Judy Powell
The Labradoodle is one of the most popular hybrid breeds in the United States and Europe. This dog was bred in Australia in 1989 by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle.
Australian Wally Conron’s goal was to create the perfect hypoallergenic guide dog suitable for people with disabilities. From the poodle, the labradoodle inherited its non-shedding coat, from the labrador – a high intelligence.
It should be noted that the Labradoodle is not just a half-breed or a hybrid of two purebred dogs, but a deliberately bred breed that carries not only the genes of the Labrador and Poodle but also the blood of the English Cocker Spaniel, American Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Description of the Breed
Dogs of this breed can be of two types: 75/25 Labrador Poodle and 50/50 Labrador Poodle. In the first case, the dogs look more like a poodle in appearance – from Labradors, they got only size and character. In the second version, the dog, on the contrary, looks more like labra, with the exception of the coat, which looks like a poodle.
- In terms of height, adults are divided into three types – miniature, medium, and standard.
- The height at the withers depends on the type and ranges from 35 to 65 cm.
- Life expectancy: 13-15 years.
- The coat is thin and soft, it can be curly or straight.
- Color – white, black, red, as well as all shades of chocolate.
- Difficulties of the breed – from time to time the dog needs a haircut.
The Nature and Purpose of Labradoodles
Labradoodle is a cute and funny creature, always ready to support any of your games, be it catching up or picking up. The dog is absolutely not aggressive and easily amenable to training, which allows you to use it as a nanny for a child or an assistant for a disabled person.
Representatives of this breed are widely used in Canis therapy and will gladly support you in sports endeavors. Thanks to their thick and dense coat, Labradoodles can easily endure adverse weather conditions – strong wind, snow, rain, etc., so very often dogs are involved in rescue operations. In addition, they have a keen sense of smell, which allows them to be used in the search for dangerous substances and drugs.
Labradoodles are very active animals, but at the same time, they know how to restrain themselves. They will always find a common language with all household members, and also get along well with the rest of the pets. The Labradoodle will gladly participate in any fuss and easily becomes the soul of the company.
Care and Maintenance
Since the dog is quite mobile, it needs active walks with obligatory games so that the dog can realize its irrepressible energy. The animal should be walked at least twice a day, and the duration of one of the walks should be at least an hour. It is necessary to bathe the dog 1-2 times a month, to cut the coat at about the same frequency.
The Labradoodle does not have any specific standard, since it is a designer breed. However, preference is given to dogs with many of the characteristics of a Lab in combination with finely curled fluffy poodle hair. To prevent hair from falling off and to remove dirt, the dog’s face should be wiped with a damp cloth after every walk and meal. The coat all over the animal’s body also needs regular brushing and brushing to avoid tangling and tangling. Since Australian Labradoodles practically do not shed (with some exceptions, depending on the pedigree), plucking of dead hairs should be carried out about 1-2 times a year.
Labradoodle Dog Food
The puppy’s diet should include the following foods:
- vitamins;
- vegetables;
- cereals;
- fruits;
- dairy products;
- sea fish;
- lean meat.
Puppies aged 2-3 months should be fed at least 6 times a day. Subsequently, as the animal grows older, the portion volume should be increased, and the frequency of feeding should be reduced. The calorie content of a portion and its size are determined by the dog’s lifestyle, that is, they depend on the activity, employment, and conditions of detention. Naturally, a sluggish dog should consume less food than an athlete pet. An adult individual may well do with two meals a day, but all the necessary components must also be present in its diet.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Breed
Although the breed was conceived as ideal, still like all other Labradoodles dogs have their pros and cons.
Advantages
- ease of care;
- lack of aggression;
- excellent health;
- minimal risk of allergic reactions;
- cheerful, playful character;
- the ability to use as a nanny;
- high intelligence and learnability.
Disadvantages:
- needs a haircut;
- cannot be used as a guard;
- maybe hyperactive;
- due to its excessive mobility, it is not suitable for the elderly.
How to Choose a Labradoodle Puppy
Before purchasing a puppy, you should pay attention to the documents of the father and mother – both parents must be registered with the Australian Labradoodle Association (the owner must provide the appropriate document). In addition, the parents of the puppy should not have any diseases (diseases of the cardiovascular system, dysplasia of the hip joint, etc.). A dog breeding permit is also issued by the Association.
A puppy should be purchased at the age of at least 2.5 months, making sure that the baby is healthy and vaccinated by age. Also, ask the seller for the veterinary passport of the animal.
Labradoodle Training
The abilities of the representatives of this breed truly have no boundaries. Labradoodles have the intelligence of a Labrador and are capable of performing tricks like poodles. It is a pleasure to train these dogs. They can be bloodhounds, rescuers, guides, besides, Labradoodles have shown excellent results in all types of dog sports. Since dogs very quickly lose interest in monotonous activities, the tactics of training lessons should be constantly changed.
With proper upbringing, Labradoodles feel great in a city apartment, but this large dog is still better suited to be kept in a private country house. But regardless of where it lives, the animal needs regular exercises lasting at least 2 hours. The dog is very fond of outdoor games with a ball, jogging, and hiking, but also walks with pleasure on a leash.
So, initially, the creation of the Labradoodle breed was determined by specific tasks – helping the blind and people with disabilities, but due to their character and mental qualities, these dogs are widely used for other purposes. It is a great friend, ideal companion, and loyal empathetic assistant with well-developed intuition. The Australian Labradoodle is always ready to fulfill any whim of the owner and is able to be in contact with a person almost constantly, without suffering from this at all.