Labradoodle Hair Types

Labradoodles are a mixed breed of dog, defined as the cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. The Labradoodle is a sweet and gentle dog with lots of energy, perfect for a young family. Many Labradoodles have a hypoallergenic coat, so this breed makes a great pet for people who may be allergic to pet dander. There are three different Labradoodle coat types; however, most Labradoodles will have a mixture of several different coats, and rarely is a Labradoodle coat pure.

  1. Wool

    • Some Labradoodles have what is called a wool coat. A wool coat is a tight, curly coat that is slightly coarse but still soft. Its appearance, often described as a luxurious wool shag, comes from the poodle genes. The wool coat is a non-shedding coat, making it allergy-friendly.

    Fleece

    • Another coat type commonly found on Labradoodles is the fleece coat, which is softer and wavier than the wool coat. It is soft and silky, and is described as having a chenille feel to it. The fleece coat is also an allergy-friendly coat, and is considered non-shedding. It is sometimes called a borderline or wavy coat.

    Hair

    • The hair coat is the third most common coat type found on Labradoodles. This coat most resembles the Labrador parent, and is described as being coarse and wiry. Each hair on the hair coat has a slight texture. This coat is also referred to as a flat, wiry or slick coat. Note that this coat does shed, and therefore is not considered a hypoallergenic coat.

    Coat Wave Levels

    • No matter the type of coat a Labradoodle has, its hair may have a varying wave level. The three different wave levels are curly, wavy and straight. A curly wave level has tight curls in the hair that can curl up to 1 inch. Wavy strands have the appearance of curls, but in looser form. Wavy coats typically do not have hair that curls over. Straight hair has no curl to it, and can range in length from 2 inches to 5 inches.