What Is a Labradoodle Puppy?

Labradoodles are a combination of labs and poodles.

Labradoodles are hybrid dogs that combine the breeds of Labrador retriever and poodle. Labradoodles are specifically bred for their intelligence and nonshedding fur. Labradoodles are also very spritely and loyal creatures. According to National Geographic, Labradoodles were originally bred in the 1970s in Australia. Many pet lovers also enjoy owning a Labradoodle because some types have low allergy traits.

Coat

Labradoodles may have wooly or fleecy fur.

Labradoodles contain fur that is usually woolly and white. However, some Labradoodles have a fur coat that is fleecey and soft. Both types of coats are intended to be friendly to allergy sufferers. However, if you intend to buy a Labradoodle puppy, it's important to spend at least 24 hours with the dog to determine whether you may develop allergic symptoms around the puppy. Depending on the type of puppy you purchase, the length of a Labradoodle's coat may cause issues. Longer coated Labradoodles who go outdoors are capable of bringing allergens indoors, which could aggravate allergy sufferers' symptoms.

Types

There are four types of Labradoodles.

There are four types of Labradoodles: First Generation (F1), Second Generation (F1B), Third Generation (F2) and the Multigen. An F1 Labradoodle pup will have a fur coat that sheds lightly and is dander free. An F1 Labradoodle may have straight or curly hair, and sometimes a combination. An F1B Labradoodle is a cross between an F1 Labradoodle and a poodle. F1B dogs have fleece coats that are sometimes nonshedding. F2 Labradoodles are two Labradoodles bred together. F2 dogs have nonshedding fleece coats. Multigen (or Australian Labradoodles) are descended from Australian breeds. Labradoodles bred from Australia are nonshedding and allergy friendly.

Temperament

Labradoodles make good companions.

Labradoodles should be raised from puppyhood. Labradoodles can be trained fairly well as pups. These types of dogs have the energy of a lab and the intelligence of a poodle. Labradoodles are social animals, are protective of their owners and respond well with children. However, in order for a Labradoodle to become accustomed to small children, it should be either raised with children or properly trained in how to socialize with children.

Training

Labradoodle pups require constant exercise and play. It's important to nip bad behaviors in the bud early, or your pup can turn into an obnoxious adult. According to dog breeder Michael Waggenbach in Discovering Labradoodles, pups who aren't actively engaged and trained will become "trouble." Labradoodle training should include crate training, as well as basic potty training.

Growth

Your puppy will eventually grow to be a big dog. Standard sized Labradoodles reach more than 2 feet in height. Standard females can weigh up to 60 lbs., with males reaching over 70 lbs. Smaller breeds (miniatures) of Labradoodles will be a little over a foot tall and weigh no more than 50 lbs. (in males). If your puppy is well taken care for, it can live for up to 15 years.

References

• National Geographic: What's a Labradoodle
• Discovering Labradoodles: Labradoodle Training

Resources

• Labradoodle Breeder: The Labradoodle and Allergies
• Parkshore Labradoodles: What is a Labradoodle
• Labradoodles: Labradoodle Info