Labradoodle
Updated December 2, 2025
Labradoodles are intelligent, sociable, and joyful dogs, originally bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs. They excel as family companions due to their gentle nature and trainability, but also require significant exercise and grooming. Their versatility makes them suitable as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, and all-around loving pets.
Intelligent, Friendly, Sociable, Gentle, Energetic
50-65 pounds
21-24 inches
12-15 years
Chalk, Cream, Apricot, Gold, Red, Black, Blue, Silver, Chocolate, Caramel
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Labradoodle
Labradoodles are intelligent, sociable, and joyful dogs, originally bred to be hypoallergenic guide dogs. They excel as family companions due to their gentle nature and trainability, but also require significant exercise and grooming. Their versatility makes them suitable as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, and all-around loving pets.
What Makes Labradoodles Special
The Labradoodle combines the best of two of the world's most popular breeds: the friendly, easy-going nature of the Labrador and the sharp intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Poodle.
They are known for being sociable, affectionate, and playful, making them an ideal choice for active families, first-time dog owners, and those in need of a therapy or assistance dog. Their loving nature and trainability have made them one of the most popular hybrid breeds.
Labradoodle History & Origin
The Labradoodle was first intentionally bred in the 1980s by Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. The goal was to create a guide dog with a hypoallergenic coat for a vision-impaired woman whose husband was allergic to dogs.
The first successful cross was between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle, resulting in a litter of puppies in 1989.
The breed's popularity grew rapidly, leading to further development by breeders in Australia and beyond.
To achieve more consistent traits, some breeders began multi-generational breeding and introduced other breeds, such as the English and American Cocker Spaniel, into some lines, creating what is known as the Australian Labradoodle.
Despite their immense popularity, Labradoodles are not recognized as a standardized breed by major kennel clubs like the AKC.
The cost for a Labradoodle puppy from a breeder can range from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on the breeder, lineage, and location.
Labradoodle Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Labradoodle Appearance
A Labradoodle's appearance can vary widely, but they are generally athletic and graceful with a joyful expression. Their shaggy, friendly look is a key part of their charm.
Their coat is their most famous feature, coming in a range of colors and textures, from soft waves to tight curls. They carry their tails happily, adding to their cheerful demeanor.
Physical Features
Ears
Floppy ears are set fairly high on the head and hang beside their face, requiring regular checks to prevent infections.
Eyes
Large, expressive eyes convey their intelligence and gentle nature. Eye color is typically brown or hazel.
Nose
The nose is large and can be black or brown, depending on the dog's coat color.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
Labradoodles have a single coat of medium length. The texture can be a hair coat (straighter), a fleece coat (wavy), or a wool coat (curly).
Coat Color
They come in a wide array of colors, including but not limited to cream, gold, red, black, chocolate, silver, and blue.
Tail
The tail is typically long and saber-shaped, carried high when the dog is active or excited.
Labradoodle Temperament
Labradoodles are renowned for their friendly, affectionate, and sociable nature, making them exceptional family pets. They blend the keen intelligence of the Poodle with the outgoing and gentle demeanor of the Labrador Retriever. This makes them highly trainable and eager to please.
Their inherent patience and gentle nature make them wonderful companions for children of all ages. They thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds with their families, often displaying an intuitive and empathetic side.
However, their intelligence also means they require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and regular training sessions are essential to keep their minds engaged. A bored Labradoodle can sometimes develop unwanted behaviors.
They are generally outgoing and friendly towards strangers and other pets, especially when socialized from a young age. Their playful and sometimes goofy antics bring a lot of joy and laughter to a household, making them a beloved member of any family.
It is important to remember that as a crossbreed, temperaments can vary. Some may be more reserved like a Poodle, while others are more boisterously friendly like a Labrador.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Labradoodles have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Being a hybrid, they can inherit health problems from both the Labrador Retriever and Poodle parent breeds. Responsible breeders will screen for common genetic conditions.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular vet check-ups, genetic screening through the breeder, proper diet, consistent exercise, and regular ear cleaning.
How to Care for a Labradoodle
Labradoodles are active and intelligent dogs that require consistent exercise, regular grooming to prevent matting, and ongoing training to be happy and well-behaved family members. While they are adaptable, their needs are not low-maintenance.
Grooming
Labradoodle grooming needs vary depending on their coat type (wool, fleece, or hair). Wool and fleece coats are the most common and require regular attention to prevent matting.
Daily brushing is recommended, especially during the coat change from puppy to adult (around 10-14 months), to remove loose hair and prevent severe matting close to the skin.
Professional grooming or clipping is typically needed 3-5 times per year to maintain a manageable coat length.
Due to their floppy ears, they are prone to ear infections. Regular cleaning and ensuring the ear canal is dry and free of excess hair are crucial for prevention.
While often touted as hypoallergenic, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. However, their low-shedding coats are often a good fit for people with mild allergies.
Training
Thanks to their Poodle intelligence and Labrador eagerness to please, Labradoodles are highly trainable.
Positive reinforcement techniques, using treats, praise, and toys, are highly effective. Consistency and patience are key.
Early socialization is vital. Exposing your puppy to various people, sounds, and environments will help them grow into a well-adjusted and confident adult.
Training sessions should be kept short and fun to maintain their attention. Their intelligence requires mental challenges, so incorporating puzzle toys and teaching them new tricks is beneficial.
Diet
A high-quality, balanced diet is essential for a Labradoodle's health and energy levels. The specific food should be appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, senior), size, and activity level.
Standard Labradoodles typically require 2 to 3 cups of dry food per day, divided into two meals. This can vary based on the food's caloric content and the dog's metabolism.
Monitor their weight, as Labradors are prone to obesity, a trait that can be passed down. Avoid overfeeding and limit treats.
Like their parent breeds, some Labradoodles can be prone to food allergies, which may manifest as skin issues. Consult a vet if you suspect an allergy.
Exercise
Labradoodles are an energetic breed that needs about 60 minutes of exercise each day. This should include more than just a walk around the block.
Vigorous activities like running, fetching, swimming, or hiking are excellent ways to burn off their energy.
Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity. Interactive games and training sessions help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
While they can adapt to apartment living, it requires a dedicated owner who can provide sufficient daily exercise and stimulation.
Environment
Labradoodles are best suited for a home with a fenced yard where they have room to play. However, they can adapt to apartment life if their exercise needs are diligently met.
They are highly social dogs that thrive on being part of the family and should not be left alone for long periods.
Their adaptability allows them to live in various climates, but care should be taken in extreme heat due to their energetic nature.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
Best with a fenced yard but can adapt to an apartment if exercise needs are met.
Climate Adaptability
Adaptable to various climates but should be monitored in extreme heat.
Apartment Living
Miniature Labradoodles are better suited for apartment living than standard ones.
Best Suited For
Perfect for active families or individuals who can provide plenty of attention, exercise, and training.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Labradoodles good with children?
Yes, Labradoodles are known for being extremely gentle, patient, and playful, making them excellent companions for children.
How much do Labradoodles shed?
Labradoodles are a low-shedding breed, especially those with fleece or wool coats. However, they are not completely non-shedding.
How much exercise do Labradoodles need?
They are a high-energy breed and require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise per day.
Are Labradoodles easy to train?
Yes, their intelligence and eagerness to please make them one of the easier breeds to train.
Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, their low-shedding coats make them a suitable option for many people with dog allergies.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Requires early socialization, consistent puppy training, and a diet formulated for growth.
Senior Care
May need joint supplements, a less strenuous exercise routine, and more frequent vet check-ups.
First-Time Owner Tips
An excellent choice for novice owners due to their high trainability and forgiving nature.
Looking for a Labradoodle?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.