Are you looking for a Labradoodle for a special reason? Maybe you have allergies or someone in your home does. Labradoodles are a good choice if you need a dog that’s good with small children. Most people find this breed to be a good fit for the family in all respects.
This post will give you all the information you need to speak confidently to a dog breeder. You will understand the differences between an F1 Labradoodle and an F1B Labradoodle and what it means for you.
Keep reading to learn more about this delightful hybrid dog.
What Makes a Labradoodle so Special?
Labradoodles are designer dogs. They’re so perfect it’s easy to forget that they are not purebred dogs at all. Instead, they are called cross-breeds. Labradoodles are a mix of the Standard Poodle and the purebred Labrador Retriever.
Labradoodle puppies grow into some of the smartest, most loving, loyal, and gentle dogs around.
What Do Labradoodles Look Like?
Labradoodles are known for their curly coats and high energy. There is actually no set standard for this cross-breed. That means there could be some variety in the coat length and color.
Ultimately, the Labradoodle will have a single coat that is either straight or curly depending on which generation she comes from.
The Average Weight of a Labradoodle
Labradoodles tend to be the same weight and height regardless if they are female or male. Of course, the size and height of your dog will depend on whether you opt for a Standard, Medium, or Small Labradoodle.
The differences in size comes from how they are bred. For example, to get a miniature Labradoodle, breeders have to cross a purebred Labrador Retriever with a Miniature Poodle.
Generally speaking, you can expect your Labradoodle to fall within 22 to 90 pounds.
The Average Height of a Labradoodle
Again, Labradoodles tend to be the same height whether they are female or male. Naturally, the height will reflect on the size of the breed you choose.
Expect your Labradoodle to be anywhere from 12 to 28 inches high. NOTE: The height of a dog is taken from the floor to the shoulder (withers).
Coat Type and Texture
It’s important to understand that not all Labradoodles will have non-shedding or allergy-friendly coats. Breeders have difficulty predicting coat types for first and second generation labradoodles.
Keep reading to find out which doodle generation you need for allergy-prone pet owners.
Doodle fur has three different textures. These include the following:
Soft Fleece Coat
A soft fleece coat is considered low to non-shedding and tends to look shaggy. It’s also known as the wavy fleece coat or the teddy bear coat. It should have a silky texture that ranges from straight to wavy.
This coat does not give off that familiar doggie odor and is typically seen in F1B Labradoodles or second generation and multigen lines.
Labradoodle puppies have coats that are easy to care for. Unfortunately, that can change when they grow up. Matting can happen if not properly groomed. More about grooming below.
Hair Coat
Labradoodles with actual “hair” coats are not in high demand. This is mostly because they still shed and they tend to have that “dog smell” that some breeds have.
The first generation of Labradoodles tend to have a hair coat, although breeder would rather avoid it.
Wool Coat
This type of coat actually feels like a lamb’s wool. It hangs in loose curls that are not dense. This type of coat doesn’t hang on to that doggie smell and is usually non-shedding.
Whether a dog sheds a lot or a little depends on the generation. Read on to learn more about F1B Labradoodles.
What Colors are Labradoodles?
Doodles come in a wide range of colors including:
- Brindle
- Apricot
- Gold
- Red
- Black
- Caramel
- Cream
Do Labradoodles Make Good Family Pets?
Labradoodles are loving and highly intelligent dogs. They have an even temperament and are not aggressive. In fact, these dogs seem to love everyone they meet, including strangers!
Labradoodles are perfect for homes with children and other pets. These dogs have sensitive souls. They are affectionate to a fault and appreciate all the positive reinforcement you can give.
How Much Exercise Does a Labradoodle Need?
Labradoodles are high-energy dogs. Some experts don’t recommend apartment living for these dogs, but I disagree. Labradoodles are so obedient and easy-to-train, they can live anywhere.
As long as your Labradoodle can get regular, quality exercise, she/he will be fine living anywhere. They just want to be with their loving pet parents.
It’s recommended that Labradoodles get anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise a day. The amount of exercise will depend on the size of the dog as well. A large Labradoodle will need closer to 1 hour of exercise a day. A miniature Labradoodle, however, might only need 30 minutes.
Easy Exercise Ideas for Your Labradoodle
Labradoodles love and need a lot of activity. Some ideas include:
- Swimming
- Long walks
- Hiking
- Engaging with other dogs at the dog park
- Playing fetch (although some Labradoodles may only be interested in chewing the ball…not necessarily bringing it back).
Exercise serves a greater purpose than just physical strength. Everytime you take your dog outside, he/she gets mental stimulation from the sights, sounds, and smells. You would be surprised at how far this goes in making your dog easier to train.
Are Labradoodles Easy to Train?
Labradoodles are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are so eager-to-please that it doesn’t take long for them to figure out what you want. The important thing is to remember to be kind.
These sensitive souls will not respond well to scolding, shouting, or loud commands. Be confident, but not overbearing when training Labradoodle puppies. Add in a lot of positive reinforcement and watch how quickly your dog learns!
Labradoodles want your respect. For that reason, they are naturally obedient.
Do Labradoodles Bark A Lot?
Labradoodles are not considered good guard dogs because they don’t bark a lot. They’re more likely to wag their tails and get excited about “company” than they are to get territorial.
That said, Labradoodle puppies may need a little bit of correction to set them on the right track. That’s true of any dog. Dogs do have vocal cords and they will use them when they feel it’s necessary.
Of course, some dogs naturally bark a lot more than others. Not true with Labradoodles. Wind them up through playtime and you can expect them to bark. Otherwise, they are pretty quiet dogs.
How Long Do Labradoodles Live?
The average life expectancy of a Labradoodle is between 12 and 15 years. The first generation of Labradoodles are thought to inherit the best health genes of their purebred parents. This is called hybrid vigor.
That doesn’t mean that a different generation of Labradoodle will have a shorter life. At the end of the day, there’s no guarantee. With good care, proper nutrition, exercise, and a loving home, your dog will live a long and happy life.
Ways To Ensure a Healthy Lifespan
- Maintain regular wellness checks with the veterinarian
- Ensure your dog has proper flea, tick, parasite control
- Make sure your Labradoodle has all the necessary vaccinations
- Feed your dog a healthy diet specifically designed for doodles.
- Get regular daily exercise with your dog.
- Have your dog spayed/neutered
Do Labradoodles Have Health Issues?
It’s impossible to predict whether (or what types) of health issues your dog may have. However, a reputable breeder will do genetic testing on the parent breeds. This ensures that dogs with potential health issues are not bred.
That said, even the best breeders can’t guarantee 100% health for the lifespan of your dog. Doodles can inherit some of the more common health issues that are common to their parents.
For example, you should watch for signs of:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Other potential eye diseases
Are Labradoodles Hard to Groom?
Labradoodles should be brushed at least twice a week. Brushing helps to keep the coat detangled and prevents matting. Trim hair around the eyes and from between the paws.
Fleece-coated Labradoodles may require professional grooming.
Are Labradoodles Good for Allergy Sufferers?
It’s a myth that all Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. That said, there are some generations that are more hypoallergenic than others.
Allergy sufferers should look for F1B Labradoodles or F1BB Labradoodles. These back-crosses produce dogs that shed very little, if at all. Keep reading for more details about F1B Labradoodles.
What is an F1 Labradoodle?
F1 Labradoodles are a mix between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. The result is a 50/50 mix between the two.
The F1 Labradoodle tends to have what is known as hybrid vigor. This is because the dog inherits the best traits of the parent breeds. Unfortunately, the F1 breed isn’t hypoallergenic and tends to shed.
The “F” in F1 Labradoodle stands for Filial. The definition of Filial is: denoting the offspring of a cross.
What is an F1B Labradoodle?
The F1B Labradoodle is a cross between an F1 Labradoodle (the first generation Labradoodle) and a purebred Poodle.
The result is a breed that is 25% Labrador Retriever and 75% Poodle. The F1B Labradoodles are considered the second generation.
Because this generation leans more toward the Poodle genetics, it tends to have wavy/curly hair that sheds less (if at all). These are very good for people with moderate allergies to dog dander.
In addition to their low-shedding qualities, F1B Labradoodles maintain some of that hybrid vigor we talked about earlier.
What Are F1BB Labradoodles
The F1BB Labradoodles are a back-cross between the F1B Labradoodle and a purebred Poodle. You end up with a dog that is 87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Labrador Retriever.
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic dog, you can’t go wrong with the F1BB Labradoodle. It’s important to note that breeders may not specify the generations beyond the F1 or F1B. If you are seriously looking for a hypoallergenic dog, ask the breeder about the dog’s generation.
The F1BB Labradoodles require regular grooming (daily brushing). Many people choose professional groomers to keep their dogs looking and feeling their best.
What is an F2 Labradoodle?
This is the 2nd generation and is a cross between two F1 Labradoodles.
As a result, this dog will have a wide variety of coat types that are difficult to predict. It’s difficult to tell whether the puppies will shed or not. In addition, there’s no way to determine whether the type of coat the dog has.
Some breeders choose not to go this route because of the unpredictable characteristics.
What is an F2B Labradoodle
The F2B Labradoodle is a cross between an F1 Labradoodle and an F1B Labradoodle. At this point, we’re getting further away from the original generation.
This particular generation still has a lot of good qualities. For example, you’re still going to get a highly adorable, fun, sweet, intelligent dog. The only thing is that it’s hard to predict whether the dog will be low-shedding or not.
The further away the generations get, the harder it becomes to predict coat type, color, etc.
While the F2B Labradoodle maintains some of the hybrid vigor, it’s definitely less than the F1 Labradoodle of the first generation.
What is an F2BB Labradoodle?
The F2BB Labradoodle is a second back-cross between a purebred Poodle and a F2 Labradoodle. This breed is very close to it’s Poodle parent. In fact, it can have up to 80% of the Poodle DNA.
This generation is referred to as a Multigen Labradoodle. Although not guaranteed, the F2BB Labradoodle tends to be non-shedding and excellent for people with severe allergies. Unfortunately, they tend to cost quite a bit because they are less common.
What Are F3 Labradoodles?
Anything beyond an F2 Labradoodle can be called a multi-generational Labradoodle. These third generation Labradoodles are a mix of two F1B Labradoodles.
Once again, this is another great choice for people with allergies. The reason is because they tend to inherit a lot of Poodle DNA. You can expect these dogs to have a curly coat. They are hypoallergenic and non-shedding.
Unfortunately, they do not retain hybrid vigor because they are too far down the generational line.
COOL FACTS
Labradoodles were originally developed in Australia. The man in charge of the breeding program for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia wanted to develop a hypoallergenic guide dog to assist a blind woman.
The man’s name was Wally Conron and he conducted the first crossbreeding between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. To this day, the Labradoodle is a highly sought out pet, guide dog, and therapy dog.
Doodles of all kinds are in greater demand to this day.
The Australian Labradoodle Association of America and the International Australian Labradoodle Association are taking steps to bring breeders. The goal is to eventually reach the same standards through multigenerational breeding.
How to Find A Reputable Breeder
Before you fork out big bucks for a Labradoodle, be sure you are not working with unscrupulous breeders. It’s always a good idea to do your research before making that purchase.
Labradoodles are very popular breeds and there are some people out there more interested in making money than they are about the health of the dog.
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding operations. In print, these people will call themselves “breeders” or ‘kennels”.
Sadly, they mass produce puppies by over-breeding dogs. The animals are often in cramped, unsanitary cages. There is no concern for their overall health or happiness.
TIPS TO AVOID A PUPPY MILL:
- Do not purchase a puppy from a pet store.
- Try to adopt from a local shelter or rescue group if you can. Labradoodles are not likely found in shelters, but it doesn’t hurt to look first.
- Get references about any breeder you may be interested in. Research the breeder through national and local breed clubs like the American Kennel Club.
- Meet the mother and father dog if you can.
- Always visit the facility before making the purchase.
17 Irresistible Charms of the Labradoodle
As you’ve read, Labradoodles are amazing dogs with unlimited potential. These dogs are so loveable and kind that you’ll feel comfortable bringing them anywhere and being with anybody.
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, read these 17 traits then start looking for reputable breeders!
Adaptable
Doodles really are the best dogs, no matter which type you choose. They are very easy-going, relaxed, and willing to be anywhere as long as they are with you.
Affectionate
Doodles are just about the sweetest dogs on the planet. I don’t think they could look aggressive if they tried. These dogs are very loving and want nothing more than to be your best friend.
Apartment Friendly
Doodles can live anywhere as long as they have access to quality exercise.
Low Bark
Any dog will bark if provoked. Labradoodle puppies may need some gentle correction. However, adult Labradoodles who have been well-trained are very quiet dogs.
Doodles are not guard dogs by any stretch. They are not going to bark every time something moves at the door.
Cat Friendly
Here’s the thing with doodles: They don’t care! Have cats? Awesome. Have a couple of hamsters? Great!
Child Friendly
It’s natural (and healthy) to be wary of dogs around children. Let’s face it, some dogs are better with children than others.
Doodles are so happy-go-lucky and gentle that you will never have to worry about having one around your child. In fact, your child may need to be trained not to jump on the dog or pull his/her fur!
Other Dog Friendly
It can’t be said enough…doodles have an open-mind and an open-heart. They’re basically pure love without judgement. Pretty cool, hey?
Easy to Please
Doodles are easy to keep happy. They’re not necessarily prone to separation anxiety, but they do want you around more often than not.
If you have a happy home, the dog will be super happy too.
Low Potential for Serious Health Issues
As mentioned earlier, doodles (especially the first generation) inherit their parent breed’s DNA. As a result, the dog is at low risk of developing serious health issues. There’s no lifetime guarantee, but a reputable breeder should be able to provide documentation of testing.
Highly Intelligent
Doodles are very intelligent dogs. This is partly because of their Poodle DNA. This makes them easy to train. It’s also the reason why they make good guide dogs and therapy dogs.
Low Shedding
This statement is true of the F1B doodles and other multi-generation breeds. Some doodles actually do shed so it’s best to check with the breeder if that’s what you are looking for.
Easy to Train
Doodles are eager to please, highly intelligent, and just want your respect. It won’t take you long to train this dog.
Friendly Dogs
Who doesn’t want a dog that is always nice. You’ll love how this fluff-ball floats around the house in that good-natured way.
Always Smiling!
If any dog can smile, it’s the doodle. You can see it in the way their eyes sparkle. They have a light way of moving around that practically screams happiness.
Loyal
Once you bond with a doodle, there will be nothing else like it. In fact, your doodle might just be slightly aloof to others. This is a very loyal dog! That doesn’t mean he’s going to be territorial or aggressive in any way.
Pure Stress Relief
Doodles are pure stress relief. All you have to do at the end of a long day is hold their head in your hand and look into those soulful eyes.
If you’re really good at training, you might just train your doodle to give you a big KISS KISS every day.
Are You Convinced?
There’s really nothing bad to say about the Labradoodle. I mean, if you’re looking for a grouchy dog that drools and tears up your furniture, you should look somewhere else.
Otherwise, you are in for a treat. Happy dogs attract happy people. You’ll find that every time you walk your dog down the street. Be prepared for a lot of questions like, “Can I pat your dog?”
At this point, the best thing you can do is search for reputable breeders in your area. Now that you understand the differences between the generations, you’ll be able to come up with excellent questions for the breeder.
Thank you!
I want to thank you for taking the time to read this post. Please be sure to return for more amazing posts.
