Labradoodle:Labrador Retriever and Poodle Mix
Hybrid Breed
Labrador Retriever + Poodle
Labradoodle
Facts & Origin
History and origin of the Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a hybrid dog and usually has one parent of a Labrador and a Poodle. Strictly speaking, it is not a breed, as it is not officially recognized.
At the end of the 1980s, these breeds were crossed for the first time. Wally Conron wanted to obtain a guide dog that would be better tolerated by allergy sufferers than a Labrador. The character and friendliness of the Labrador should therefore be combined with the intelligence and the little hairy coat of the Poodle. Meanwhile, there are efforts in Australia to establish the Labradoodle as its own breed and to have it recognized (Australian Labradoodle).
Use and keeping
In addition to its role as a guide dog and therapy dog, the Labradoodle is often used for trick dogging and agility. But also as a normal family dog he is very popular.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | UK - Germany |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 14 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance - high-maintenance |
| Activity level | average - high |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Labrador Retriever mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character traits of the Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is known as a friendly, lively but balanced contemporary who is socially compatible. Due to its intelligence, balance and family friendliness, it is well suited as a beginner dog. However, since it is a hybrid breed, certain traits are very dependent on the parents and their share of inheritance.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Health of the Labradoodle
Since both the Poodle and the Labrador are prone to eye diseases and joint disorders, the Labradoodle is also more likely to have these. As a hybrid breed, the Labradoodle is nevertheless considered relatively healthy. However, the following diseases are more common, especially in the parent breeds:
- Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Entropion
- Cardiomyopathy
The average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
What is there to consider when buying?
If you want to buy a Labradoodle, ask to see the papers of the parents. These should be healthy and therefore free of eye and joint diseases and suitable for breeding. Allergy sufferers should meet the individual dog beforehand and check themselves for allergy symptoms.
Because of its reputation as a hypoallergenic, the breed is relatively expensive. A Labradoodle can cost up to 2500 euros.
Appearance of a Labradoodle
Typically, a Labradoodle has a weight of 23 to 35kg and a shoulder height of 53 to 65cm.
In coat color there is a wide variance from cream to golden blonde to black. Also the coat texture is very different. Curly, wirehaired, wavy or smooth - everything is possible. Therefore, the necessary care is also very different; a regular shearing might be necessary.
| Fur length | short - medium |
| Fur | flat coated - curly |
| Ear shape | Triangle - Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | rugged |
| Size ♀ | 54 - 65 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 25 - 35 kg |
| Size ♂ | 54 - 65 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 25 - 35 kg |
| Suitable For | suitable for allergy sufferers, Beginner, Blind people, Children |
Colors
Known Diseases
Eye diseases
Often occur with allergies and intolerances.
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds.
Joint damage
In some breeds, joint damage can occur later in life, affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Hip dysplasia (HD)
The hip dysplasia or hip joint dysplasia of the dog (HD) is a maldevelopment of the hip joint.
Overweight
Often, unfortunately, the dogs very much under excess weight. But the dogs themselves are never to blame!
Epilepsy
Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart.
Cataract
Cataracts are still one of the most common causes of blindness, even in dogs.
Patellar problems
Problems with the Patellar can be a displacement or weak kneecap, which is one of the most common causes of lameness in dogs, also because of overweight.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a slowly progressive death of the retina in dogs.
FAQ
-
This is a very individual question, which can not be answered so simply. At most, an adult and trained Labradoodle should stay alone for 3-6 hours.
-
A Labradoodle, like a Labrador, needs a few hours of exercise and mental training daily.
-
They are considered hypoallergenic because they are a mixture with 50% poodle. However, many people are allergic to saliva and not the hair that falls out.
-
Labradoodle hair very little because they are hybrid mixes and the poodle as a non-haired breed is 50% of the genetic material.
-
A Labradoodle can cost up to 2500 euros. The price often varies greatly.
-
As a hybrid dog, the Labradoodle is generally healthier than purebred dogs. Nevertheless, you can find diseases that can be inherited from the parents.
-
Yes, the Labradoodle is suitable for various dog sports.
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The Australian Labradoodle is an attempt to have the Labradoodle recognized as a breed.
Sources and relevant links
Gabriele Lehari (2004). Ulmers Großes Lexikon der Hunderassen. Ulmer.
Australian Labradoodle Association of America
Accessed on 10.01.2023
Embark
Accessed on 23.01.2023
Horst Hegewald-Kawich (2015). Hunderassen von A bis Z: Über 200 beliebte Rassen aus aller Welt. Gräfe und Unzer Verlag.
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