Originally bred in Australia as low-shedding, hypoallergenic guide dogs, Labradoodles have become one of the most popular and most loved designer dog breeds in the world.
A mix between the intelligent and low-shedding Poodle and the friendly and sociable Labrador Retriever, the Labradoodle is among the top preferred Doodles for people looking for the perfect companion dogs and pets.
They are suitable for first-time dog owners but do require above-average maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise.
Nevertheless, the adorable Labradoodle is definitely one of the most successful hybrid breed dogs in the last years, and it looks like this new mixed breed is here to stay.
Read on to find out more about what to expect if you decide to buy or adopt a Labradoodle.
Highlights
Temperament: playful, affectionate, and smart
Height at the shoulder: 21-24 inches for the standard size, 17-20 for the medium size, and 14-16 for the miniature
Weight: 15 to 60 lbs. depending on the size
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Breed group: hybrid
About the breed
Bred for the purpose of creating the perfect low-shedding service dog, the Labradoodle is a hybrid which gained popularity very quickly.
These designer dogs have proven to be very versatile pets and excellent therapy and service dogs.
They thrive best when they are close to their families and will shower you with endless love and affection.
Because the hybrid is still relatively new, there are no set standards for the size, coat type, color, and personality of the Labradoodle yet, but it is safe to say that you can expect to get a loving, intelligent, and friendly dog if you decide to add one to your family.
The dogs resulting from breeding the smart and hardworking Poodle and the friendly and energetic Lab are always happy to meet new people, children, and dogs and are eager to please.
You shouldn’t have a problem training these intelligent pups, but they do tend to resort to mischief especially when they are young. Still, this is part of the fun of having a puppy at home, right?
A superb dog for a first-time dog owner, as well as for all types of families, the Labradoodle can easily be taught how to be a well-behaved dog with proper etiquette.
It is a dog which will enjoy spending time with children of all ages, but some Labradoodles can be a bit larger and a tad too boisterous for interactions with toddlers and very young kids.
A Labradoodle will enjoy long fun walks and playtime with you, and when you go home will happily snuggle up next to you for a little doze and cozy time.
Although your Labradoodle will alert you with barking when somebody is approaching, the dogs from this hybrid breed are not the perfect watchdogs, due to their sociability and friendly demeanor.
Even though now there are many multi-generation Labradoodles, unlike purebred dogs, it is still hard to predict what your puppy will turn out to be.
Many Labradoodles have two Labradoodles as parents, but there are some cross-breeds between Labradoodles and Poodles and Labradoodles with Labrador Retrievers too.
Unfortunately, the matter of setting a specific standard for the Labradoodle has been made even more difficult due to the increasing popularity of this mix which has been causing some irresponsible and careless breeding practices.
Some of the Labradoodles will turn out to have more of the genetic makeup of their Poodle parents or ancestors and will be reserved, intelligent and quiet, with easy to maintain coats that shed a little but require regular trimming.
Others will be more like their Labrador ancestors and will take a longer time to mature, rowdier than others, and will shed.
The differences in the coats of the different Labradoodles are where the main discrepancies are in this hybrid dog breed. Because of the fact that some will inherit the shedding of their Lab parent, allergic dog owners have been forced to give their dogs up after it turns out that they shed much more than expected from a crossbreed made to be hypoallergenic.
Others need more trimming and grooming than expected after inheriting the fine-textured Poodle coat from their ancestors.
Your dog from this crossbreed can have a shaggy or a curly coat too. The color of the coat can also vary.
In order to make sure that you get the kind of puppy you expect you should look for a responsible breeder with referrals and with health clearances for the parents, and stay away from ones offered in stores, from puppy mills or from breeders with not-so-ethical intentions.
The other difference in Labradoodles is their size. They come in three sizes depending on the size of the Poodle parent or grandparent.
- The Standard Labradoodle is about 22-24 inches high at the shoulder (for males) and 21-23 inches high (for females), and its weight is 50-60 lbs.
- The Medium Labradoodle is about 18-20 inches at the shoulder (for males) and 17-19 inches (for females) and weighs from 30 to 45 lbs.
- The Miniature Labradoodle is 14-16 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 15-25 lbs.
So, just like with any crossbreed, you cannot be perfectly sure how big your dog will become, whether it will shed a lot or not, as well as which of the personality traits of its ancestors it has inherited. It is like getting a wrapped birthday present.
But overall, the Labradoodle cannot stray away too much from the main characteristics and traits of its purebred ancestors, so you can expect to be getting a very intelligent dog which is eager to please and will learn things easily and quickly.’
If you are not a fan of big surprises, you can look at your local rescue shelters for Labradoodles put up for adoption. Many of them are already adult dogs, so you will be able to get a better idea of whether the dog is seized, as energetic, and as low shedding as expected.
The Labradoodle is also very affectionate and kind and is a wonderfully playful dog which takes more time to mature and will retain its playfulness till old age.
It is a dog suitable for inexperienced owners, but in many cases may require more grooming and more exercise than some people expect.
You will need to have the time to pay attention to your affectionate dog, as well as the time and energy to provide it with the exercise it needs.
Usually, the larger Labradoodles are more energetic than the smaller-sized ones.
In any case, you will need to keep your dog physically and mentally engaged and stimulated if you want to avoid boredom which can lead to unwanted and even destructive behavior.
Labradoodles love to participate in and are good in all kinds of canine sports so if you want an athletic dog and excellent performer, this is the perfect dog for you.
They are also very good therapy dogs.
With early socialization and training using positive reinforcement, a well-bred Labradoodle can turn out to be the perfectly behaved, well-rounded, friendly and intuitive pet you have always wanted to have.
To find a responsible breeder, you should check with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America.
Personality
As mentioned earlier, due to the discrepancies in the breeding practices, and the fact that the Labradoodle crossbreed is still relatively new, there is no set standard for the personality of this crossbreed.
Then again, you can expect that a well-bred Labradoodle will turn out to be an intelligent and friendly dog which will get along with the whole family, the children, and all pets as well as with guests and other dogs.
Labradoodles are strongly devoted and loyal dogs and need to be close to their families, so you should never leave your dog to live permanently outside in a kennel.
The dogs from this crossbreed are non-aggressive, not shy, and are easy-going when they are properly bred by responsible breeders.
To get an idea of what the personality of your Labradoodle puppy is, it is advisable to meet and spend some time with its mother, and if possible with its father and siblings.
In the perfect case, the Labradoodle should be as intelligent and trainable as its Poodle heritage, and as loving when living and working with people as the Labrador in its lineage.
Apart from the hereditary factors, the personality of your Labradoodle dog also depends on the socialization and the training it gets.
It is essential to let your Doodle know where it stands in the pack so that it knows where to look for guidance and direction. If this is not made clear early on, the dog may decide to assign themselves the role of the alpha dog in the home, and start showing an undesirable dominance.
They are confident and outgoing dogs, so this type of training and guidance needs to be controlled from the very first day when you bring the pup home with you.
Allowing your dog to do whatever it wants and to get away with it may lead to having a willful and unruly dog that is difficult to handle and to live with.
Due to their intelligence, Labradoodles can also easily get into mischief just like they can learn to be well behaved and obedient.
Plus, this inborn smartness, as well as their high energy levels, requires that you keep them physically and mentally stimulated in order to avoid them getting bored and engaging in unwanted behavior or becoming destructive.
They love being around their humans, so they are an excellent choice for households where there is always somebody at home.
Nutrition
It is hard to say exactly how much a Labradoodle should eat because this depends on the size and weight of the dog, its activity level, its unique metabolism, and its age.
Also, the quantity of the dog food you should feed your Labradoodle also depends on its quality.
If you choose to feed your pup with high quality, high calorie, and high-protein food, you can serve it in smaller portion sizes than if feeding it with less nutritious food.
You should feed an adult Labradoodle twice a day, and puppies will need to eat 4 or more times a day.
But always make sure you portion the food right so that the dog stays fit and in shape. If your dog is already overweight, make sure you lower its caloric intake by lowering the portion size or switching to weight management dog food and increasing the amount of exercise the pup is getting.
Adding extra pounds or becoming obese can lead to a lower quality of life, a lot of health issues, pain in the joints and bones, as well as to a shorter lifespan.
The food should never be served at once because Labradoodles are prone to suffering from a life-threatening twisting of the stomach known as bloat, which can be caused by eating large quantities of food at once and is quite common for Labradors.
Grooming
Labradoodles can have different coat types, but the length is usually 4 to 6 inches, and the coat is single with straight to lose curls that are not tight, thick or fluffy.
The three coat texture types of the different Labradoodles are:
- Hair coat – similar to that of the shedding breeds. This type sheds and has the traditional doggy odor. It is seen in first-generation Labradoodles and is the least popular type, which is why breeders try to avoid puppies with the hair-type coat.
- Wool coat – it is dense and feels just like sheep’s wool. This type of coat in Labradoodles hangs in non-dense loose curls. This coat type is usually non-shedding and doggy odor-free.
- Fleece coat – this coat is silky and has an Angora goat-like texture. It can be straight or wavy.
The color of the Doodle’s coat can also vary, and these dogs can be solid colored or with patterns such as phantom, brindles, sable or patched.
The most common colors are red, blue, black, silver, chocolate, caramel, cafe, cream, gold, parchment, lavender, apricot cream, and chalk white.
The grooming required for the Labradoodle depends on the type of coat it has. But overall, you can expect to have to brush your pup once or twice a week to prevent tangling and knots in straighter coats, as well as to remove any dirt or debris from the coat.
Some Doodles can be trimmed or clipped for easier maintenance. The clipping should be done every 6 to 8 weeks.
You should trim the hair surrounding the eyes as well as on the paws if it gets too long.
If your Labradoodle has a fleece coat, it is a good idea to rely on a professional groomer for the clipping. This will make the grooming and maintenance much easier for you.
These hybrid dogs only need to be bathed when it is absolutely necessary, which shouldn’t be too often because most Labradoodles have coats with no doggy odor.
Just like Labradors, Labradoodles are prone to ear infections which is why you should take extra care to protect them.
Always dry the ears of your dog after a bath or swim.
Plus, check the ears for redness or a foul smell which could indicate that there is an inflammation.
The ears should be cleaned gently with dog ear cleaner, but you shouldn’t attempt to clear the canal of the ear, or try to stick anything in it!
You should also brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week to remove any bacteria and tartar buildup. It is even better if you brush them daily.
This will help keep the teeth and the gums healthy and will improve the pup’s breath too.
The nails of the Labradoodle should be trimmed twice a month, in case the pup doesn’t wear them down naturally.
Since dog’s nails have blood vessels in them, make sure you do not cut them too deep, or you can cause bleeding and pain.
Ask your vet or groomer to show you how to properly and safely cut your dog’s nails.
Also, remember to inspect the body and skin of the dog for any sores, rashes, redness, tenderness, or other signs of infections or other health problems. Examine the eyes, nose mouth, and paws of the pup too.
If you see something unusual you should speak to your vet, because the early on you catch a problem – the easier it is to treat.
Even though the maintenance of the Labradoodle may seem simple, it can turn into a true nightmare if you don’t teach your pup to tolerate it.
To do this, you should start training your puppy to allow you to handle its paws, look into its mouth and groom it from an early age.
With positive reinforcement, you can make your and your dog’s life significantly easier in the future when it comes time for the grooming, brushing, and trimming!
Exercise
Labradoodles have a medium to high activity level, depending on the specific dog.
Usually, they will need at least 2 hours of daily walks, play or exercise to be happy. If possible, they should be let off the leash so they can burn that extra energy faster.
If you fail to provide your Labradoodle with sufficient mental and physical stimulation, it can easily become boring. When a smart dog like this is bored, the results can be devastating for your furniture, garden or your home, because it can resort to destructive behavior to entertain itself.
If you don’t have the time for two long walks, you can go on a shorter walk in the mornings, and on a longer and more exciting one in the afternoon or evening.
Also, the Labradoodle will feel even better if you have a backyard where it can roam freely. But this is only possible if you have a high and reliable fence because Labradoodles are smart enough to find a way out easily and can get in all kinds of trouble outside.
Young puppies should not be over-exercised because this can cause deformity and problems for the spine, bones, and joints which are still growing. All of these can cause serious problems and pain to the dog when it is older.
This means that you shouldn’t allow the little one to jump on and off of furniture, go up and down the stairs, or let it jump around on hard concrete.
A better option is to spend time playing with your dog and walking it on soft grass until it grows up.
Training
When well-bred and under the perfect circumstances, the Labradoodle should be very smart and exceptionally easy to train.
If it has inherited the love of working with people and the intelligence of the Poodles, then training your dog will be a breeze.
You should use positive reinforcement to train the Doodle because it responds well to it. Reward your dog for learning and obeying your commands with vocal praises, with play or with treats.
Since they are quite sensitive dogs, you should refrain from using harsh correction methods when training a Labradoodle. They do not respond well to this type of training and the effect can be negative and bad for both the dog and you.
These dogs are easy to please, so the training sessions will be pretty satisfying if you are patient, consistent, and fair with them.
Training the puppy should begin as soon as you bring it home.
These naturally intelligent pups are able to learn things even when they are only 2 months old.
Don’t wait until the dog is older, because the later you start, the tougher it will be.
Remember that these dogs are particularly smart, so they can easily learn naughty or bad behavior as well as the desired good ones.
Enrolling the little one in puppy kindergarten is a great way to start training it, as well as socializing it.
If you can, and if you have completed all required puppy vaccines, enroll it in one of these classes as early as 10-11 weeks of age.
Socializing the puppy should begin from day one too. Even when it is still not safe to take it outdoors, you should invite over friends, meet it with your other pets, and let it meet your children.
When it is safe to take the dog outdoors, you should take it to various places, and meet all kinds of people and friendly dogs.
Proper socializing will make the dog even friendlier and more sociable than it is naturally. Without socialization, the dog can become shy, timid, and may even become aggressive.
Labradoodles are great with kids and can be perfect playmates, as long as your children are old enough to understand how to interact with the dog safely.
Teach the kids to never attempt to take the food from the dog, or try to touch or wake it when it is sleeping.
Always supervise the interaction between children and the dog.
Some Labradoodles may be a bit too boisterous for playmates for toddlers because even though they love children they could knock over or injure a young child by accident.
Labradoodles don’t have strong prey drives, but they will happily chase a smaller animal, so it is essential to teach them to obey the “heel” or “leave it” command from early on.
Even though these Doodles are relatively quiet, you should teach them to stay quiet and not bark without reason from an early age. This will help prevent the headache of having a loud ad barking dog in the future.
They are not natural watchdogs, and even though they will alert you when a stronger is approaching, it is more likely that a dog of this crossbreed will show the stranger around and ask them in for tea, rather than protect your home.
These designer dogs are also pretty good at all canine sports and love playing interactive games. So, you can train them and let them participate in different dog sports and events including fly ball, agility, obedience or others.
As mentioned previously, the Labradoodle is a great dog for first-time dog parents. They are easy to train, learn fast, and are eager to please.
Still, you should be firm when at first you are establishing yourself as the leader of the pack with this or with any other dog, to avoid it becoming dominant and uncontrollable.
Labradoodles can adapt to all kinds of homes, but they will definitely be happier if they are in a home that has a secured backyard where they can romp around whenever they feel like it.
You should be warned that it is in the blood of most Labradoodles to adore water. This may sound like great fun, but you should be careful when you are around dangerous water sources because this love for water can make them dive into just about any source of water.
Being developed as guide dogs for people with pet allergies, Labradoodles are perfect for assistance or therapy dogs. They can be excellent guide dogs, assistant dogs for people with impaired hearing as well as seizure alert dogs.
If you start early and are consistent with the training, and socializing with the Labradoodle, you will have one of the best companion dogs and four-legged friends ever!
Health
The typical health problems for crossbreed dogs are more difficult to pinpoint because it is never clear which genes they have inherited from which purebred parent.
Just like its appearance, size, coat type, and personality are quite unpredictable, so are the health issues to which the dog is prone.
In general, just like its purebred Poodle and Labrador parents or grandparents, the Labradoodle has the potential to inherit and develop a genetic problem from one or both of them.
Always ask the breeder for health clearance and proof that the parents of the puppy are tested and are healthy.
If you are lucky, your mixed breed puppy will be perfectly healthy and may have a very low chance of developing a hereditary disease thanks to the fact that it is mixed, and that the genetic diversity is greater.
Unfortunately, not all the genetic conditions can be diagnosed when the dog is still a young puppy. This is why you should do your research and get a dog from a reputable breeder who breeds only the healthiest and the best dogs.
Then again, there is no 100% guarantee that the puppy will be free of any of these inherited conditions later on because Mother Nature can decide otherwise even with the best breeding practices used.
The good news is, that modern veterinary medicine is capable of treating or at least managing most of these inherited conditions and can provide your dog with a good and long life no matter what kind of condition it has inherited.
Although they are generally healthy dogs, Labradoodles are prone to some specific health conditions more than others, including:
Ear infections
The floppy ears of the Labradoodle are at high risk of infections due to trapped moisture inside.
Always dry the dog’s ears after it has been swimming or after a bath.
Keep the ears clean and inspect them regularly for signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or a bad smell.
Do not attempt to clean or stick anything in the ear canal of your dog, and instead take it to the vet if you notice signs of an ear infection.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition which can cause the thigh bone to not fit properly in the hip socket. It can affect either one or both rear legs and can vary in severity – from mild to severe.
In some cases, the dog may develop an abnormal gait, and in others it can become lame.
While some lucky dogs don’t develop any symptoms of this condition, others can develop arthritis as they age which can cause difficulties for their mobility as well as chronic pain.
Some pups may also develop hip dysplasia due to malnutrition.
Rapid weight gain and the development of too much pelvic muscle mass in the early years of life or later on can also worsen the condition.
The condition is easily diagnosed with an x-ray examination.
Hip dysplasia can be treated in a number of ways, mostly depending on the severity of the disease.
In some cases, a change in the diet and weight loss can help alleviate it, while in others surgical repair or hip replacement may need to be performed.
Since dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred, make sure you ask the breeder for clearance from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for the parents of your future puppy.
Elbow dysplasia
This is similar to hip dysplasia but it affects one or both elbow joints of the dog.
It too is an inherited disease and causes the bones which make up the elbow of the dog to be misaligned.
Even healthy puppies can develop this condition due to eating the wrong type of food, trauma, or because of problems with the growth of the cartilage.
Elbow dysplasia can cause discomfort, pain, and lameness, and as the dog ages, it can develop arthritis which can cause further pain and even lead to loss of elbow function.
The treatment for this condition can include a change in the dog’s diet, proper weight management, supplements, and medications or surgery.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition which is not always inherited but often times it is.
It can cause mild to severe seizures, which can manifest themselves in various ways. Your dog may engage in erratic behavior, start running wildly as if it is being chased, or may fall down with rigid limbs and even lose consciousness.
This condition seems to be harder on the dog parent than on the dog itself because it is difficult to watch.
The good news is that it can be managed when diagnosed and treated properly, and your dog can live a long and happy life with epilepsy.
Allergies
Allergies in dogs are pretty common. Labradoodles like all other dogs can suffer from different types of allergies, including environmental, contact, and food allergies.
Environmental allergies are caused by the dog inhaling the allergen. These can be pollen, dust, mildew, chemical fumes, cigarette fumes, and others. The usual symptoms of this type of allergy in dogs are itchiness of the paws, around the ears, or throughout the body, sneezing, and skin irritation.
Contact allergies are triggered when the allergic pup gets into contact with the allergen. Some of the more common canine contact allergies include ones to flea bites, flea powder, certain shampoos, topical substances, and even the pup’s bedding. The common symptoms of contact allergy in canines are itchiness scratching and biting of the skin.
Food allergies are more difficult to diagnose, as often it is not clear which food is the allergen causing the adverse reactions. The reactions to a food a dog is allergic to can be skin irritations, dermatitis, fur loss as well as digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Naturally, the best way to help a dog with allergies is to keep it away from the allergens. This means that the exact allergen causing the symptoms needs to be determined.
The vet can perform allergy tests for some common contact or environmental allergens, but when it comes to food allergies, the best way to find out which food is causing the allergic reaction is to put the dog on an elimination diet and feed it with limited ingredients.
New ingredients should be introduced to the meals slowly and one by one, and the reaction of the organism to these ingredients should be monitored closely.
Your vet might prescribe an antihistamine or other medications to manage the allergies in which the allergens cannot be eliminated completely.
With food allergies, the treatment is very easy once you know the ingredients you will need to leave out of your pup’s menu.
Thankfully, there are a lot of limited ingredient diet dog foods, as well as hypoallergenic foods available on the market, so your dog can live well and be happy even if it has a food allergy.
Anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions in dogs are pretty rare, but they can happen. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of this dangerous condition you should rush it over to the emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Diabetes Mellitus
Just like people, dogs, including Labradoodles can have diabetes mellitus. It is a condition that causes the body to be unable to regulate blood sugar levels.
Diabetic dogs will eat more in order to try to compensate for the lack of glucose (blood sugar) in their cells. At the same time, dogs with this condition will start losing weight, because the food is not digested and absorbed properly.
Other symptoms of diabetes in dogs include excessive urination and thirst.
Once diagnosed, this condition can be controlled with a proper diet and insulin.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is actually a group of inherited diseases of the eyes and causes the gradual deterioration of the cells and the function of the eyes.
It isn’t painful but it affects both eyes of the dog.
Dogs affected by PRA will become night blind, and over time they will lose their vision.
The early symptoms of PRA have dilated pupils when it is dark.
Even if your pup loses its eyesight, it can still live a happy and long life because dogs are quite adaptable and can get used to this new condition pretty easily.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy cannot be cured, but if it is diagnosed early enough, it can be managed and the deterioration of the retinas can be slowed down with antioxidants or medications.
Dogs with this condition should not be bred, so make sure you ask to see health clearance for the puppy’s parents by the Canine Eye Foundation.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland of the pup. It can cause various symptoms including hair loss, lethargy, obesity, pyoderma, hyperpigmentation, and epilepsy.
It causes an inability of the thyroid gland to produce sufficient amounts of the hormone which controls the dog’s metabolism.
Some breeds are more prone to developing hypothyroidism and Labs are one of them.
This condition can be managed with hormone replacement therapy which when administered daily will allow the dog to live normally for the rest of its life.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, Bloat
Gastric dilation-volvulus is a dangerous condition that is more common among dogs with deep and large chests like the larger Labradoodles.
It is caused by air getting trapped in the stomach of the dog, and the stomach torsions around itself. Once twisted the blood flow to and from the digestive system and the heart is stopped.
Since the condition is life-threatening and can lead to death very quickly, it is essential that dog owners learn how to recognize the symptoms so that they can act immediately.
The most common symptoms of bloat are – the dog trying to vomit or retch but without being able to, excessive salivation, a distended abdomen, weakness, a rapid heart rate or depression.
Your dog can go into shock pretty quickly once this occurs, so you need to rush it to the emergency room immediately.
Bloat requires emergency surgery so that the stomach is untwisted.
It is more common in older dogs and can be caused by the pup eating a very large meal all at once, or being very active right after eating. Drinking large volumes of water after a meal can also cause it.
You can lower the risk of bloat by feeding the dog several small portions of food a day rather than one big one.
Also, keep it from going out to run and play right after eating, and provide it with small quantities of water right after mealtime.
Obesity
Labradoodles are prone to weight gain and obesity, especially after they are spayed or neutered. This is why you should be careful not to overfeed them and keep an eye on the calorie intake of your dog. Also, you should provide it with the exercise it needs to burn those calories.
Obesity is very dangerous in dogs and can cause diabetes, liver disease, heart problems, lowered immune system function, heat intolerance, joint, spine, and bone problems, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
Keeping your dog fit can actually prolong its life and make it much better, so resist the temptation to feed it with high-fat table scraps, or too many treats.
History
The first Labradoodles were developed based on a breeding program assigned by the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia.
The idea was to cross a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever in order to create the perfect hypoallergenic guide dog. This was first done by Wally Conron in 1989 who produced the first Labradoodle called Sultan.
Sultan had a hypoallergenic low shedding coat and had also inherited the intelligence and personality to be the perfect guide dog.
Sultan worked with a woman in Hawaii who had an allergic husband for 10 years. Overall, the experiment was successful as Sultan proved to be the perfect guide dog for this family.
The success of the Sultan led other breeders to begin crossbreeding Poodles and Labs.
This Doodle crossbreed quickly began gaining popularity around the world, not only as guide dogs or hypoallergenic dogs but also as preferred companion dogs and family pets.
Even though some Labradoodles are still first-generation dogs with parents who are members of the two purebred breeds, there are many multigenerational breedings, as well as cross-breeding of Labradoodles with either Poodles or Labrador Retrievers.
Many guide dog clubs breed Labradoodles for their original purpose of being guide dogs with hypoallergenic coats.
There is an Australian Labradoodle Association as well as an International Australian Labradoodle Association which are both working hard on setting the breed standard and moving it to the recognized breed status by the kennel clubs.
The hybrid is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or by any other kennel club.
The Labradoodle Club in the UK is actually embracing the idea of not getting the crossbreed registered because it allows for a healthier diversity in the bloodlines of these dogs.
Labradoodles are among the most popular dogs in the UK and around the world thanks to all of their qualities inherited from the beloved, smart, friendly and loving Poodles and Labs.
They are wonderful dogs and can become the perfect family dog for any owner or family.
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