The Labradoodle - Loving and Charming Hybrid Breed
Labradoodles are popular hybrid bread, and are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. The mixing of these two purebreds, which began in Australia during the 1970’s, has resulted in a dog that is exceptionally intelligent, friendly and very loving.
Labradoodles make excellent family pets. They are passionate canines that thrive on human companionship. They are very sociable to everyone, including relatives, friends, neighbors, children, strangers and fellow canines. They love to play and are patient with children.
The Labradoodle has a non-aggressive and happy-go-lucky personality, which is one of their most charming characteristics. However, since Labradoodles are very social dogs, they do not make good guard dogs, and are just as likely to make friends with a robber as they are with your best friend. That being said, it is not uncommon for a Labradoodle to alert their owner to strangers.
Although friendly, and sometimes a little on the goofy side, the Labradoodle is very intelligent. He is highly trainable and enjoys a good challenge. Labradoodles have been trained for police work, guide dogs and as therapy dogs. Nevertheless, you need to ensure you provide the Labradoodle with proper obedience and dominance training so he can grow up as a credit to his breed.
The Labradoodle loves to play, and due to the fact he has both Poodle and Labrador ancestors, which are natural born working and hunting dogs, it should come as no surprise that this breed has plenty of energy and loves the outdoors.
Therefore, the Labradoodle requires sufficient daily exercise which should include at least two, 20 or more minute walks, the freedom to run around, and playtime. In addition, the typical Labradoodle loves to swim! Hence, this dog is not ideal for apartment life and is better suited to a home with at least a small yard.
The physical characteristics of a Labradoodle are as follows. They are considered a large sized dog and stand 22-24 inches at the shoulders and weigh 45 – 77 pounds. They live an average of 14 – 16 years and are a relatively healthy breed. The more common health problems they are prone to include hip dysplasia and ear infections.
The Labradoodle is bred in three different coat varieties:
- Wool/Curly – virtually non shedding coat (most hypoallergenic and requires daily grooming and occasional trimmings)
- Fleece – low shedding (most desirable coat and requires grooming few times per week)
- Hair – Regular shedding (least hypoallergenic and requires weekly grooming)
The coat color of Labradoodles include: apricot, black, blue, café, chalk, chocolate, cream, gold, red, silver and white.
The Labradoodle is one of the most beautiful and well thought out hybrids bred today. It is the perfect addition to any family or individual who is looking to raise a companion and nurture a lasting friendship.
