People are often surprised when they learn that the Labradoodle is not a new hybrid breed. Instead, it’s simply a cross between the Labrador and Standard Poodle breeds. Red-coated, big-eared Labradors have been family favourites for decades, as have Poodles – those chic white-haired beauties with upturned noses.
However, until the 21st century, these two very different dogs would never have mated because their respective breed standards explicitly forbid such matings. So how did we end up with Labradoodle Puppies? It comes down to one man: breeder Wally Reynolds.
In the 1980s he bred and registered his first hybrid puppies as something called a ‘Caniche’ (French for ‘Dachshund’). But this wasn’t enough to stop him from continuing his research into creating various new hybrid dog breeds…
What is a Labradoodle?
A Labradoodle Puppies is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. It is a combination of the playful energy of the Labrador with the hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle.
The Labradoodle Puppies may come in any coat colour, although black, chocolate and yellow are most common. They are medium-sized dogs, with Labrador Retrievers being significantly larger.
The Labradoodle Standard
The Labradoodle standard is almost identical to the Labrador standard, except that it requires the dog to be at least 25% Poodle. The Labradoodle cannot be bred under this standard, nor can it be bred if it is under the Poodle standard.
The Labradoodle has a much shorter coat than the Labrador, and some are double-coated which means the coat has a soft, dense undercoat and a straight top coat that is about 1 inch long. The Labradoodle standard allows for the dog to be any colour or combination of colours as long as it has a Poodle’s black or dark-coloured nose and eyes.
Labrador Retriever-Poodle Mix Health Problems
One of the main reasons people decide to cross-breed dogs is to reduce the likelihood of health problems occurring in their offspring. However, Labrador and Poodle hybrids are not immune to inherited genetic diseases.
The main concern for Labradoodle Puppies and Goldendoodle owners is the risk of contracting allergies. Unfortunately, both Poodles and Labradors are prone to certain health issues. The Poodle is at risk of developing certain types of cancer, including mast cell sarcoma, bladder cancer, and lymphoma. Poodles can also experience joint problems due to their incredibly dense, heavy coat.
The Labrador Retriever is susceptible to hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Labradoodles are also more likely to develop eye and skin disorders.
Eye diseases commonly found in Poodles such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and corneal dystrophy are also present in Labradoodles, as are skin diseases such as allergies, demodectic mange, and pannus.
Australian Labradoodle
As the name suggests, the Australian Labradoodle Puppies is an Australian breed, bred in Australia from a Labrador and Australian-bred Standard Poodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a low-shedding, allergy-friendly dog that is generally healthy and has a lifespan of 12-14 years.
The Australian Labradoodle is a medium-sized dog that is not as large as the Labrador Retriever, but not as small as a Standard Poodle. Because the Labradoodle is a newer breed, there is no standard colour or coat type, but most resemble a Labrador Retriever in appearance.
Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. As with the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle can come in any colour or coat type but is most commonly found in shades of brown, black, or a combination of both. Goldendoodles are medium-sized dogs with a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Poodles in General: Pros and Cons of Owning One
Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs that shed very little and are generally considered to be non-allergenic. Poodles are intelligent and excel at learning tricks, agility, and other types of obedience training.
They are also highly trainable service dogs and are used by people with disabilities. Poodles can be great family dogs, but they are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Poodles are not the Only Option!
If you want a hypoallergenic dog and don’t mind the higher cost of owning a Poodle, then congratulations! You have a great choice ahead of you. However, if you are looking for a non-allergenic dog that is not a Poodle, you still have plenty of options! Shedding: You might be surprised to learn that specific breeds of dogs are not known for excessive shedding.
Labrador Retrievers, for example, shed very little hair and have been used as therapy dogs for decades. The same can be said for Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds. Size: Some of the most popular non-allergenic dogs are large breeds.
If you’re looking for a small dog and want to avoid the Poodle (or want to reduce the amount you pay for grooming), then consider the Miniature Schnauzer, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, or Border Terrier.
Final Words
The Labradoodle Puppies is a fantastic dog that can bring joy, friendship, and great company to many people. Remember, when choosing a dog, it’s not enough to pick one that fits the criteria above.
They also need to be a good fit for your lifestyle and family. It is important to consider which type of dog will best suit the needs of you and your family.
References:
1-Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: Lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic
Received 14 December 2011, Revised 7 May 2012, Accepted 16 May 2012, Available online 22 June 2012.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.013
2-Pulmonary Phialemonium curvatum phaeohyphomycosis in a Standard Poodle dog
Issue 4, June 2008, Pages 355–359,
https://doi.org/10.1080/13693780701861470
