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Labradoodle
Breed Stats
Weight/Height:
50-90 pounds, 12-24 inches
Coat Type:
Short, curly, wiry, soft
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Joyful, loyal, spunky, silly, affectionate
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
12-15 years
Adopting a Labradoodle: An Overview
Labradoodles are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after dogs in the United States today, and many people love the friendly, playful, and silly nature that these dogs have. Labradoodles are a fairly recent crossbreed, developed in Australia by the Australian Guide Dog Foundation.
The idea behind the Labradoodle was to create a dog who could help complete service dog tasks for their owners with less shedding and dander, as poodle fur is generally considered hypoallergenic. The resulting dog was intelligent, highly trainable, and affectionate toward their owners.
Today, Labradoodles are well-known both as companion animals and as service animals, though they are not officially considered a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Breeders offering labradoodles have grown in recent years, as have overall numbers of this breed, so it won’t be particularly difficult to find a breeder or Labradoodle-specific rescue to adopt your dog from. You may also find Labradoodles and Labradoodle mixed breeds in local animal shelters.
In general, the methods we mentioned above – a breeder or a rescue organization – are the two best ways to adopt a Labradoodle. Reputable breeders will adhere to the breed’s standards, even though these standards aren’t nationally recognized by the AKC, and this produces dogs that are somewhat more predictable in personality and size. If you do not want to purchase a Labradoodle from a breeder, adopting a young or adult Labradoodle from a rescue rehoming these friendly pups is often a good alternative.
The cost of a Labradoodle varies, with some adoption organizations or breed-specific rescues charging as little as a few hundred dollars. If you purchase a Labradoodle puppy from a breeder, you will likely pay between $1,500 and $3,000; the exact price of your puppy depends on the breeder, your location, and any special factors such as coat color or specific genetic lineage.
Keep in mind that prices that are greatly outside of the average cost for a Labradoodle puppy may be a scam – prices that are too low or too high from supposed breeders may indicate a backyard breeding operation that can result in dogs with health issues and behavioral issues as they age.
Labradoodles For Adoption
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How to Care for an Adopted Labradoodle?
Labradoodles are pups with big personalities, and it’s important that you understand how to care for your dog properly once you bring them home. Generally speaking, Labradoodles are energetic and friendly, but they will need training and socialization from a young age to ensure they do not develop anxious behaviors or become reactive around other people and dogs; some Labradoodles are prone to developing such behavioral issues due to anxiety, boredom, and fear, and training is the only way to help curb unwanted behaviors.
Labradoodles form strong bonds with their families, and they shouldn’t be left alone for more than six to eight hours at a time; puppies shouldn’t be left alone for more than a couple of hours at a time. Your Labradoodle will need two to three moderate or long walks each day, and they will need at least an hour of playtime with you and their toys. These dogs love outdoor adventures, so bringing your dog with you on a hike or to a dog park can be a great way to exercise your dog and keep them healthy.
Labradoodles will need to eat a diet of wet or dry food, or a combination of these foods, and you should keep in mind that this breed is more prone to skin issues and allergies. You might need to consult with your vet if it seems like your Labradoodle is developing itchiness or an upset stomach due to their food.
When it comes to grooming needs, your Labradoodle should be brushed a couple of times a week, and they should be bathed as needed. Getting your dog accustomed to the grooming and bathing process at a young age can be helpful as your dog ages, as they will easily accept home grooming, brushing, and professional grooming services.
If you are bringing home a puppy, make sure to puppy-proof all of the spaces in your home, as Labradoodle puppies tend to chew and act mischievously – you don’t want your dog getting into trouble or eating something that can harm them.
Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Labradoodle As Your First Dog?
Adopting a Labradoodle as your first dog can be a great choice, especially if you are looking for a loving family dog or if you lead a very active lifestyle. These dogs are intelligent, and they were initially bred to be service animals, which means that they have an overall gentle and eager temperament. Your Labradoodle will find themselves happiest when they have lots of time to play, tasks or tricks to complete, and a separate space in your home to cuddle up with their family members.
These dogs are a good choice for those who are unfamiliar with dogs, as they tend to be fairly easy to work with, and while they can be prone to anxiety, they do not have a history of significant behavioral issues, such as predispositions towards aggression or guarding behavior.
That being said, Labradoodles do not have a recognized breed standard, which means that some dogs may differ from the generally accepted personality, size, and temperament of a Labradoodle. You should always work with a breeder or shelter that can give you some history about your Labradoodle, though this might be a little tricky with a rescue dog, to ensure that you know what to expect as your dog grows.
Adopt the Right Labradoodle for You
Adopting the right Labradoodle for you means putting in the time to research this breed and choosing to adopt your Labradoodle from a reputable rescue or breeder. These dogs can be wonderful companions, but they do need firm leadership in their lives along with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Once you understand how to properly care for this breed, you can start to search local rescues or breeders to find a suitable match.
Always take your time when choosing a Labradoodle puppy or an adult Labradoodle, and make sure that your home is totally ready to accommodate the new lifelong friend you bring home.
