Labradoodle
Labradoodles are people-dogs. Although they can be reserved around strangers, they love their families. They are sweet, affectionate, and very intelligent. Labradoodles are family pets. They like having things to do and people to be around. When they’re alone for long periods, they can get restless and lonely.
Breed Profile
Height
14 - 24
Inches
Weight
45 - 100
Pounds
Life Span
10 - 15
Years
Health
health
Otitis externa
What is it?
Otitis externa is basically an ear infection that affects the outer ear of your pup.
Clinical signs:
Red and inflamed ear, bad odor, scratching the ear, shaking the head, pain, yellow or black discharge, crusty or thick ears (chronic otitis externa), and narrow ear canals (chronic otitis externa)
Treatment:
Removal of a foreign object, ear cleaning, medication, treating an underlying condition, if any
Other risks:
The ear infection can be caused by something other than an ear-related issue, like hypothyroidism. Some ear infections can move deeper into the ear, which will eventually damage the eardrum and can cause hearing loss. It is also possible for your pup to be so irritated that they will end up scratching so much that a blood vessel in the ear breaks.
Eligible vet bill
$300
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
What is it?
Commonly referred to as bloat, Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a condition where the stomach fills with air, and the pressure that builds up prevents blood from returning to the heart, so it just pools up in the dog’s legs.
Clinical signs:
Retching without vomiting, stomach pain when touched, salivation, restlessness, and an enlarged abdomen
Treatment:
Flipping and deflating the stomach, gastropexy
Other risks:
Some studies have connected exercising too soon after eating with an increased chance of GDV. Other possible things that increase the likelihood of GDV are eating too fast, only one large meal a day, foods with soybean meal, oils, or fats.
Stressed or hyperactive dogs also have an increased risk of GDV.
Eligible vet bill
$3,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hip dysplasia
What is it?
Hip dysplasia is a condition affecting your pup’s hip joint. Although it can affect small dogs, hip dysplasia is primarily seen in large and giant dogs.
Clinical signs:
Swaying gait, pain, difficulty climbing stairs or jumping, smaller range of motion, muscle mass loss, grating in the joint, and limping
Treatment:
Double or triple pelvic osteotomy, anti-inflammatory medication, joint supplements, restricting exercise, femoral head ostectomy, total hip replacement, weight reduction, joint fluid modifiers
Other risks:
Puppies that grow too fast have a higher risk of hip dysplasia since they become too heavy before the joints give them proper support. Being overweight can affect dogs with hip dysplasia as well.
Eligible vet bill
$13,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Affectionate
Labradoodles are loving and kind dogs, and being with their families is their favorite thing to do. They are loyal to a fault.
Intelligent
Since they’re descended from poodles, labradoodles are very smart, and they’re quick learners.
Extroverted
Labradoodles do very well meeting new people, although they might be a little reserved. However, they can get restless and lonely if they’re alone for long periods, so it’s best for them to be around their family as much as possible.
Protective
Labradoodles are generally friendly and sweet, but they also want to make sure their family is safe.
Lifetime Care
Coat
There are many different labradoodle coat types, including curly coats, wiry coats, and fleece coats. Depending on the generation, your pup may shed less or more.
Coat Colors
Brindle, multi-colored, red, gold, cream, black, chocolate, sable
Hypoallergenic
Yes, labradoodles can be hypoallergenic, but you have to determine whether they take more after the poodle side or the labrador retriever side.
Grooming
They should be brushed every other day, and they’ll need to be bathed regularly. It might be beneficial to take them to a groomer, especially since they occasionally need a trim. They’ll also need their ears checked and cleaned regularly, and they should have their teeth brushed as well.
Training
Labradoodles are good learners, and they respond very well to positive reinforcement and consistency.
Lifetime Care Cost
$29,475
Learn more about the cost of caring for a Labradoodle.
Labradoodle: Dog Breed Information Guide 2022
A crossbreed of a labrador retriever and a poodle, the labradoodle has the best of both parent breeds in personality and appearance. These lovable dogs come in three sizes, standard, medium, and miniature, just like their poodle ancestors. With their fluffy, hypoallergenic coats and winning ways, these designer dogs make great furry best friends.
Some can be shy around strangers, but they are mostly friendly and sweet. If you’re looking for a dog that can play with kids, keep the house safe, and be an excellent family member, a labradoodle might be the dog for you.
Before you go looking for a reputable breeder or a rescue doodle, dog owners should learn about the breed itself, so they can be prepared and ensure that a labradoodle will fit well into their homes.
That’s why we’re here. As pet parents ourselves, we at Spot Pet Insurance understand that adopting a dog is a big decision and responsibility. You need to make sure you can handle that responsibility so you and your pup can live happily ever after.
We’re looking to provide you with educational articles about different dog breeds, as well as tips and tricks for caring for your pup.
Labradoodles can be great dogs to have around, but can you provide the level of care they need? Let’s read on to find out.
Meet the labradoodle
Standard labradoodles can be pretty big dogs, but medium and miniature labradoodles could fit into smaller homes. A standard labradoodle can weigh from 45 to over 100 pounds, and they are 14-24 inches tall.
Medium labradoodles are slightly smaller since they weigh between 30 and 45 pounds. Miniature labradoodles are even smaller. They weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, so they aren’t as small as a toy breed like the Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu, but they are much smaller than the standard labradoodle.
Labradoodles are a mixed breed, not purebreds. They are descended from two purebred dogs, but since there is too much variation in the appearance of labradoodle puppies, they can’t be considered purebred dogs. They don’t breed true, which is the term for purebred dogs.
Technically, the first poodle/labrador mix was bred by Sir Donald Campbell, who also coined the name labradoodle in the 1900s. However, this dog is not considered to be the first official labradoodle. That honor goes to dogs bred by Wally Conron, an Australian breeder who wanted to breed a hypoallergenic guide dog for a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband struggled with allergies.
They quickly rose in popularity around the world. They weren’t only popular for being hypoallergenic but also for their adorableness and wonderful personality. Labradoodles are also great service dogs that are used in many different fields.
What are the types of labradoodle?
Since labradoodles are a mixed breed, there are different generations of labradoodle, depending on the parents of the dog you’re looking at.
For instance, a first generation (F1) labradoodle will have a labrador retriever and a poodle as parents, but a second generation (F2) will have two parents from the F1 generation.
Some labradoodles will be bred with either another poodle or a labrador retriever, depending on the characteristic that the breeder wants to develop.
There are also Australian labradoodles, which are mixes of labrador retrievers, poodles, and spaniels.
What are labradoodle coats like?
Since labradoodles are a mix of poodles and labrador retrievers, they can have quite a few different coats depending on which side of the family they take after. They can have coats that are like fleece. Their coats can also be curly, wiry, wavy, or wooly, and they can come in a variety of colors.
However, one thing most of them have in common is the small amount of dander they produce and their low-shedding nature, much like their cousin, the goldendoodle.
What are the common health problems for labradoodles?
Some of the health issues that labradoodles can have are progressive retinal atrophy, Addison’s disease, hip dysplasia, otitis externa, and gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV/bloat).
Otitis externa is a pretty common type of ear infection, and it is more likely to be seen in dogs with floppy ears like the labradoodle. Other dogs can get ear infections, but floppy-eared breeds are more prone to getting them.
There are various causes of otitis externa, so the treatment will vary depending on the root cause. Many kinds of bacteria can cause an ear infection, and there is also a type of fungal ear infection that your dog can get. They could also be caused by tumors or polyps in the ear.
Although we can’t physically help your pet if they become ill since we’re not licensed veterinarians, with a Spot plan, you can visit any licensed vet in the United States or Canada, or you can take advantage of the 24/7 telehealth service powered by VetAccess. Spot plans can help cover eligible visits for any conditions that are not pre-existing.
How to be the best pet parent for a labradoodle?
Labradoodles aren’t very demanding dogs. They are pretty content and happy when they’re with their family, but you still need to be able to give them some of your time and attention.
A good pet parent knows their dog, so reading about the breed you’re interested in and learning about the potential needs of your future pup is a great first step.
How much does a dog or puppy cost?
Adoption fee: $50-$8,500
[Expense: first year, following years]Food: $155-$310, $140-$450
Water/food bowls: $10-$40, N/A
Treats: $125-$715, $125-$715
Collars: $10-$40, N/A
Leashes: $10-$30, $0-$30
Dog bed and crate: $50-$205, N/A
Toys: $50-$155, $0-$155
Vaccines and routine care: $425-$1,645, $425-$825
Heartworm and flea prevention: $160-$210, $300-$450
Total: $995-$3,350, $990-$2,625
For more information on price, check out our article on labradoodle price
Basic training and behavior etiquette for your dog
All dogs need to receive proper socialization. By socializing your labradoodle, you’ll be helping to bring out some of the best parts of their personality. You should introduce your labradoodle to new people, places, and dogs gradually when they’re puppies.
To train your labradoodle, you should use positive reinforcement and plenty of encouragement. A treat or two might not hurt, but don’t rely on them too heavily.
Since they’re such bright dogs, you can even train them as guide dogs and therapy dogs if you’re so inclined. Their easygoing nature makes this intelligent dog fairly eager to please.
Labradoodles are great with kids, but you should still keep an eye on your dog and young children they might be playing with to make sure everyone is playing nice.
What type of foods should a labradoodle never eat?
Although some human foods are great for your pup to eat, there are also some foods that are not so good for your pup.
Some of the foods that are toxic to dogs are:
Exercising tips to keep your dog to stay fit and healthy
Labradoodles are high-energy pups, so they need daily exercise. This could take the form of a long walk, running around in an enclosed backyard, playing fetch or frisbee in the backyard, or maybe going for a jog. These family dogs are sure to love playtime of all kinds.
It’s also a great idea to try agility or obedience training to challenge your pup and tire out those energy levels. Labradoodles also love swimming, which is another activity you and your pup can do together.
Sources:
Bloat (or GDV) in Dogs — What It Is and How it's Treated | American Kennel Club
Dangerous Foods for Dogs | American Kennel Club
Ear Infections In Dogs Otitis Externa | VCA Animal Hospitals
Hip Dysplasia In Dogs: Prevention, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | akc.org
How Much is a Labradoodle? The Cost Guide with Calculator | PetBudget
Labradoodle Breed Information | vetstreet.com
Labradoodle Dog Breed Hypoallergenic, Health and Life Span | PetMD
Labradoodle Life Stages [Full Breakdown] ? | The Doodle Guide
Labradoodle types - types of Labradoodles | labradoodle-breeder.com
What is the Difference Between F1 and F2 Generation | Pediaa.Com