Labradoodle

Quick Facts:
Group Classification: Not recognized by any major kennel club
Country of Origin: Australia
Date of Origin: 1989
Standard:
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Height M: 21 to 24 inches (not over 25 inches)
Height: F: 21 to 23 inches
Medium:
Weight: 30 to 45 pounds
Height F: 17 to 20 inches (not over 21 inches)
Height F: 17 to 19 inches
Miniature:
Weight: 15 to 25 pounds
Height M: 14 to 16 inches (not over 17 inches)
Life Expectancy About 15 years

History

The Labradoodle has an interesting history. A visually impaired woman in Australia wanted a dog that would not cause her husband’s allergies to flare. Wally Conron, a breeder, suggested crossing a Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. The resultant breed, which he named the Labradoodle, had the low shedding coat of a Standard Poodle, suitable for many people with allergies, and the gentleness and trainability of a Labrador. One of the three puppies from the first litter passed the allergy test. Later, Conron crossed Labradoodle to Labradoodle (Double Doodles) and then Double Doodles to Double Doodles (Tri Doodles). After he died, another Australian named Kate Schoeffel crossed a Miniature Labradoodle with Labrador Retriever and is still breeding first generation Labradoodles.

General Description

Labradoodles appear athletic and graceful. Most Labradoodles display substance with medium boning. From sternum to buttocks, a Labradoodle is square and compact with a deep, well sprung chest. Their loins are strong and muscular. Their head is fairly broad and in proportion to his body and has well defined eyebrows. The eyes are large and expressive and slightly rounded; ears are set slightly above eye level. Labradoodle hair may vary from wiry to soft and may be straight, crinkled or curly. The coat is generally non-shedding and easy to manage. However, some Labradoodles do shed. Hair shedding is rare, but if it does it is much less than that of Labrador Retrievers. Labradoodles also have less dog odor.

Temperament

The Labradoodle is clever, sociable, comical, joyful and energetic when free. When handled they is soft and quiet. They are friendly in nature, keen, and easy to train. Owners say they are highly intuitive of family member’s or handler’s emotional state and needs. The Labradoodle inherited the best abilities of both his parent breeds. They have an inherent affinity for water and a strong swimming ability. Like the parent breeds, they are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained to obey verbal and/or sign commands. Some breeders prefer the first generation Labradoodles, which means that a Labradoodle should originate from crossing of a Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever only and not from a Labradoodle and Labradoodle. However, many breeders are breeding Labradoodle to Labradoodle.Labradoodles generally live up to the age of 15 years without any major health issues provided they are fed properly and cared for. However, they are prone to hip dysplasia like their parent breeds. During the last couple of years, many Australian Labradoodles has been reported with progressive retinal atrophy. This is an inherited disease that causes blindness. A small number of Labradoodles have been found to suffer from Addison’s disease. Basically, the Labradoodle is a developing breed and puppies do not have consistently persistent characteristics. This is mostly due to the absence of a consensus between breeders and propensity of random breeding. Despite desirable traits in most dogs, the appearance and behavior of Labradoodles is still considered to be unpredictable. Due to this, opinion differs between breeders on whether Labradoodles should be recognized as a breed or not. Regardless of all this, the traits generally seen in most Labradoodles make them excellent dogs for people with specific needs. Labradoodles are commonly used around the world as guide dogs. Being one of the most intelligent breeds they are very useful for the disabled or handicapped individuals.Pets4You offers listings of Labradoodle breeders with puppies for sale.