For first-time dog owners, Labradoodle is a good choice because they are generally friendly, calm, and composed.
These enthusiastic and devoted dogs are considered therapy and family dogs due to their versatile nature. People who have Labradoodle say they have the work ethic of Poodles and Labradors.
If you are considering getting a Labradoodle, this Labradoodle owner’s guide will help you make decisions and care for them.
History
Labradoodle was first time raised in Australia in 1989 as a guide dog. It is assumed that they were raised for a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband had allergies required a guide dog to guide her.
This was done by making a cross between the standard Poodle breed whose coat does not cause any allergic reaction with the well-known breed of a guide dog that is Labrador. As a result, the first Labradoodle litter was born.
Its appearance, size, and temperament are the great contributions of genetics. Now Labradoodle becomes the most popular poodle cross among large breed lovers, and it’s hard to go wrong with a Labradoodle.
Personality
These sociable and intelligent dogs are very affectionate with pets, children, and also with adults. This always ready to play breed is very energetic, friendly, and intelligent. Like their parents, they are also water lovers and good swimmers.
As this is not a common breed, their young vary in nature, as some are louder, others more reserved, etc. And in the same way, their coat also varies, less or more prone to shedding and shorter or high maintenance.
The temperament of the Labradoodle dog
If you live in an apartment, then don’t think about owning a Labradoodle because that high-energy dog needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation to thrive as a healthy dog. As they are exuberant jumpers, they can accidentally knock down children.
Labradoodles don’t bark often; they probably bark when they see a visitor coming because they don’t have many watchdog characteristics.
Common Labradoodle health problems
The average lifespan of Labradoodles is up to 14 years. They are also prone to some diseases discussed below:
Hip dysplasia
As their parents were prone to hip dysplasia, Labradoodles are also prone to that orthopedic condition that results in lameness, pain, and impaired movement. This is caused when the hip joint forms abnormally, resulting in an improper fit of the femur in the hip socket, which leads to degeneration and inflammation of the joint.
Veterinarians can diagnose this with the help of X-rays and scoring tests. Its treatment is with the help of medications that relieve symptoms (therapeutic) and surgical.
Eye diseases
Progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and multifocal retinal dystrophy are some of the eye conditions your Labradoodle can suffer from. Labradoodle adopts these diseases from their parents, so it can be said that they are inherited diseases that result in vision problems. The owner gets to know this disease in his Labradoodle when the dog begins to bump into walls, furniture, and other objects due to visual impairment.
Elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia, but it occurs in the elbow joint. When the bone fits abnormally in the elbow socket, it results in discomfort in the joint and causes inflammation and swallowing. In such a condition, the dog experience pain and does not appreciate climbing or walking, and becomes lame.
Hypothyroidism
The deficiency in the production of thyroxine produces hypothyroidism. This is a metabolic disease, and thyroxine is a metabolism-regulating hormone produced by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism causes lethargy, hair loss (alopecia), weight gain, and loss of muscle mass. For the cure of hypothyroidism, hormone replacement can work, but only if the owner agrees to it.
Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease is also known as hypoadrenocorticism. The dog’s adrenal gland secretes corticosteroids that help maintain the body’s normal metabolism; when the secretion of this hormone decreases, Addison’s disease or hypoadrenocorticism occurs.
Hypoadrenocorticism is difficult to diagnose because its signs are vague, vomiting, muscle weakness, anorexia, and lethargy. The common method of treating this disease is hormone replacement.
Health and care tips
Labradoodles are easily adaptable. They like to live in the largest houses that provide the ideal living condition for Labradoodles. You will find them cuddling next to you in the large area. They can also live happily and healthily if they are provided with regular exercise and play.
They especially require a standard amount of exercise due to their high energy level and keeping your dog fit and happy.
How much does a Labradoodle cost in Australia?
The cost of any breed varies from breeder to breeder. The Labradoodle puppy costs approximately up to $2,500 AUD. For specific colours and multiple generations, the Labradoodle price can be up to $3,500 AUD.
Why are Australian Labradoodles so expensive?
The Australian Labradoodle is bred by crossing two pure and rare breeds resulting in a rare breed that is highly sought after. As the demand exceeds, this also results in a lack of actual supply, so the cost of the purebred becomes higher.
Are Labradoodles good pets?
Labradoodles are very devoted, friendly, playful, and a great family pet, but they are not a good protective dog. This breed was not bred to be aggressive, so it can be calm and composed.
Socializing your Labradoodle at a young age will make your Labradoodle behave well around other people, the environment, and pets.
Are Labradoodles high maintenance?
As previously mentioned, the coat varies, so some Laradoodles can appear more like poodles, which require a lot of maintenance and should be trimmed regularly. High maintenance labradoodle are usually fewer in the litter.
Can the Labradoodle be left alone?
Some Labradoodles love to stay with their owners and follow them from room to room, which is why they are known as “Velcro” dogs.
Any dog that is left alone all day gets bored, and that is in their nature. In the case of Labradoodles, their happiness depends largely on the company. If Labradoodle is left alone, he can become depressed and saddened. They can become destructive, dirty the home, or misbehave, which is a sign of their unhappiness.
Never leave your Labradoodle alone for more than 5 hours because they have a smaller bladder than humans, so they need to be emptied every 5 hours.
Should I get a male or female Labradoodle?
“It is reported by many pet owners that female dogs are easier to train and pay more attention to their owners than male dogs and that males are more distant,” said Johanna Reel, registered veterinary technician for NHV Natural Pet.
Do Labradoodles bark a lot?
They are considered moderate barking dogs. They do not bark for no reason, but due to any trigger, they can bark. But since they are the smart ones, you can easily train them not to bark.
Do Labradoodles smell?
No, because Australian Labradoodles generally have a non-shedding coat and don’t smell like many other dogs. Labradoodles are hypoallergenic dogs due to low shedding.
Conclusion
Labradoodles are an incredible combination of a Poodle and a Labrador. They acquire the good qualities of both breeds. They are loyal, affectionate, water-loving, hypoallergenic, and great with families and other animals. You cannot leave them alone for a long time as they are prone to separation anxiety.
