Labradoodle Guide | Health Concerns, Tips, & Breed Care

Labradoodles 101

Crossbred group

The Labradoodle is the first of the now popular “oodles,” developed in Australia as a service dog. Their intelligence and friendly nature soon made them popular pets, and inspired a wave of crossbreeding that continues to this day.

Because they are a cross between two different breeds, Labradoodles may range more widely in size, coat type and temperament than their parent breeds do. Not all have curly coats, and those who do need to get used early to being professional groomed, which is essential to keep coats clipped down and prevented from becoming a solid mat.

What we love about Labradoodles

Gets some of the best from both parents

The best Labradoodles combine the traits of their parents into a unique personality of their own. Eager to please and easy to train, they are a popular family dog – with good reason.

Energy level

Bark level

Very vocal
Talkative
As needed

Size

15 to 24.4 inches tall

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Weight

50 to 80 lbs

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Mature adult Labradoodle

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Labradoodle conditions

Ear infection

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Dental disease

Senior Labradoodle

9+ yearsPrivacy

Risk level for common Labradoodle conditions

Hypothyroid disease

Arthritis

Liver disease

Labradoodle puppy

0 to 9 months

<>Privacy< common Labradoodle conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Gastritis

Ear infection

Young adult Labradoodle

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Labradoodle conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

Mature adult Labradoodle

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Labradoodle conditions

Ear infection

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Dental disease

Senior Labradoodle

9+ years

Risk level for common Labradoodle conditions

Hypothyroid disease

Arthritis

Liver disease

Labradoodle puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Labradoodle conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Gastritis

Ear infection

Young adult Labradoodle

10 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Labradoodle conditions

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

2-Labradoodle laying down GettyImages-1051731792

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Labradoodle coat care and colors

The coats of Labradoodles vary in color, pattern, and texture. The biggest mistake families make with their Labradoodle is not taking them to a professional groomer as puppies, so they can learn to tolerate being bathed, dried, and clipped short. Between spa sessions, combing is more important than brushing to get down to the skin and prevent matting. A Labradoodle coat can look just fine, but underneath the matting can be so severe that the entire coat will turn into a pelt that must be shaved off entirely. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.

How do I keep my Labradoodle’s coat from matting?

How often do Labradoodles need to be bathed?

There’s no need to wait until your Labradoodle is filthy or stinky to bathe them. Most dogs do well with 1 to 3 baths monthly, though may be bathed as often as weekly, or as little as a few times a year depending on the dog. Make sure to comb or cut out any mats before bathing, since water makes mats even more difficult to remove. You can extend the time between your Labradoodle's baths with regular brushing and combing.

How often should I clean my Labradoodle’s ears?

Get your Labradoodle used to having you handle their ears with praise and maybe a small treat. That will allow you to fold back the ear flap and look for issues -- a strong smell or wax buildup may indicate a problem. Ask your veterinary healthcare team to show you how to safely deep clean ear canals. At home, use a veterinary-approved ear-cleaning product. If your Labradoodle likes to get wet, use a product with a drying agent, applied after swimming.

Labradoodle exercise & training

Exercise level

Loves walks

Exercise level

A blend of two active, intelligent breeds, the Labradoodle thrives on exercise of both body and brain. They benefit from a brisk daily walk and regular games of fetch.

Trainability

Class clown

Trainability

A blend of two smart, eager-to-please breeds, the Labradoodle learns quickly with praise and treats. A puppy class will provide a solid start.

Labradoodle

Always up for fun, smart and agile

Labradoodles 101

What we love about Labradoodles

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Mature adult Labradoodle

Ear infection

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Dental disease

Senior Labradoodle

Hypothyroid disease

Arthritis

Liver disease

Labradoodle puppy

Foreign body ingestion

Gastritis

Ear infection

Young adult Labradoodle

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

Mature adult Labradoodle

Ear infection

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Dental disease

Senior Labradoodle

Hypothyroid disease

Arthritis

Liver disease

Labradoodle puppy

Foreign body ingestion

Gastritis

Ear infection

Young adult Labradoodle

Ear infection

Foreign body ingestion

Toxicity

Labradoodle coat care and colors

How do I keep my Labradoodle’s coat from matting?

How often do Labradoodles need to be bathed?

How often should I clean my Labradoodle’s ears?

Labradoodle exercise & training

Labradoodle fun facts

Other breeds like Labradoodles

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