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Labradoodle: Origin | Breeds | Fun Facts | How To Care | Health Tips

Labradoodle

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Labradoodle: Origin | Breeds | Fun Facts | How To Care | Health Tips

Labradoodle: Origin | Breeds | Characteristics| Fun Facts | How To Care | Health : The Labradoodle is considered the forerunner of the so-called “designer dogs”, that is, those mestizos born from the cross between two purebred dogs. It is the fruit of the mating between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, and in Australia there is a strong commitment to make it establish itself as an independent breed. Most of the specimens we find in Europe, however, are not bred according to a precise breed standard.

Appearance

A real teddy bear

The appearance and character of a Labradoodle can be a surprise to discover, as European bred specimens do not follow a precise breed standard. The cross between a large poodle and a Labrador can give rise to dogs with a size that can vary from medium to large. If the crossing involves a medium-sized Poodle, smaller and lighter specimens may be born in subsequent generations, but which may be even more inhomogeneous than the first generation ones. The coat of the Labradoodle has a very wide range of colors: from creamy white to black, almost any nuance is possible. The same goes for the structure of the hair, which can be long or short, soft or shaggy, smooth or curly. The ideal appearance of a Labradoodle resembles that of a teddy bear.

History

From Australia to conquer the world

The history of the Labradoodle represents at the same time the starting point for the breeding of other hybrid breeds such as the Goldendoodle and the Maltipoo. The breeding of these hybrids is not recognized by the large dog federations. The purpose of these crosses is to combine the “core of the Poodle” with different characteristics of other breeds. The Labradoodle began this practice in 1988, when Wally Conron wished the “Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia” to have a guide dog for the blind who did not shed. The Labrador is recognized as a therapy dog, while the Poodle is famous for not being prone to shedding. The cross between these two breeds was therefore the perfect solution for blind people and with an allergy to animal hair.

However, Conron himself had expressed in recent times and on several occasions some perplexities about the consequences that his idea would have, underlining the numerous problems it would bring with it. Among these there was the risk that many improvised breeders without having the appropriate knowledge, attracted by the easy income that a “designer dog” like the Labradoodle could offer. Today the result is the presence on the market of many sick specimens with an unstable temperament. However, recent efforts have been made to professionalize the breeding of the Labradoodle: in the United States the Continental Kennel Club has recognized the Australian Labradoodle as an independent breed. In Europe there is still a long way to go, and therefore it is not possible to buy a pedigreed Labradoodle.

Differences between Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle

In dog breeding, the careful selection of the specimens is aimed at achieving precise results. The Australian aspiration to give life, with the Labradoodle, to a real breed of its own, differs greatly from the spirit of the Labradoodle “breeding” that can be found in Europe. But what does this difference consist of? When crossing two races, it is only possible to predict roughly the characters of the F1 generation. As Mendel’s laws establish, starting from the next generation it is no longer possible to predict the interaction of genes with the same precision. Precisely for this reason, most breeders cross only Labradors and Poodles, excluding the specimens of the F1 generation.

To achieve targeted results, the breeding requires extremely in-depth skills. This is a challenge that has been taken up by Australian breeders, who have created the Australian Labradoodle. To obtain specimens with certain characteristics and robust health, today it is still allowed to cross the Cocker Spaniel with other Retriever specimens. The Australian Labradoodle thus has the possibility of establishing itself as an independent breed within a few years. This commitment to developing targeted and controlled breeding is not comparable to the approach of most self-styled European “breeders”. However, it is also possible to find breeders here who are an exception, and use the Australian Labradoodle standard as a basis.

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This is a challenge that has been taken up by Australian breeders, who have created the Australian Labradoodle. To obtain specimens with certain characteristics and robust health, today it is still allowed to cross the Cocker Spaniel with other Retriever specimens. The Australian Labradoodle thus has the possibility of establishing itself as an independent breed within a few years. This commitment to developing targeted and controlled breeding is not comparable to the approach of most self-styled European “breeders”. However, it is also possible to find breeders here who are an exception, and use the Australian Labradoodle standard as a basis. This is a challenge that has been taken up by Australian breeders, who have created the Australian Labradoodle.

To obtain specimens with certain characteristics and robust health, today it is still allowed to cross the Cocker Spaniel with other Retriever specimens. The Australian Labradoodle thus has the possibility of establishing itself as an independent breed within a few years. This commitment to developing targeted and controlled breeding is not comparable to the approach of most self-styled European “breeders”. However, it is also possible to find breeders here who are an exception, and use the Australian Labradoodle standard as a basis. To obtain specimens with certain characteristics and robust health, today it is still allowed to cross the Cocker Spaniel with other Retriever specimens.

The Australian Labradoodle thus has the possibility of establishing itself as an independent breed within a few years. This commitment to developing targeted and controlled breeding is not comparable to the approach of most self-styled European “breeders”. However, it is also possible to find breeders here who are an exception, and use the Australian Labradoodle standard as a basis. To obtain specimens with certain characteristics and robust health, today it is still allowed to cross the Cocker Spaniel with other Retriever specimens.

The Australian Labradoodle thus has the possibility of establishing itself as an independent breed within a few years. This commitment to developing targeted and controlled breeding is not comparable to the approach of most self-styled European “breeders”. However, it is also possible to find breeders here who are an exception, and use the Australian Labradoodle standard as a basis. The Australian Labradoodle thus has the possibility of establishing itself as an independent breed within a few years.

This commitment to developing targeted and controlled breeding is not comparable to the approach of most self-styled European “breeders”. However, it is also possible to find breeders here who are an exception, and use the Australian Labradoodle standard as a basis. The Australian Labradoodle thus has the possibility of establishing itself as an independent breed within a few years. This commitment to developing targeted and controlled breeding is not comparable to the approach of most self-styled European “breeders”. However, it is also possible to find breeders here who are an exception, and use the Australian Labradoodle standard as a basis.

Character

An affectionate four-legged friend

The Labradoodle is a very affectionate dog, which is not only evident in his teddy bear appearance. However, it is very difficult to predict the character traits of this four-legged friend, since it is the result of the crossing of twodifferent dog breeds. Labradoodles are often cuddly and sociable. These are very family-friendly dogs, as long as they have the opportunity to get all the exercise they need. Poodle and Labrador Retriever are in fact two breeds that are both descended from hunting dogs. To have a specimen with a stable temperament, one must only turn to reliable breeders. Those who are motivated only by the interest in a profitable activity, see the Labradoodle an easy profit: they save on the expenses and efforts necessary to have suitable breeding specimens, and without the worry of having the necessary skills for dog breeding. THEpuppies sold by these breeders have a problematic character. This is a defect that can be partly inherited from parents, who may never have been subjected to a behavioral test, and can partly derive from insufficient imprinting. Dogs with these problems can develop a fearful or aggressive character.

Raise a Labradoodle

The Poodle has a stronger canine hunting instinct than a Labrador. If the characteristics of the Poodle emerge more in the Labradoodle, one must prepare immediately to exercise the call. In the education of the dog it is very important to be consistent, because what we allow him as a puppy, letting ourselves be softened by the sweet face, will be taken for granted even as an adult. Only a balanced dog will be able to show off his good manners. It is a speech that applies to any four-legged friend, but that is even more true for Poodle and Labrador, two often underestimated working dogs. Attend a puppy class in the company of your Labradoodle, and then move on to the courses of a dog school, so you can learn together and maybe make some new friends.

Do mestizos enjoy more robust health?

There is a tendency to believe that dogs born from cross breeds always enjoy more robust health than purebred dogs. This is a wrong and potentially dangerous assumption, especially if the parents of an alleged purebred dog do not have a pedigree and cannot be sure of their health. Poodle and Labrador retrievers are two breeds that may have a hereditary flaw. Before breeding them on the farm, parents must undergo a screening that excludes diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Joints can be examined with an x-ray, while eye diseases must be investigated from a genetic point of view. Contact the breeder directly and ask them to show you the results of these analyzes.

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Labrador and Poodle also have two different hair structures. The former regularly sheds, while the latter is not subject to it. This factor can lead to dermatological problems, with symptoms that can range from itching to hair loss itself. Another compatibility problem concerns the different shape of the muzzle, which in the Labrador is much wider than the Poodle. This difference can therefore lead to dental malocclusion and jaw problems.

Feeding a Labradoodle

The importance of moderation

Labradors tend to be voracious and become overweight dogs. Precisely for this reason it is important to control the daily rations of food from puppies. Remember to reward your Labradoodle by alternating snacks with cuddles and small games, which will positively reinforce his behavior. Feed them high quality foods, with the right onesdog food nutrients, and grain-free, following the manufacturer’s directions. It can be helpful to weigh the food until you can divide the rations by eye. However, those provided by the manufacturer are only generic reference values. If the dog is exercising a lot or losing weight, despite sticking to the quantities indicated by the manufacturer, he will need to eat more. In the overall budget we must also include the small snacks we give to the dog to reward him. And if we want to give the dog a bite-sized pleasure, we can use dried snacks such as beef ears, low in fat, andbeef skin bones. Absolutely to be avoided are sugars, both as components of snacks and within normal meals. Finally, it is important that our Labradoodle always has fresh water available.

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A hair that requires a lot of care

Labradoodles can differ a lot in the type of coat, but there is one element that most of them have in common, namely the great care that this requires. The coat is often thick, and for this reason it must be brushed well every two days, so as to prevent it from getting knotted. Unlike the Poodle, which is not affected, the Labrador can shed a lot, and it is not possible to predict which trait the Labradoodle will inherit. Many owners regularly go to a pet grooming shop to get their dog’s hair clipped .

We want to emphasize that it is often sufficient to dry the dirt of the hair, and then brush it off. If you really have to bathe your Labradoodle, use a mild dog shampoo. If the came has a lot of hair inside the auricle, it is important to regularly clean the ears with a product designed for dogs. Painful inflammations can develop inside the ears, which then must be treated with the intervention of a veterinarian.

It is therefore important to get used to checking the dog’s ears every time we brush it.

Movement

Poodle and Labrador retriever are two dogs that were originally used in hunting, especially near streams and bodies of water. For this very reason, most Labradoodles love to swim. They are extraordinary companions for long hikes, and if well prepared, adult specimens can accompany us on bicycle or horse rides. Before trying a dog sport that involves many jumps, such as Agility, it is important to consult with your veterinarian. However, some Labradoodles are too heavy, and will not particularly enjoy this type of sport.

We can vary his daily routine, making him have fun from time to time with exercises that employ fetch games or by teaching him some simple commands. Mantrailing and other exercises that bring the dog’s nose into play are also very valid. Finally, many Labradoodles are particularly suitable for use as therapy dogs or as guide dogs for blind people, with truly exceptional results. The specimens that dedicate themselves to these activities must have precise character traits, and it is therefore important that a targeted selection is made in the farms.

Is the Labradoodle the right dog for me?

A Labradoodle can live happily in both the city and the countryside, as long as they keep active and get all the exercise they need. The ideal solution would be a fenced garden, where the dog can give free rein to his need for movement and activity. If the dog comes from a reliable breeding, he will have a stable temperament and will get along well with his other peers. If there are children in the family and they know how to behave respectfully with the dog, the Labradoodle will prove to be an extraordinary playmate. However, we must remember that the dog should never be left alone in the company of too young children.

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If the dog is made to socialize with cats from an early age, he will be able to coexist without problems with them, as long as our feline friends have also been educated in the same way. Smaller animals, such as the guinea pig and the hamster, may instead arouse his hunting instinct. The Labradoodle is a dog suitable for many types of owners, from those who live in the family to the elderly who live alone, from those who are at the first experience to those who are more experienced. What matters is having the pleasure of spending a lot of time in nature and in the company of our four-legged friend.

Is this the perfect dog for allergy sufferers but still want to have a faithful four-legged friend by your side? Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. The Labradoodle is a dog that can certainly shed its coat. In this case it would be more appropriate to consider a Poodle, who, not losing the hair, represents the best choice. However, allergens are not found in the animal’s fur, but in its saliva. If you have an allergy and are considering getting a dog, it is very important to consult with your GP first.

Where can I find a Labradoodle?

If you would like to welcome a Labradoodle into your home, ask yourself first if a Labrador retriever or a Poodle are not a better alternative. These are two breeds that are currently being bred with greater control, making it easier to find reputable breeders who will be able to show you the detailed pedigree of your new four-legged friend. The display of this documentation is much more important than it appears. It guarantees the parents’ suitability for reproduction, certifies the state of health of the specimens that are part of the family tree, and ensures that basic veterinary checks are carried out. Finally, a good breeder belongs to a dog association.

The breeding of Labradoodles, at the moment, is not subjected to this type of control. Parents often do not have any documents certifying their suitability for breeding. There is another factor to keep in mind: if two specimens of Poodle and Labrador are perfect for breeding the Labradoodle, they will presumably also be used for breeding their respective breeds. So if you are determined to get a Labradoodle, make sure that the parents have a clear family tree, and that they have certificates attesting to all veterinary checks. It would be absurd to pay a high amount for a dog whose genealogy is unknown, and on the other hand the high price is, unfortunately, the only element that unites reliable breeders and dishonest breeders.

If you choose to get an Australian Labradoodle, we can have greater confidence. As a point of reference in Europe we recommend the “Australian Labradoodle Association Europe” (ALAEU) and the “Australian Labradoodle Founders Alliance” (ALFA). Interesting and at the same time controversial is the affirmation of a new breed known as the “Cobberdog”. It is a breed that closely resembles the Australian Labradoodle, but which also includes the Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier among its ancestors.

We want to give you one last piece of advice: if you are looking for an adult dog, try to take a look at the kennel too. There you will find many wonderful four-legged friends who are looking for a new home!

We wish you and your faithful friend much happiness!

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