What Are Labradoodles?

A labradoodle is a dog that results from the mating of a Labrador retriever and a standard or miniature poodle. Labradoodles have quite an interesting history and they have many desirable traits that have made this breed quite popular. As a relatively new breed, labradoodles make excellent companions and are highly intelligent canines. Learn what sets this breed apart from other breeds and why they are quite in high demand.

  1. History

    • It all started when Wally Conren, a puppy breeding manager at the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia was asked about an allergy-free guide-dog by a vision-impaired woman residing in Hawaii. Wally decided a poodle would make a good choice because of its low shedding tightly curled coat. However, he was having a hard time finding an appropriate poodle. Finally, in despair, he decided to mate a standard poodle with his best Labrador: the first labradoodle was born.

    An Allergen-Free Coat

    • Labradoodles are popular dogs among allergy sufferers.

      One of the most desired traits in labradoodles are their coats, which come in three distinct varieties: the flat or slick coat, which resembles the smooth coat of a Lab; the fleece coat, which falls out in loose loop spirals resembling the coat of an Angora goat; and the wool curly coats, similar in softness to a woolly sweater. Most importantly, the two latter coats are often non-shedding and are therefore allergy friendly.

    Sizes

    • Another intriguing quality of labradoodles is the fact that they are available in different sizes to match any household's needs. They come in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard. Miniatures generally are between 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh no more than 25 pounds. Medium labradoodles are between 17 to 20 inches and can weigh up to 45 pounds. Standards are not over 25 inches and weigh about 50 to 65 pounds.

    Temperament

    • Labradoodles are very versatile dogs.

      Perhaps one of the best qualities of a labradoodle is its temperament. This mixed breed is very sociable and friendly just as the average poodle or Labrador family dog. Labradoodles are also very intuitive and versatile, qualities that make them great candidates for important roles such as guide dogs, therapy dogs and other assistance dog specialties.