From Australia, 1989. Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia in Victoria (now Guide Dogs Victoria) crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle to produce a guide dog for a woman whose husband was allergic to dogs.123
Miniature about 18-28 lb (8-13 kg), medium 26-45 lb (12-20 kg), standard 45-75 lb (20-34 kg). Another source gives 50-75 lb for standards and about 30 lb for minis. Females tend to be a little smaller.
Three coat types turn up: a tightly curled wool coat much like a Poodle's but softer, a soft and flowing fleece coat with a wave or kink, and a straighter hair coat. Coats with more Poodle in the mix tend to be curlier and shed less.234
A cheerful, affectionate people-lover that wants to be part of whatever the family is doing. Labradoodles are bright and keen to please, which helps with training, and they tend to be playful with a big personality while barking fairly little.432
Daily activity how busy a day looks
High. Plan on at least an hour a day, split into several walks plus games such as fetch. Many love swimming and hiking. Dogs with more Labrador in them are often the most energetic.432
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush at least twice a week (daily is better for curly coats) to stop mats forming, and book a professional trim roughly every six weeks to three months. Keep ears clean, trim nails and brush teeth regularly.43
Home where they are happiest
Suits an active household with room to move and daily outdoor time; the miniature size copes better with smaller homes.43
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality dog food suited to the dog's life stage, usually given as two meals a day for adults. Young puppies need more frequent meals.4
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and a good family dog. With slow, careful introductions they usually get along well with children and other animals.43
The story where it all began
The first planned Labradoodle litter was born in 1989 in Victoria, Australia, bred by Wally Conron to find a guide dog suitable for a home with allergies. Of the three puppies, one called Sultan went on to work as a guide dog in Hawaii. The cross soon became hugely popular as a family pet and is also used as a guide, assistance and therapy dog.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The very first planned litter had just three puppies, named Sultan, Simon and Sheik, from a Labrador mother called Brandy and a Standard Poodle father called Harley.1
2
Sultan, the first Labradoodle guide dog, was flown from Australia to Hawaii to guide a woman there, partly because both places had similar quarantine rules.1
3
Labradoodles often love water and tend to be strong swimmers.2
4
Labradoodles work as guide dogs, assistance dogs and therapy dogs as well as family pets.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The name 'labradoodle' is a portmanteau of 'Labrador Retriever' and 'Poodle', reflecting its origin as a crossbreed of those two breeds.2
Morning starts with a bounce on the bed, a wet nose in your ear, and a tail that won't stop wagging. After a quick breakfast, I fetch my favorite squeaky ball and drop it at your feet. We head to the park, where I splash through every puddle and chase a frisbee until I'm dizzy. Back home, I curl up on the sofa, head on your lap, while you read. Later, we play hide-and-seek around the house, my floppy ears flying. At dinner, I lie by the table, hoping for a dropped crumb. Every day is an adventure with my family.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
Major kennel clubs
Not recognised as a breed by any major kennel club. The AKC lets mixed-breed dogs join some activities through a separate programme but does not treat the Labradoodle as a purebred.2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Labradoodle. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upevery year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Labradoodle tip
Choose low-fat, single-ingredient treats and count them as part of your Labradoodle's daily calories, as they can be prone to weight gain and food allergies. If you notice itchy skin or tummy upsets, ask your vet.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Labradoodle, and at what times?
Feed your Labradoodle a complete, good-quality dog food suited to their life stage. Adults typically do best with two meals a day, while puppies need more frequent meals. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and you can set regular times that fit your routine.45Pet Wiki plan
What should a Labradoodle eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, good-quality dog food for their life stage is ideal. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, among others listed by the ASPCA. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.46
How often should I bathe a Labradoodle?
Bathing every three months is a good general guideline, but you can bathe more often if your dog is very active outdoors or has skin issues. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, adjusting as needed.7Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Labradoodle need brushing?
Brush at least twice a week, and daily is better for curly coats to prevent mats. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every 7 days, but more frequent brushing helps keep the coat healthy and tangle-free.43Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Labradoodle's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days according to Furry Diary's plan. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.7Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?
Plan on at least an hour of exercise daily, split into walks and games like fetch. Many Labradoodles love swimming and hiking, and dogs with more Labrador in them tend to be the most energetic.432
How do I look after a Labradoodle's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears regularly without pushing anything into the canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests ear checks every 14 days and daily teeth brushing for best results.7Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Labradoodle live?
Labradoodles typically live between 10 and 15 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups. A healthy diet and exercise can help support a long, happy life.43
Is a Labradoodle good with children and other pets?
Yes, Labradoodles are very people-focused and make good family dogs. With slow, careful introductions, they usually get along well with children and other animals.43
Can a Labradoodle be left alone?
Labradoodles are very people-focused and may struggle with long periods alone. The amount of time they can be left varies by individual; consult a good breeder or trainer for advice tailored to your dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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