If you’re like most people who hear the term “labradoodle,” chances are you’re confused. A Labradoodle is a designer dog that results from crossing a Labrador retriever and a standard poodle (crossbreeds are often referred to as designer dogs) as service dogs.
Labradoodles have a loving and affectionate temperament. They appreciate affection and bond well with their families. They are very intelligent and tend to be quite active as well. They may get bored with repetition and enjoy alternating activities.
Labradoodles typically have curly coats, but can have the straight coat of a Labrador. Since Labradoodles have minimal shedding, they are extremely attractive to pet allergy sufferers. There have been claims that labradoodles do not have the typical dog body odor.
Australian Labradoodles are a multi-generational cross that is typically 25% Labrador Retriever and 75% Standard Poodle. This proportion seems to guarantee non-flaking. American Labradoodle breeders vary the percentages; a 50/50 mix puppy can shed and as such is not the best choice for people with severe allergies.
Labradoodle puppies sell for between $100 and $1500 depending on breeder standards. Multi-generation cross pups with health guarantees seem to sell for more than 50% of the first generation litter.
Labradoodles can have the same genetic medical problems as the standard poodle and labrador retriever, such as eye and hip problems. People buying a Labradoodle puppy should be careful, as with any breed, to check references, see the parents of the litter, and ask for a written health guarantee.
