Labradoodle

Temperament and Personality

Just like a box of chocolates, you never really know what you might get with a Labradoodle, but it’s usually always something sweet! When bred from reputable lines with even temperaments, they’re friendly, affectionate, sweet-natured pups that display the perfect mix of intelligence and playfulness.

High energy and enthusiastic but with a gentle disposition, Labradoodles – or Doodles for short – easily slot into family life. Some will be the life of the paw-ty, bouncing up and down trying to give everyone kisses. Others can be more chill, preferring a belly rub on the sofa. Whichever Doodle you get though, you’ll have made a furry friend for life.

These dogs absolutely love being with their humans, but sometimes there’s no escape from them. They’re known to be a little clingy, often following owners around like a shadow. This can cause them to have separation anxiety when left alone for too long, so they need someone to be home with them for most of the day.

When they’re not accompanying their loved ones to the bedroom, bathroom, and beyond, Doodles love to keep active. Coming from Labrador and Poodle heritage, they’re energetic, hardworking dogs that thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They need lots of exercise and fun games to sink their teeth into, and often excel in canine sports. Labradoodles are also highly intelligent, empathetic, and intuitive, which is why they’re a popular choice for therapy and assistance dogs. 

First generation Doodles are a bit of potluck personality wise, but as long as the breeder has prioritised temperament, you should get a happy-go-lucky, fun-loving dog either way. Higher generation Labradoodles are more predictable.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So, if you’re looking for a family-friendly dog that’s eager to please, the Labradoodle could be the breed for you.

Labradoodle paw-sonality traits

• Friendly and affectionate

• Loving and loyal

• High energy

• Sociable and keen to make friends

• Loves all people, including strangers

• Even-tempered and gentle

• Loyal and eager to please owners

• Thrives on human companionship

• Energetic and playful

• Upbeat and enthusiastic

• Can be silly and mischievous

• Always down for activities

• Keen and quick to learn

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Great with children and animals

• Forms strong bonds with humans

• Can be very bouncy and boisterous as a pup

• Needs a lot of physical and mental exercise

Labradoodle pros and cons

Are Labradoodles good family dogs?

Absolutely! Labradoodles are pretty close to being the perfect family dog. Sociable, outgoing, and friendly, they get on with everyone and are simply a joy to be around. From playing with a rope toy in the garden, to cuddling on the couch in front of the TV, they take to family life like a dog to a bone. As long as they get enough attention and affection from their humans, with plenty of activities to keep them occupied throughout the day, Doodles make wonderful family dogs. 

Are Labradoodles good with children?

Yes, Labradoodles are fun-loving, gentle, affectionate companions for children. They can get a bit bouncy and boisterous during playtime though, and are known to jump up at people, so care should be taken around little ones who can easily be knocked over.

Are Labradoodles good with other pets?

Yes, Labradoodles are eager to make friends, and usually get on nicely with other dogs. Having a low prey drive, they can even live with cats and other small animals too, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and pet birds, but proper socialisation and training is essential. This isn’t to say a Labradoodle wouldn’t chase the neighbour’s cat out of the garden though. 

The difference between British Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles

You might be thinking a Labradoodle is simply a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle, and that’s all there is to it, right? Well it’s not actually that simple. A British Labradoodle (also referred to as Labradoodle Origin, Early Generation Labradoodle, or American Labradoodle), is any dog that has come from a purebred Labrador and a purebred Poodle. They’re referred to as first generation (F1) dogs, and the coat type, size, and temperament are highly unpredictable, so there’s a good chance you’ll get a Labradoodle that sheds.

When you breed an F1 Labradoodle with another F1 Labradoodle, you get an F2 Labradoodle. Breeding two F2 dogs together will give you F3 puppies, and it goes on like this. There’s little consistency with these Early Generation Labradoodles, so each littermate can look and behave very differently. Some say that a lot of F2 or F3 Labradoodles look like poorly bred Labs or poorly bred Poodles. 

The Australian Labradoodle, on the other hand, is probably the type of Labradoodle you picture when you think of one. It has a more complex lineage, with English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, and Irish Water Spaniel lines in its pedigree too. They’ve been bred since the 1980s, and are therefore of a much higher generation. This provides consistency with physical characteristics and attributes, as throw-backs to the initial parent breeds are rare.

While most Labradoodles on the whole have fantastic temperaments, Early Generation ones tend to be more lively and hyperactive. The Aussie Labradoodle is calmer and more balanced, making them an ideal therapy dog. Either way, you’ll get a lovable mix of playful energy and brains!

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Labradoodle properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?

When fully grown, these playful pooches need around 1-2 hours of exercise a day (depending on their size), with as much off-lead time as possible. First generation Labradoodles tend to be more energetic, so they’ll need more activities to keep them happy.  

It’s important they get plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs outside in a secure environment. Romping about in the park, playing long games of fetch or frisbee, and being your jolly jogging partner will keep them happy each day. They also enjoy roaming around the back garden to sniff and let off steam.

Thanks to their Lab and Poodle heritage, a lot of Labradoodles usually take well to swimming, but just be sure that the bodies of water they swim in are safe.

Being the super smart cookies they are, Labradoodles also need lots of mental stimulation to remain balanced and well-behaved. Interactive puzzles, hide-and-seek games in the house, and trick-training will ensure their brains get a good workout too. 

If you fail to give your Labradoodle the exercise it needs, they’ll likely display some undesirable behaviour, such as destroying furniture, digging up the garden, or scratching at doors. 

How do you train a Labradoodle?

Training a Labradoodle is a doddle. They’re super smart dogs that want nothing more than to please their owner. Having first been developed to be a hypoallergenic guide dog, the Labradoodle combines intelligence with a sweet and gentle disposition, making them amazing therapy and assistance dogs for those in need.

They’re quick learners and highly trainable, but they can be bouncy and excitable, so early training with lots of tempting treats and paw-sitivity will help them grow into well-behaved boys and girls. 

Unleash your pup’s potential with these Labradoodle training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and delicious treats. Labradoodles are very food motivated, but just be mindful of how many treats you give them during training sessions. 

2. Avoid harsh corrections. Labradoodles are sensitive dogs and won’t respond well to harsh tones or corrections. Use a cheerful, upbeat tone of voice, and a reward-based approach to training. 

3. Be consistent. Labradoodles thrive on structure and will pick up new behaviours faster with repetition. This means they pick up bad habits just as easily too! Consistency and ongoing training from a young age is essential, as well as ensuring all the family are using the same commands.

4. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial, even for the lovable Labradoodle. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Focus on recall. This will mean they get as much off-lead time as possible. Practise the ‘come’ command at home, and then use a long-line lead outside for added safety, making sure to reward them when they obey. This high protein Baltic Beef Jerky should work a treat!

6. Get them used to being handled. Grooming will be a big part of their life, so get them prepared by frequently touching them behind the ears, legs, undercarriage, and feet.

7. Teach the ‘drop’ command. Their Labrador lineage might result in your Labradoodle holding onto ‘prized possessions’ such as your socks or slippers. Teach them the ‘drop’ command from an early age so you can get your stuff back without any fuss. 

8. Nip jumping in the bud. Labradoodles often jump up to greet people, so reward them when all four paws are kept firmly on the floor by teaching the ‘off’ command. 

9. Give them a job to do. This highly intelligent breed excels in canine sports such as agility, flyball, and obedience trials, which gives their brains and bodies a good workout. They also love to learn and can get bored if not challenged enough, so incorporate tricks into their training to keep things fresh. 

10. Be patient with separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help your Labradoodle be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Labradoodles need?

The amount of grooming depends on their coat type and length. Some Doodles are more ‘Poodle’, and have either a wool coat (dense with loose curls), or a fleece coat (soft and silky with waves or curls). These coats are non-shedding and have hypoallergenic properties. Others, mainly first generation Labradoodles, are usually more ‘Labrador’, and as such have a hair coat, which is similar to the fur seen in shedding breeds. 

Want your dog to match your aesthetic? Labradoodles come in a variety of colours and patterns. Choose from black, chocolate, apricot, cream, parchment, red, silver, lavender, white, parti-coloured, merle, sable, brindle, phantom, or tuxedo! 

Here are some Labradoodle grooming tips to keep them looking lovely all year round. 

• Brush a few times a week using a slicker brush to remove dirt and prevent their coat from getting matted. Prioritise behind the ears, between the legs, and around their bum, as these areas tend to matt more easily.

• Check their skin when grooming for signs of inflammation, redness, or lumps and bumps.

• Trim around their eyes using specialist pet scissors to help with visibility.

• Bathe when necessary using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.

• Clean their ears regularly, especially after swimming or bathing, to reduce the risk of infection.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Book them in for a professional groom to be trimmed and pampered every 8 weeks. 

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Do Labradoodles shed and are they hypoallergenic?

Labradoodles are considered hypoallergenic for their low or non-shedding coats, but F1b Doodles (the result of a Labradoodle being bred back to purebred Poodle) are 75% Poodle, so are generally thought of as more suitable for those with allergies. The thing with Labradoodles is that their coat type can be really unpredictable, and F1 Doodles can have coats that are more like a Labrador. No dog is completely hypoallergenic. All dogs lose hair and the amount of allergens a dog produces varies between each individual dog.

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, loved and cared for, the Labradoodle lifespan is between 12–15 years. Being a cross breed, they benefit from hybrid vigour (or heterosis). This occurs when you breed two unrelated purebred breeds that don’t share common health problems. The puppies tend to have more health benefits and longer life spans. However, they’re still predisposed to some of the same conditions as their parent breeds.

Common Labradoodle health problems

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Labradoodle puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. It can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.

• Elbow Dysplasia. This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow sockets.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Glaucoma. This condition puts pressure on the eyes due to a blockage, affecting a dog’s vision. Left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease. 

• Ear Infections. The Labradoodle’s floppy ears are prone to infection due to poor ventilation and the fact that the ear canals tend to become moist and humid – the ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow. This can lead to otitis externa, a condition that causes inflammation and itching. Ear drops can help manage it. 

• Lumps and Bumps. Not exactly a technical term, but Labradoodles can develop masses on their body. Warts, cysts, abscesses, lipomas, and tumours are common examples. Take your pooch to the vet if you spot any, as they might not always be benign. 

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.

• Cruciate Ligament Disease. This is where the cranial cruciate ligament that stabilises the knee breaks down over time due to degeneration, joint issues, genetics, or obesity. If it tears, the joint is destabilised, and surgery may be required. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent this disease. 

• Gastrointestinal Disease. The Labradoodle seems more prone to developing a sensitive stomach than the average dog, and may suffer with vomiting and diarrhoea with more frequency. Owners might consider looking at sensitive stomach dog food to aid digestion and reduce flatulence.

• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines.

• Epilepsy. Epileptic seizures last between one to three minutes, and can cause your dog to collapse, leg paddle, vocalise and urinate. Epilepsy usually makes itself known before the age of 5 and dogs are typically managed on daily anti-seizure medicine.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Labradradoodle a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Labradoodle eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Labradoodle will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. It will also depend on whether they’re a miniature Labradoodle, medium, or standard sized. 

As these dogs are prone to bloating, it’s best to feed fully grown Labradoodles twice a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly. 

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Labradoodle’s nutritional needs, and consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil to boost their physical and mental health. 

Regular exercise

These energetic doggos need daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

Promote gut health

For Labradoodles with gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea, you might want to consider our Health & Digestion Dry Food, which contains prebiotics for gut health. 

Protect their joints

To help keep the hip and elbow dysplasia at bay, consider feeding your Labradoodle our Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing. 

Monitor weight

A healthy Standard Labradoodle weight is between 23kg and 30kg, however this breed varies in size depending on the Poodle parent. Being half Labrador, they’re more prone to obesity, so make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet. Packing on extra pounds puts pressure on their joints and internal organs, reducing their quality of life. For chunky Labradoodles, try this Slim & Slender Dry Food that’s good for weight management.

Prevent bloat

These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated. 

Protect their skin & coat

For dogs suffering from itchy, inflamed skin, you might want to consider a daily care supplement like our Bionic Biotic, or feed them hypoallergenic dog food. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability.

Look after their eyes

Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.

Care for their ears

Labradoodles have adorable droopy ears that are prone to infection, so make sure to dry their ears thoroughly after swims or baths, and clean their ears regularly.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Labradoodle’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Labradoodle is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much does a Labradoodle cost?

The price of a Labradoodle can cost anywhere between £800 and £2,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Labradoodle is around £60–£90.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost £40-£60 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

Like with all dogs, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Labradoodle should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a crossbreed without any pre-existing conditions is around £300. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Labradoodle Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Labradoodle even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most popular Doodle dogs!

• Ever wondered the difference between a Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle? A Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They’re both loyal, affectionate, friendly dogs, but Labradoodles are slightly bigger and have higher energy levels.

• Labradoodles have a warm and empathetic personality, which has seen them serve as therapy dogs for those with autism or physical disabilities, as well as guide dogs for the visually impaired.

• Many celebs are Doodle fans, with Jennifer Anniston, Tiger Woods, and Joe Biden being among the famous faces who own one. 

• Their coat can often be considered hypoallergenic, which is a godsend for people who love dogs but are allergic to (or simply don’t want to deal with) dog hair! Labradoodles with curly coats tend to be non-shedding, but Doodles that resemble the Labrador might shed and trigger allergies more easily. 

• Labradoodles are a treat to train, as they’re so amiable and eager to please. From performing tricks to weaving through poles on agility courses, these pooches love to learn and are a good dog for first time owners.

• They love to swim, likely because both Labradors and Poodles were bred as retrieving dogs, where they’d have to venture into lakes and other bodies of water. 

• They’re not recognised as an official dog breed, but there are still different Labradoodle clubs and associations that help preserve and protect the breed. 

History and Origin

One of the most well-known ‘designer’ breeds in the world, the Labradoodle was developed in the land down under in the 1980s by Wally Conron. He was in charge of the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, and wanted to help a visually impaired woman from Hawaii whose husband was allergic to dogs. He needed a non-shedding dog to breed with one of the Labrador guide dogs, and chose to import a Poodle from Sweden with a strong working heritage. Et voila, a Labradoodle called Sultan was born!

It didn’t take long for other breeders to recognise what a great pairing these two breeds made, and the Labradoodle quickly rose to fame. Their playful personality, intelligence, and (sometimes) allergy-friendly coat was an instant hit, and the Labradoodle soon found its way into the hearts and homes of many families worldwide.

Being a crossbreed with no official recognition from any Kennel Clubs, they’ve been bred both responsibly and irresponsibly, so can sometimes be a bit of a wildcard. However, multigenerational breeding has attempted to produce a more predictable Labradoodle in both temperament and physical appearance. In Australia, they’ve made strides in establishing a standardised Labradoodle, and have a Breed in Development called the Australian Cobberdog, which is a more polished version of the Australian Labradoodle. 

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Labradoodle. 

1. Research the breed. Labradoodles can vary in size, appearance, and temperament, depending on how they’ve been bred. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Labradoodle puppies, and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Labradoodles and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Labradoodle, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Labradoodles in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.