Labradoodles
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The rather amusingly named “Labradoodle” is a crossbred dog consisting of the mixture of a Poodle (standard or miniature) and a Labrador Retriever. Despite the fact that the Labradoodle is a crossbreed and not, as some people mistakenly think, a pedigree breed in its own right, the Labradoodle is quickly gaining popularity as a pet within the UK, and good quality Labradoodle dogs and puppies often change hands for prices approaching that of full breed pedigree dogs of these two breeds and quite often more! So, why is the Labradoodle so popular, how did it come to be recognised as a type in its own right rather than being considered as a mixed breed or a mongrel, and is a Labradoodle a good choice of dog for you? Read on to find out more! |
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How did the Labradoodle come into being?
The word “Labradoodle” first came into use to describe a crossed Poodle/Labrador dog during the 1950’s, although the term itself and interest in these dogs didn’t really take off until the 1980’s. Labradoodles were first bred on a serious scale in Australia, where in 1988 a breeder for the Royal Guide Dogs Associations of Australia deliberately crossed a Poodle and a Labrador with the intention of producing a litter with all of the temperament and trainability traits of the Lab, but with the non-shedding, low allergy coat of the Poodle.
Today, Labradoodles are in common use in many countries of the world as assistance dogs, and of course, the same traits that make them a good pick as assistance dogs also makes them eminently suitable and popular as pets.
Today, Labradoodles are in common use in many countries of the world as assistance dogs, and of course, the same traits that make them a good pick as assistance dogs also makes them eminently suitable and popular as pets.
What makes a Labradoodle?
The Labradoodle is not a pedigree breed of dog, but is instead considered to be a hybrid dog, composed of its two respective breeds. In order for a dog to be reasonably classed as a Labradoodle, their parentage should be a mixture of Labrador and Poodle only, and no other types of dogs. This means that any given Labradoodle could have one Poodle and one Labrador parent respectively, or any combination of a Labrador or Poodle parent bred with an existing Labradoodle, or parents and ancestry that is entirely Labradoodle without any pure bred Poodle or Labrador in it for several generations back. Here at Swinhope Labradors and German Shepherds, our Labradoodles are bred from our own Pedigree Labrador bithes and Pedigree Poodle dog.
What are the traits of the Labradoodle?
As there is no breed authority for the Labradoodle (although there are plenty of enthusiast groups and support organisations for owners) there is no recognised breed standard or description of what a Labradoodle should look like. Any hybrid dog type will have significant variations across the range, with some Labradoodle dogs looking more like the Lab than the Poodle and vice versa, and some having certain Poodle or Labrador traits but not others, and of course, a wide range of colours and size variations are possible as well.
Labradoodles as a whole usually share a range of desirable personality traits that are common to both the Poodle and the Labrador, including a high level of intelligence and trainability, a bold, friendly outgoing nature, tolerance of children and often, an affinity for water.
Labradoodles enjoy considerable popularity for all of the reasons outlined above, and are handsome, friendly-looking dogs that are generally personable and enjoy the company of people.
Labradoodles as a whole usually share a range of desirable personality traits that are common to both the Poodle and the Labrador, including a high level of intelligence and trainability, a bold, friendly outgoing nature, tolerance of children and often, an affinity for water.
Labradoodles enjoy considerable popularity for all of the reasons outlined above, and are handsome, friendly-looking dogs that are generally personable and enjoy the company of people.
