If you are not already familiar with what a Labradoodle is, get ready because chances are there’s already one living on your street, or there soon will be! This is because Australian Labradoodles are among the cutest dogs you’ll see, and because of their parental heritage, they also make great family pets! But is owning a Labradoodle going to be the right move for you?
That’s the real question…
The one we hope to help answer here in our article is about the Labradoodle dog breed. After all, the last thing we want to see happen is for you to choose to adopt one of these great dogs only to find out a few weeks later that it isn’t a good fit.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Australian Labradoodle Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Australia
Original Purpose: Companion animal
Height: 14 to 24 inches at the shoulders
Weight: Standard, 45 to over 100 pounds; Medium, 30 to 45 pounds; Miniature, 15 to 30 pounds.
Dog Breed Classification: Not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Life Span: 10 to 15 years
History and Origin of the Labradoodle
Unlike many “ancient” dog breeds where the breedbreed’s true origin is in dispute, the origins of the Labradoodle dog breed are well documented. Not only do we know where they were created, who created them, and when they were first made, but we also see the name of the actual first Labradoodle… Sultan.
You see…
The Labradoodle is an example of what is now commonly called a “designer dog” or a “hybrid dog.” While some folks may disagree with their creation, the truth is, in many cases, creating a “designer dog” actually helps improve the overall health of the individual puppy and the different dog breeds used to make it. So when we look at the Labradoodle especially, we see that these guys were first created in Australia by Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dogs Association in 1989 and were created by cross-breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle, resulting in a dog named Sultan.
Sultan then went…
On to be the standard for all Labradoodles. He had a hypoallergenic coat, which made him the perfect choice for dog owners with allergies. He was believed to be less susceptible to many genetic medical issues common with both parent breeds. Sultan was also brilliant, had a lovely personality, and was engaging and friendly. He was the first of the many Labradoodle puppies the newly formed Australian Labradoodle Association bred.
And while…
The Labradoodle is still not recognized as a full-fledged breed by international kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club. The International Australian Labradoodle Association wants to move the Labradoodle to full-breed status soon, but so far, they have failed to find much success with the AKC.
Physical Characteristics
As mentioned, the Labradoodle is considered a “designer dog.” He is a cross-breed developed from the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, giving you the best of both worlds. He can come in many different sizes.
- The Standard Labradoodle is the biggest and weighs 45 to 100 pounds.
- The Medium-Sized Labradoodle weighs between 30 to 45 pounds.
- The Miniature Labradoodle weighs 15 to 30 pounds.
The first-generation…
Labradoodles vary from each other in appearance, personality, and temperament. But the new, multi-generational Labradoodles are more similar, mainly because they have been bred from other Australian Labradoodles. However, it should be pointed out that some Labradoodles look very much like a poodle, while others look pretty much the same as a Labrador Retriever.
But regardless of…
Which parental breed does a Labradoodle resemble most? There is no question that these dogs are beautiful. They have a soft coat type and don’t shed much. Their double coat is hypoallergenic, unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in humans. It can be instantly recognized as a Labradoodle from its long muzzle, small brown eyes covered by soft curls, and droopy, furry ears.
Personality and Temperament
The Labradoodle is a playful, intelligent dog that is a perfect family pet. He is very friendly, even with strangers. He’s also a charming, exuberant dog that brings joy wherever he goes. Kids love him, and he loves them back. He makes for a perfect playmate for children. He is very active, always jumping or running and up to something.
He has such a lovely temperament.
He is never aggressive or angry. He has been bred NOT to be angry or aggressive, so it’s just not in his nature to be so. So you can count him out for being an excellent guard dog, but he can still make a wonderful “watchdog,” especially considering how curious these guys are about the world around him. We should point out that Labradoodles don’t like to be ignored. He is often like a cute little child who wants her mom and dad to be with her constantly. So, if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t mind being “cooped” up all day, this might not be the “right” dog for you!
Potential Health Concerns
Labradoodles are generally considered relatively healthy compared to their parent breeds, but that doesn’t mean they are entirely out of the “woods” regarding potential health issues. This is why you should only choose to work with a reputable Labradoodle breeder who can give you a complete medical history of the parents of the puppy you are considering adoption. You should also be very proactive in your search and be sure to ask about any family history of the following conditions:
- Progressive retinal atrophy,
- Von Willebrand’s Disease,
- Allergies,
- Ear infections,
- Hip dysplasia,
- Elbow dysplasia,
- Epilepsy,
- Diabetes mellitus,
- Hypothyroidism.
And while many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is also why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
