Labradoodle

The Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix’s history is one of the most well-documented mixed breeds. 

The Standard Poodle originated in Germany as a water-retrieving dog, specifically bred for hunting waterfowl. This breed is commonly depicted donning haircuts which are thought to be all about fashion, but their unusual style is far more than that. The haircut was developed to protect the dog’s vital organs while preventing them from getting waterlogged. 

Labrador Retrievers date back to Newfoundland in the 17th century where they were trained to bring in fishing nets from icy waters. Due to their endearing and friendly personality, their fishermen owners began getting asks from Englishmen to buy them. Eventually, the Earl of Malmesbury became fascinated with them and began raising them. Today Labradors are both still used as working dogs and family pets alike. 

The Labradoodle was established in Australia in the 1970s when the Australian Guide Dog Association received a request for a guide dog that wouldn’t cause allergy flare-ups. At the time, they were already using Labrador Retrievers as guide dogs. They mixed them with Standard Poodles, creating the first Labradoodle. 

Ideal owners of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix should have an open mind about everything from personality to grooming maintenance. Owners should expect a confident dog with lots of energy and enthusiasm who maintains a puppy-like attitude well into adulthood. Owners need to be willing to put the time and energy into training their Labradoodle and ensuring that they are getting the daily exercise, attention, and affection they require.

Both the Labrador Retriever and Poodle that make up the foundation for the Labradoodle are highly active dogs who enjoy exercise. Owners should be prepared for and ideally live an active lifestyle as your Labradoodle will need long walks, hikes, and even jogs to help expend energy. Interactive toys, games, playing with their owners, and joining family activities will be necessary throughout the day as well to help them get the stimulation they need.

As Labradoodles can grow to be large, they need to have an adequate living space and yard to play in. They are very active and need to run, expel energy, and play.

Grooming for Labradoodles also varies greatly and can range from high maintenance to relatively low maintenance, so owners should be prepared for anything. For example,  Labradoodles with coats more closely resembling a Poodle will either shed minimally or hardly at all, but their coat will require regular trimming, possibly professionally. Those with coats more similar to Labrador Retrievers will shed more and most likely not need as much trimming due to the lack of potential for matting. 

Regularly checking a Labradoodle’s ears is also important as they can encounter problems with excessive hair in this area causing infections or pain for the dog. 

Training is critical for this energetic and active dog. Labradoodles are clever and easy to train as they love working with their owner. It is important to note that they will learn bad habits just as quickly as good ones, so positive, reward-based training (especially involving food) should be included.

If you’re looking for the perfect family dog, it doesn’t get much better than the Labradoodle. They get along well with just about everyone and have an infectious, happy-go-lucky personality. They want to be included in family activities and will see themselves as a member of the family.

The cost of a Labradoodle from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.