Oodles of Doodles – Your Most Asked Questions About The Labradoodle

Ah, the Labradoodle – a delightful fusion of Labrador and Poodle, a mix that’s as endearing as it is intelligent. If you’ve found yourself in the delightful company of one of these fluffy wonders, or are considering bringing one a Labradoodle puppy into your life, you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the world of Labradoodles, from their various types (like the Cobberdog) to how to keep their luscious locks in check.

Let’s get doodlin’!

What are the different types of Labradoodles?

There are two main types:

Australian Labradoodle aka Cobberdog

This type of Labradoodle, also known as a Cobberdog, is a purebred pup recognised by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA). They were developed to get the optimum characteristics needed for this breed to be excellent at doing its work as a therapy and assistance dog.

Cobberdogs are bred to have a variety of coat types, from straight to wavy to curly, and they come in a variety of colours, including black, chocolate, yellow, cream, and red. They’re known for their intelligence, trainability, and friendly temperament.

If you’re interested in purebred pooches, check out the below:

• How to Prove Your Dog is Purebred, Part 1
• How to Tell if a Dog is Purebred, Part 2

American Labradoodle

This type of Labradoodle is a hybrid dog, not recognised by any major kennel club. American Labradoodles are bred from a variety of different breeds, including Labradors, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, and Irish Terriers. This results in a wide range of coat types and appearances in American Labradoodles.

This article mainly discusses the American hybrid Labradoodle.

Within these two main types of Labradoodles, there are also different generations of dogs.

First generation (F1)

The result of a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Poodle.

Second generation (F1B)

These dogs are the result of a cross between a first generation Labradoodle and either a Labrador Retriever or a Poodle.

Multigenerational

These pups are the result of breeding two or more generations of Labradoodles together. They’re the most common type today, and their coats as less likely to shed than the coats of first or second generation Labradoodles.

In addition to the different types and generations, there are also different sizes of Labradoodles – Standard, Medium and Miniature. More on this later.

How do you groom them?

Alright, buckle up for the fluffiest ride of your life! Grooming these dogs is an art, but fear not, it’s not rocket science. Here’s a quick guide to keep your doodle looking dashing:

#1 Brush regularly: Labradoodles sport some magnificent coats, but they do require regular brushing. This helps prevent mats and tangles.

#2 Bath time: A good bath every 2-3 months will keep them smelling delightful. Just be sure to use a dog-friendly shampoo.

#3 Trimming claws: Clip their claws when needed, but be careful not to cut too close. A professional groomer can help if you’re unsure.

#4 Ear checks: Labradoodles and Cobberdogs can be prone to ear infections, so it’s essential to keep their ears clean and dry.

#5 Eyes on the eyes: Keep an eye on those peepers. Wipe away any discharge with a damp cloth to prevent irritation.

How big does a Labradoodle get?

Labradoodles come in three sizes: standard, medium, and miniature.

• Standard Labradoodles are the biggest, standing at 56-61 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing 23-29 kg.
• Medium Labradoodles are slightly smaller, standing at 46-51 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing 14-20 kg.
• Miniature Labradoodles are the smallest, standing at 36-41 cm tall at the shoulder and weighing 7-11 kg.

To put it in perspective, a standard Labradoodle is about the same size as a Labrador Retriever, a medium Labradoodle is about the same size as a Springer Spaniel, and a miniature Labradoodle is about the same size as a Cocker Spaniel.

It’s also important to note that American Labradoodles are a hybrid breed, so their size can vary depending on the size of their parents. If you’re unsure how big your pup will get, ask the breeder about the size of the parents.

For more on this, check out our article Dog Size: Uncovering Your Puppy’s Adult Size.

At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown?

Patience, young grasshopper! Labradoodles mature at different rates, depending on their size.

• Standard: These gentle giants usually reach their full size between 12 to 14 months.
• Medium: The middleweights of the Labradoodle world typically reach their full size between 11 to 13 months.
• Miniature: The pint-sized wonders mature a bit quicker, often reaching their full size between 10 to 12 months.

How long can they live?

Here’s the good news: Labradoodles are generally a hearty bunch. With the right diet, regular exercise, and some tender loving care, they can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years. That’s a lot of fetch games and cuddle sessions in your future!

How much for a Labradoodle puppy?

A Labradoodle puppy in New Zealand costs around $2,500 to $3,500 at the time of writing. The exact price will vary depending on the breeder, the size of the puppy, and the generation of the puppy.

Here’s a tip: Ask around to see if your friends, family, or vet know of any reputable ethical dog breeders. You can also contact the Labradoodle Association of New Zealand for a list of accredited breeders.

Once you’ve found a few breeders, be sure to visit them in person and ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with information about the Labradoodle puppy’s lineage and health testing.

It’s also important to get everything in writing, including a sales contract, a health guarantee, and a vaccination record. This will protect you in case there are any problems with the Labradoodle puppy after you take them home. Read about how to buy a puppy safely in New Zealand.

Why shouldn’t you buy a Labradoodle?

Part of being a responsible pet parent is making sure your lifestyle is suited to your new fur kid. It’s about giving them the best life possible! For that reason, it’s good to know ALL the facts, like any reasons why a Labradoodle might not be the right choice for you.

Here are some reasons why you might not want to buy a Labradoodle or Cobberdog:

• They can be expensive. Labradoodles are a popular breed, and breeders can charge a lot of money for puppies. This also gives rise to puppy mills and other unethical breeding practices – something you as an animal lover won’t want to support! Make sure you can afford one and you find a professional breeder who takes wonderful care of their breeding dogs and their puppies.
• They require a lot of grooming. They have curly coats that need to be brushed and trimmed regularly to prevent mats and tangles.
• They can be high-energy dogs. Labradoodles (as opposed to Cobberdogs) are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, both of which are high-energy breeds. This means that Labradoodles need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
• They can be prone to certain health problems. Like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.

Here are some additional things to consider:

• Labradoodles are often marketed as being hypoallergenic, but this isn’t always the case. Some do shed less than others, but all dogs produce dander, which can trigger allergies.
• They can be very trainable, but they also require a lot of patience and consistency. If you’re not prepared to put in the time and effort to train your Labradoodle, they may develop behavioural problems.
• They’re social dogs and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If you work long hours or travel frequently, they may not be the right breed for you.

If your lifestyle is right for a Labradoodle, they’re a delightful addition to any family. With their lovable nature and intelligent minds, they’re sure to become your new best friend in no time. 

Whether you opt for a curly F1B or an adventurous Cobberdog, you’re in for a whirlwind of wagging tails and unconditional love. So, gear up for a life of oodles of doodles – it’s bound to be a paw-some journey!

Insure your luscious Labradoodle

Once you’re the proud pet parent to a Labradoodle puppy, you’ll want to give them a soft landing when it comes to health and wellness. Because while you might have to fork out a lot of cash for buying your pup, you don’t need to when it comes to dog insurance.

PD Insurance offers three pet insurance options (that all include non-routine vet visits, hospitalisation and more) and if you buy your pawlicy online you’ll get one or more months free! Why not get a quick no-obligation quote now?