best.
At first glance, this dog looks more like a Labrador than a Poodle. This is because they’re what is classified as an F1 or an F2 Generation Labradoodle, meaning that they’re 50% Labrador.
In this mix, the progeny looks more like a Labrador, yet will have a coat that is more hypoallergenic than a purebred Labrador. This is a popular mix for people who love the Lab look, but who have allergies to dog hair.
The Genetics of Straight Hair Labradoodles
So how does a Labradoodle end up with straight hair? It all comes down to genetics. The Labrador Retriever and Poodle parent breeds can both contribute the gene for straight hair to their offspring.
If a Labradoodle has two copies of the gene for straight hair, they will have straight hair. However, if a Labradoodle only has one copy of the gene for straight hair, they will have wavy or curly hair.
The thing to remember is that genetics are not always predictable. This means that even if both the Labrador Retriever parent and the Poodle parent have the gene for straight hair, there’s no guarantee that their offspring will also have straight hair.
It’s possible for a Labradoodle to inherit the gene for curly hair from one parent and the gene for straight hair from the other parent. In this case, the Labradoodle would likely have wavy or curly hair.
What is the difference between an F1 or an F2 Labradoodle?
The main difference between an F1 or an F2 Labradoodle is the percentage of each breed in the mix. An F1 Labradoodle is 50% Labrador and 50% Poodle. Whereas, an F2 Labradoodle is 75% Poodle and 25% Labrador.
So, if you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog that doesn’t shed, but you want it to have that classic Labrador look, then an F1 or an F2 generation Labradoodle would be a good choice for you!
What are the different Labradoodle generations?
There are four different Labradoodle generations that you might come across:
- F1 Generation: 50% Labrador Retriever & 50% Poodle
- F2 Generation: 75% Poodle & 25% Labrador Retriever
- F1B Generation: 87.5% Poodle & 12.5% Labrador Retriever
- Multi-generation or Australian Labradoodles: 3+ generations of Poodles and/or Labradors with other Doodle breeds (i.e. Golden Retrievers, Cockapoos, etc.)
The Straight Hair coat type is most commonly found in the first generation of Labradoodles (F1), but can also be found in the second generation (F2) and subsequent generations.
Straight Hair Labradoodle Sizes
Size is another area where Straight Hair Labradoodles can differ from their wavy or curly haired counterparts. Straight Hair Labradoodles can come in three different sizes: Standard, Medium, and Miniature.
A Standard Straight Hair Labradoodle will typically weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and stand 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
A Medium Straight Hair Labradoodle will typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
Mini Labradoodle Straight Hair will typically weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and stand 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. A Straight Haired Miniature Labradoodle will have a coat that is more hypoallergenic than a purebred Labrador.
Straight Hair Labradoodle Colors
There is a wide range of colors that Straight Hair Labradoodles can come in. Some of the most popular Labrador Retriever colors include black, chocolate, and yellow. Whereas, some of the most popular Poodle colors include white, cream, apricot, red, silver, and gray. However, since Straight Hair Labradoodles are relatively rare, you might have a harder time finding one in your desired color.
Black Straight Hair Labradoodles
A black Straight Hair Labradoodle will typically have a coat that is black as opposed to the brown or yellow coats that are more common in Labradoodles. They may also have some white markings on their chest, feet, and/or tail. Their eyes will be either brown or hazel, and their nose will be black. As mentioned earlier, they will require regular grooming like any other Labradoodle.
A Black Straight Hair full grown Labradoodle will typically weigh between 55 and 65 pounds and stand 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.
Chocolate Straight Hair Labradoodles
A Chocolate Straight Hair Labradoodle will have the same general appearance as any other Labradoodle, but their coat will be completely straight rather than wavy or curly. This can be a bit of a rarity, so if you’re looking for a Straight Hair Labradoodle and you love the chocolate color, you’re in luck!
Their coat may also be slightly lighter or darker than other chocolate-colored dogs. But overall, they will still maintain the classic Labrador Retriever look.
Yellow Straight Hair Labradoodles
A Yellow Straight Hair Labradoodle is a dog that has inherited the coat genes from a Labrador Retriever parent and a Poodle parent.
Yellow Straight Hair Labradoodles have a coat that is predominantly yellow in color. They may also have black or chocolate markings around their face and ears, as well as on their back and tail. They typically have very light-colored eyes, which can be green, blue, or hazel in color. Their ears will stand up erect like those of a Labrador Retriever, and their tails will be long and bushy.
Cream Straight Hair Labradoodles
A Cream Straight Hair Labradoodle is a beautiful dog with a unique coat color.
Their coat is light cream in color, and is straight instead of wavy or curly like most Labradoodles. This gives them a unique look that sets them apart from other dogs.
Cream Straight Hair Labradoodles are typically the same size as other Labradoodles, and will weigh around 50-70 pounds. They have an average lifespan of 10-12 years, and will require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best.
Apricot Straight Hair Labradoodles
Apricots Straight Hair Labradoodles typically have an orange or light brown coat with some white markings on their chest, feet, and muzzle. These dogs often have very piercing green eyes that will capture your attention from across the room. They are a medium-sized dog who weighs around 50 pounds.
Apricot Straight Hair Labradoodles are a relatively rare coat type, so you might have a harder time finding one in your area. However, they are definitely worth the search! Apricot Straight Hair Labradoodles are always happy and full of personality.
Red Straight Hair Labradoodles
Red Straight Hair Labradoodles are a relatively rare breed, and can be hard to find. However, they are definitely worth the search, as they are just as beautiful as their wavy or curly-haired counterparts.
Red Straight Hair Labradoodles come in all the same colors as other Straight Hair Labradoodles, but with one distinct difference: they have a beautiful red coat. This makes them stand out from the rest, and makes them a favorite among dog owners.
Since Red Straight Hair Labradoodles are so rare, it might be hard to find one in your area. But if you do happen to come across one, don’t hesitate to snatch it up! You won’t regret it.
Silver Straight Hair Labradoodles
Silver Straight Hair Labradoodles are beautiful dogs that always seem to be well-groomed and looking their best. They have a thick coat of fur that is straight and silky-smooth. The fur is typically white or light gray in color, but can also come in other shades of silver or gray. These dogs are typically muscular and athletic, with an overall friendly demeanor.
Gray Straight Hair Labradoodles
Gray Straight Hair Labradoodles are one of the rarest colors of Straight Hair Labradoodles.
They are beautiful dogs with a unique coat color that is difficult to find. They come in all the same colors as other Straight Hair Labradoodles, but their gray fur makes them easily distinguishable from other breeds.
Gray Straight Hair Labradoodles are just as friendly and loving as any other Labradoodle, and make great pets for people who want a dog that stands out from the crowd.
Straight Hair Labradoodle Coat
Do Straight Hair Labradoodles Shed?
Just like any other type of Labradoodle, straight hair Labradoodles can certainly shed. In fact, all Labradoodles shed to some degree, even those with hypoallergenic coats. The amount that a Labradoodle sheds generally depends on their generation (F1, F1b, F2, etc.), as well as how much Poodle is in their bloodline.
So, if you’re looking for a Labradoodle that doesn’t shed very much, you might want to opt for an F1b generation Labradoodle. This type of dog is 75% Poodle and only 25% Labrador. Or, you could go for a straight hair Labradoodle, which as we now know, is a type of Labradoodle that has Straight hair as opposed to wavy or curly hair.
The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a Labradoodle that doesn’t shed very much, you’ll likely want to seek out an F1b generation Labradoodle or a Straight hair Labradoodle. But, as we mentioned before, all Labradoodles will shed at least some hair, so it’s important to be aware of that before you bring one home.
Do Straight Hair Labradoodles Need Grooming?
Just like any other type of Labradoodle, Straight hair Labradoodles will need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and looking their best.
The good news is that Straight hair Labradoodles don’t require as much grooming as other types of Labradoodles, such as those with wavy or curly hair. This is because Straight hair doesn’t tend to tangle and mat as easily as wavy or curly hair.
Caring for a Straight Hair Labradoodle is not much different than caring for any other type of Labradoodle. They will still need to be brushed regularly (at least once a week, if not more) to prevent mats and tangles from forming in their coat. They will also need to be groomed every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat healthy and looking its best.
So, if you’re looking for a Labradoodle that is relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, a Straight hair Labradoodle might be a good choice for you. Just keep in mind that all Labradoodles will need some amount of grooming, so be prepared to commit to regular brushing and trimming sessions if you decide to go this route.
Straight Hair Labradoodle Health
Just like any other type of Labradoodle, Straight hair Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs. However, there are a few health conditions that they may be more prone to than other types of Labradoodles.
One health condition that Straight hair Labradoodles may be more prone to is hip dysplasia. This is a condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and lameness in affected dogs. Straight hair Labradoodles may also be more prone to elbow dysplasia, which is a similar condition that affects the elbow joint.
Another health condition that Straight hair Labradoodles may be more prone to is von Willebrand’s disease. This is a disorder that affects the blood and can cause excessive bleeding in affected dogs.
Overall, Straight hair Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs. However, there are a few health conditions that they may be more prone to than other types of Labradoodles. If you’re considering adding a Straight hair Labradoodle to your family, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the potential health risks involved.
Should I Get a Straight Hair Labradoodle?
Cons of Owning a Straight Hair Labradoodle
As with any type of dog, there are both pros and cons to owning a Straight hair Labradoodle. Here are some of the potential downsides to keep in mind before you commit to this type of dog:
- Shedding – As we mentioned before, all Labradoodles shed at least some hair. So, if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed very much, a Straight hair Labradoodle might not be the best choice for you.
- Grooming – Straight hair Labradoodles will still need to be brushed and groomed regularly to keep their coat healthy and looking its best. So, if you’re not prepared to commit to regular grooming sessions, this type of dog might not be right for you.
- Potential Health Issues – Like all dogs, Straight hair Labradoodles are prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues seen in Straight hair Labradoodles include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and von Willebrand’s disease.
Pros of Owning a Straight Hair Labradoodle
Of course, there are also several pros to owning a Straight hair Labradoodle. Here are some of the potential benefits to keep in mind:
- Cost – Straight hair Labradoodles are often less expensive than other types of Labradoodles.
- Coat – Straight hair doesn’t tend to tangle and mat as easily as wavy or curly hair, which means it’s generally easier to care for.
- Grooming – Straight hair Labradoodles don’t require as much grooming as other types of Labradoodles.
- Allergies – Some people with allergies find that they can tolerate Straight hair Labradoodles better than other types of dogs.
The bottom line is that Straight hair Labradoodles have both pros and cons, just like any other type of dog. It’s important to weigh all of the factors before you decide whether or not this type of dog is right for you.
Do Straight Hair Labradoodles Make Good Family Pets?
Yes, Straight hair Labradoodles can make excellent family pets! They are typically very loyal and loving dogs that enjoy being around people.
Straight hair Labradoodles also tend to be fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, which can be a big plus if you have kids or other animals in the house.
If you’re thinking about adding a Straight hair Labradoodle to your family, be sure to do your research beforehand to make sure this type of dog is right for you. Once you’ve decided that a Straight hair Labradoodle is the right fit for your family, you can start looking for the perfect pup!
Finding a Straight Hair Labradoodle Puppy
If you’re looking specifically for a straight hair Labradoodles, you should look for breeders who breed these F1 or F2 Labradoodles. However, if you decide to opt for purchasing a dog through a breeder, make sure you do your due diligence. When you decide to buy a puppy, insist on meeting both parents of the pup, and make sure that they, and the puppies, have been raised in a clean, proper, and loving home environment with adequate vet care.
It’s important that you chat to the breeder about the health of the parent dogs, to make sure that they do not suffer from issues such as hip dysplasia (which is common in Labradors). Otherwise, you could end up with a pup with health problems down the line.
Rescuing a Straight Hair Labradoodle
If you’re interested in rescuing a Straight hair Labradoodle, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure you are prepared to commit to taking care of a rescue dog.
Rescue dogs often come with their own set of challenges, and it’s important to be prepared for those challenges before you bring a rescue dog home.
Second, make sure you do your research and find a reputable rescue organization to adopt from. There are many great organizations out there that would love to help you find the perfect Straight hair Labradoodle for your family.
And lastly, be prepared to be patient. It can sometimes take time to find the right Straight hair Labradoodle for your family, but it will be worth it in the end!
Straight hair Labradoodle haircuts
Now that you have found the perfect puppy from a reputable breeder, how do you go about styling and maintaining the coat of the straight hair Labradoodle? This type of dog is also known as a ‘flat coat Labradoodle’, which indicates that their coat doesn’t stand up, as opposed to their curlier counterparts.
This also means that clipping isn’t really needed, making this a lower-maintenance mix. Just keep up with regular brushing to keep this pup looking its best.
Can you have a black Labradoodle with straight hair?
Absolutely! Poodles come in black, and so do Labradors. Therefore a black Labradoodle with straight hair does exist, and they are super-cute. Like all straight hair Labradoodles, this dog will shed, and therefore is not really ideal for someone who is allergic to dogs.
Can you have a mini Labradoodle with straight hair?
You sure can. Because Poodles come in three distinct sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—there are many iterations of Labradoodles. So if you love the look and personality of a Labrador, but prefer a dog that’s a bit smaller in size, then a mini Labradoodle may be the perfect pup for you!
To sum it up:
Straight Hair Labradoodles are a good example of just how versatile Poodle mixes can be. Because Poodles have a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat, and come in three distinct sizes and a wide variety of colors, dog fanciers are spoiled when it comes to Labradoodle options. Long hair, curly hair, miniature, black coat…there really is a Labradoodle mix to suit anyone.