A Labradoodle is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. This cross combines the friendly nature of Labs with the low-shedding coat of Poodles. Because of these traits, Labradoodles have become very popular as family pets, especially for households looking for a smart and affectionate companion.
As responsible Labradoodle breeders, we at Oodle Pups raise Australian Labradoodles with careful health testing and training. And we completely understand why families are drawn to them.
But if you’re expecting a low-shedding, easy-to-train dog, you might be surprised. Labradoodles actually need regular grooming, can have higher health care costs, and a LOT of energy.
In this article, we’ll walk through what Labradoodles are really like, what they need from you, and how to figure out if they’re the right fit.
First, let’s look at what makes Labradoodles unique.
What Makes Labradoodles Special: Personality, Coat, and Care
Labradoodles are special because they come from two breeds: the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. This combination gives them friendly personalities, sharp minds, and coats that can vary widely.
Here’s what you should know about their background, personality, grooming needs, and common health concerns.
Crossbreed Origins and Generations
The Labradoodle’s origin dates back to 1989, when Wally Conron bred them in Australia for guide dog service. He wanted a service dog that worked for people with allergies. Later, Australian Labradoodles added Cocker Spaniel genes for even better temperaments.
This is what each generation label means:
- F1 is the first cross between a Labrador and a Poodle.
- F1b (or first generation backcross) brings in more Poodle to increase the low-shedding traits.
- Multigen dogs have Labradoodle parents on both sides, which gives more predictable results.
These labels can give you clues about how your own dog might grow and behave.
Temperament and Traits
Labradoodles are naturally social and love being around humans and other pets. Their intelligence also makes them easy to train with positive reinforcement methods (like your usual treats, praise, and play). Plus, they’re playful and affectionate, which makes them great family dogs.
That said, their intelligence means they need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Without it, they can develop destructive behaviours like chewing furniture or digging up your garden.
Coat Types and Allergen Facts
Your Labradoodle might have a wavy, curly, or even straight coat in shades like black, gold, apricot, or tan. Fleece coats are the soft and silky kind, but need brushing a few times each week. Curly wool coats, on the other hand, need professional grooming every six to eight weeks to stay tangle-free.
Now about that hypoallergenic promise: it’s not quite accurate. While yes, Labradoodles do shed less than many dog breeds, they still produce dander (tiny skin flakes) that can trigger allergies.
Health Watch List
Those adorable floppy ears can trap moisture, which can cause itchy and painful ear infections if you don’t clean them regularly. Hip dysplasia is also common, since both parent breeds can pass it down.
Eye diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy and cataracts run in some bloodlines, too. But any good breeder will test their dogs before breeding to lower these risks and give you a healthier pup.
Is a Labradoodle Right for Your Home? What Families Must Know
A Labradoodle fits your home if you can handle daily exercise, regular grooming, and lots of family interaction. These dogs do best with active families who have the time and money for their needs.
Let’s look at what daily life with a Labradoodle can involve so you can decide if it’s the right match.
Are Labradoodles High Maintenance?
Yes, Labradoodles are definitely high maintenance compared to many other dog breeds. Their coat needs brushing three to four times a week to prevent matting and tangling. You’ll also need professional grooming every six to eight weeks, which can cost between $80 and $150 per visit.
On top of that, their ears need weekly cleaning to prevent infections, as we already mentioned. Then, you’ve got to trim their nails monthly and brush their teeth regularly. Vet visits add more costs for yearly check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments for any health issues.
We know many owners who spend at least $1,500 to $2,000 each year on basic care alone, and that doesn’t include those surprise medical bills.
How Much Exercise Do They Need?
Labradoodles usually need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. We’re not talking about just spending time in the backyard, but actual walks where your Labradoodle is moving and exploring.
You can also do active play, like fetch or tug-of-war, to help your Labradoodle burn off energy. Now, their smart brains need workouts too, so use puzzle toys, training, and new experiences to keep them from getting bored.
As we said, without enough activity, they may bark nonstop, chew furniture, dig in your garden, or become anxious when left alone.
Compatibility with Other Pets and Children
Labradoodles usually get along nicely with other pets if you introduce them slowly and socialise them young. You can start by letting your existing pets and the new dog sniff each other from a distance before bringing them closer together. With kids, they’re typically gentle and patient, which is why they’re such popular family dogs.
That said, their size and energetic nature can accidentally bump into small toddlers. Young Labradoodle puppies also like to jump and nibble during play, which can scare little children.
So, it’ll be your responsibility to teach your kids how to play gently and watch them interact to prevent anyone from getting hurt. You’ll need to be patient and train your dog regularly to stay calm around your children as well.
Choosing the Right Breeder
Good Labradoodle breeders care more about healthy puppies than making quick money. This means they test their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia, eye diseases, and other genetic issues, and share the results with you. You should also meet the parent dogs and see the environment where the puppies are raised.
And if the breeder asks you questions, that’s a good sign they care and want their puppies to go to homes that suit them. Conversely, you need to be cautious of breeders who always have puppies ready, refuse home visits, or can’t show health certificates. Puppy farms treat dogs like products instead of living animals, which can lead to health and behavior problems.
In Australia, try looking for breeders verified by organisations like the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) that monitor responsible breeding practices. Take your time to find a responsible breeder. That way, you’ll bring home a healthy Labradoodle with a solid temperament.
Prepare Yourself for a Labradoodle with Care and Commitment
So, after everything we’ve covered, does a Labradoodle feel like the right fit for your family? Be honest with yourself because these dogs need quite a lot from their owners.
They’re not the best choice if you’re working long hours, tight on money, or living in a small apartment without much outdoor space. Their energy and grooming needs also make them a tough choice for busy households.
However, they’re wonderful for active families who genuinely enjoy daily walks and outdoor adventures. They’re especially ideal for homes with steady routines that can have time set aside for grooming and training.
And if your kids love playing with energetic dogs and you’ve got room for a medium to large breed, a Labradoodle might be perfect.
Now, before you bring a Labradoodle puppy home, think through these questions:
- Can you afford professional grooming every six to eight weeks on top of surprise vet bills for the next 12 to 15 years?
- Do you actually have 60 to 90 minutes free every day for proper walks, playtime, and training sessions?
- Have you worked out how to find reputable Labradoodle breeders who test their dogs for health problems?
If you’ve thought it through and you’re ready for the commitment, Oodle Pups breeds healthy, well-socialised puppies right here in Brisbane. We’re happy to chat about any questions you have and help you find the perfect four-legged friend for your family.
