Labradoodle
Labradoodle Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingGet to Know Labradoodles
- Purpose-Bred for Service: The Labradoodle was originally bred in Australia in the 1980s to be a hypoallergenic guide dog. They were intended to combine the Labrador Retriever’s temperament with the Poodle’s low-shedding coat.
- Non-Shedding Coats: Labradoodles have non-shedding coats. Although it cannot be guaranteed that they are hypoallergenic, they are a good bet for people with allergies, as they are less likely to emit dander when they take on the curly coat of their Poodle ancestors. However, their coats can range from curly, wavy, or straight. Regardless, Labradoodles require regular grooming.
- Friendly and Sociable: Labradoodles are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them excellent family pets. They get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, making them versatile companions.
- Highly Trainable: Labradoodles are intelligent and eager to please, inheriting the trainability of both parent breeds. They excel in obedience training and can perform a variety of tasks, making them suitable for service and therapy roles.
- Variety of Sizes: Labradoodles come in a range of sizes, depending on whether they are bred from a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. This variety allows them to fit into different living environments and family dynamics.
Labradoodle Personality & Temperament
- Friendly and Sociable: Labradoodles are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are excellent with children, other pets, and strangers, making them ideal family pets and social companions.
- Intelligent and Trainable: Thanks to the Poodle's influence, Labradoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please. They excel in various dog sports, obedience training, and agility. Their natural desire to learn and make their owners happy makes them a joy to train.
- Gentle and Affectionate: Labradoodles are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship. They enjoy cuddling and being close to their owners, making them excellent lapdogs.
Labradoodle Care & Grooming
- Exercise: Labradoodles are moderately active dogs that enjoy daily exercise. A mix of mental and physical stimulation is ideal. This could include a daily walk (30-60 minutes), play sessions in the yard, or interactive toys. Labradoodles thrive on variety, so mixing up activities will keep them engaged and happy.
- Grooming: Labradoodles come in a range of coat types, including curly, wavy, and straight. Their coat can vary from low to high shedding, depending on the Poodle percentage in their genetic makeup, and can be allergy-friendly, though not completely allergen-free. Regular brushing (at least a few times a week) is essential to keep their coat free of tangles and mats. More frequent grooming is required for those with curly or wavy coats. Occasional baths, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important aspects of their grooming routine.
- Training and Socialization: Due to their intelligence and eagerness to please, Labradoodles respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. Early socialization is crucial to help them become well-adjusted adults. They should be exposed to different environments, people, and other animals to reduce the risk of fearfulness or behavioral issues. Patience and consistency in training are key to harnessing their full potential.
What to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Labrador Retriever Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) | EXERCISE INDUCED COLLAPSE - DNA based test from an approved lab. |
| D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test | DNA based D LOCUS results from an approved lab. |
| Centronuclear Myopathy | Optional: DNA Based CNM Test - results registered with the OFA. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | Optional: Advanced Cardiac Exam. Basic Cardiac Exam. |
| prcd-PRA DNA Test | Optional: DNA based prcd-PRA test from a licensed lab - results registered with the OFA. |
Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | One of the following: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation. PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA. |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Health Elective | One of the following: Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. Sebaceous Adenitis evaluation by an approved dermapathologist. Results registered with OFA. Basic Cardiac Exam. Advanced Cardiac Exam. |
Labradoodle History
The Labradoodle is a relatively modern hybrid breed, first developed in the 1980s in Australia as a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The primary goal was to create a low-shedding guide dog suitable for individuals with allergies. Combining the friendly and trainable nature of the Labrador Retriever with the Poodle's intelligence and curly coat, the Labradoodle quickly gained popularity as a versatile and affectionate family dog. Today, Labradoodles are celebrated for their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and variety of coat types.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Labradoodle Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Labradoodle is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowSee full Labradoodle cost breakdown
Find Labradoodle Breeders Near You
Connect with trusted Canadian breeders raising Labradoodles.
Find Labradoodle BreedersFrequently Asked Questions About Labradoodle
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Labradoodle puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Labradoodle, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
In Canada, Labradoodle puppies from reputable breeders typically cost between $3,600 and $7,200 — but the puppy price is only the beginning.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
For Labradoodle, responsible breeders commonly screen breeding pairs using tests such as Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, ACVO Eye Exam, and EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse).
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Labradoodle is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
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