There's a good chance that you will have come across a Labradoodle recently. While resembling living tedding bears, these wonderful fuzzy Labrador and Poodle hybrids are a common feature in most local parks.
The Labradoodle is one of the most popular breeds in the UK, and if you've met one or been fortunate to own one, you'll know exactly why these adorable pups are so in demand. So whether you already share your life with a Labradoodle, dream about adopting one or just interested to learn more, here are twelve fun facts about the Labradoodle crossbreed.
1. The first Labradoodle was created in 1988
It may seem like the Labradoodle has been around forever. But the breed was only introduced to the world in 1988. While working for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, Wally Conron bred the first Labradoodle following a request from a woman in Hawaii who wanted a guide dog that wouldn't aggravate her husband's allergies. Conron found a Labrador mum and a standard Poodle dad, and the result was a little puppy called Sultan, the first-ever Labradoodle.
2. Labradoodles come in all different sizes
The Labradoodle comes in three different sizes, standard, medium and miniature. Their weight and size range from 10-40kg and 30-71cm. A Labradoodle's size largely depends on the size of their Poodle parent.
…and a variety of colours
Labradoodles also come in various colours, including chocolate, cream, black, silver, red, apricot, or a mix. Their coat types can also vary. Some doodles rock wavy coats, the most popular doodle fur, while others sport wiry, curly or even straight hair
3. Labradoodles don't shed
There's no such thing as an entirely hypoallergenic dog. But the lovely Labradoodle does come pretty close. Most of them have Poodle type hair - a tightly curled coat that doesn't shed.
4. Labradoodles are very popular with celebrities
The Doodle is a popular breed among many famous names. Jennifer Aniston, Tiger Woods, Graham Norton, Jamie Lee Curtis and Joe Biden are all Labradoodle owners.
5. Labradoodles love to swim
While many dogs enjoy taking a cool dip on a warm day, Labradoodles love to be in the water and have a swim.
6. Labradoodles make great therapy dogs
Labradoodles are very intelligent animals with a wonderful, loving personality that makes them pawfect therapy dogs and guide dogs.
7. Labradoodles are wonderful family pets
Bursting with energy combined with their gentle and loving nature makes doodles such fantastic pets for families. Labradoodles inherit the best elements of their parent breeds, from their adorable looks to their intelligence and friendly personality.
8. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles are very different breeds
The Australian Labradoodle is not just a doodle that lives in Australia! They are very different to Labradoodles, with more than just Poodle and Labrador lines in their pedigree. These pups have six parent breeds: the Labrador, Poodle, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. The Australian Doodle has three different coat types, fleece coats, wool coats and hair coats.
9. Labradoodles are prone to certain health issues
While the Labradoodle is undoubtedly a beautiful dog with a lovely nature, it's original creator Wally Conron has said he regrets inventing the Labradoodle crossbreed because of their underlying health issues. A Doodle is more predisposed to certain health problems because their parent breeds are known to suffer from them, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and ear issues. A Doodle's floppy ears also make them prone to ear infections.
10. Labradoodles are a treat to train!
Since Labradors and Poodles are both known for their intelligence, it's not surprising that Labradoodles are easy to train. They are also very eager to learn and love to please. However, they can also quickly pick up bad habits and behaviours if you aren't careful.
11. The Bordoodle is another type of Doodle
Another variety of the Doodle is the Bordoodle, a cross between a purebred Poodle and a purebred Border Collie. Just like it's Labradoodle cousin, the Bordoodle is also very intelligent, friendly and active. But while it can have the curly fur coat of a Poodle, it may instead have the straight double coat of the Border Collie.
12. The Labradoodle is not a Kennel Club recognised breed
Despite its huge popularity, the Labradoodle is surprisingly not recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club and has no set breed standard. However, the Labradoodle Club in the UK (UKLA) considers this a positive as it allows for a healthier diversity in the Labradoodle's bloodlines.
So there you have 12 great Labradoodle facts to share with your dog-loving friends. How many did you already know?
