Labradoodle
A fun-loving, energetic cross of Labrador good nature and Poodle smarts — sociable and up for anything.
Overview
Energetic medium-to-large crossbreed between Labrador Retriever and Poodle with curly or wavy coat, originally developed as a hypoallergenic companion and guide dog. Size and coat type can vary significantly based on generation and Poodle parent size.
Best for
- •Active families and owners who want a friendly, trainable companion and can commit to regular coat care and plenty of exercise. Labradoodles suit sociable, busy-but-present households that enjoy an outgoing, playful dog and understand the grooming their coats usually need.
May not suit
- •People wanting a truly low-effort or guaranteed non-shedding dog, or those away all day. Their coats often mat quickly, they have real energy to burn, they dislike being left alone, and as a mix their size, coat, and temperament can vary considerably.
History & Origins
First intentionally developed in Australia in the late 1980s by Wally Conron for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia. Created by crossing Labrador Retrievers with Poodles to produce a hypoallergenic guide dog combining the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the temperament and trainability of the Labrador Retriever. Not recognized by major kennel clubs.
Characteristics & Traits
Lifestyle
Apartment Living
Families with Children
First-Time Owners
Other Dogs
Alone Time Tolerance
Shedding Level
Grooming Needs
Behavior
Trainability
Barking
Prey Drive
Exercise
Energy Level
Exercise & Training
Aim for around 60–90 minutes of total activity per day. As a cross of two active breeds, the Labradoodle needs a good daily outlet — brisk walks, play, and retrieving games — plus mental work to keep that clever brain satisfied.
Daily Walks by Living Situation
Apartment or Home Without a Backyard
2 walks / day
~35 min each
Two good walks a day plus play and training can keep an apartment Labradoodle happy, though many are energetic and medium-to-large and appreciate more room to romp.
Home With a Backyard
2 walks / day
~35 min each
A secure garden is great for play and fetch, but a Labradoodle is a people-focused dog that still needs walks, company, and mental work — not just yard time.
Daycare or Park Time?
Sociable Labradoodles often love daycare, which suits their energy and love of company and can help ease their tendency towards separation anxiety. Choose a well-run, well-supervised facility.
As a cross of two athletic breeds, Labradoodles are energetic and love water and retrieving. Build fitness gradually in growing puppies to protect developing joints, and supervise them around water.
Training
Inheriting the intelligence and willingness of both parents, Labradoodles are quick, enthusiastic learners.
- Start early and keep it positive — Labradoodles are bright and eager, so short, upbeat, reward-based sessions work brilliantly.
- Socialise widely from puppyhood so their natural friendliness matures into confident, polite adulthood.
- Teach calm greetings and 'four paws on the floor' early — their bouncy enthusiasm to say hello needs channelling.
- Keep that clever brain and lively body busy; a bored, under-exercised Labradoodle can turn to chewing and mischief.
- Build up alone time gradually, as this sociable cross can be prone to separation anxiety.
Keep sessions short, positive, and rewarding; this eager cross loves to learn and needs mental challenges as well as exercise.
For Pet Parents
Labradoodle coats vary from soft fleece to tight curls to straighter 'hair', but most are low-shedding and, in return, high-maintenance. The fleece and curly types mat easily and need near-daily brushing plus regular professional clipping to stay healthy and comfortable.
Grooming Commitment
Most Labradoodle coats are low-shedding but high-maintenance: the fleece and curly types especially mat easily and need brushing most days plus a professional clip every six to eight weeks. Add weekly ear checks (their hairy ears trap moisture), regular nail trims, and dental care, and the coat is a real commitment despite the low shedding.
At-Home Basics
- Difficulty
- Moderate to high
Caring for Your Labradoodle at Home
Brush most days
Work through the coat almost daily with a slicker brush and comb, right down to the skin. Fleece and curly Labradoodle coats mat close to the body, and a few missed days can turn soft fur into tight, uncomfortable knots.
Keep the ears dry and clean
Their floppy, hairy ears trap moisture and are prone to infection. Check them weekly, dry them thoroughly after swimming or baths, and clean the outer area only if needed.
Trim around the eyes
The hair around the eyes grows quickly and can irritate them or block their vision. Keep it tidy and wipe away tear staining with a damp cloth.
Trim nails and brush teeth
Trim nails about every four weeks — if you hear clicking on the floor, they're too long — and brush the teeth several times a week with dog toothpaste.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming 'low-shedding' means low-maintenance — most Labradoodle coats need brushing most days and regular clipping.
- Brushing only the surface, so mats form unseen against the skin and eventually have to be clipped off.
- Leaving the ears damp after swimming or bathing, which leads to painful ear infections.
- Stretching out professional grooming appointments until the coat is badly matted.
When to Call in a Professional
A professional groomer is important for most Labradoodles, typically every six to eight weeks, to clip and shape the coat and keep it healthy and comfortable. Book in sooner if you find matting you can't gently work out at home — a groomer can often rescue a coat that would otherwise have to be clipped short.
Coat & Colors
- Type
- Fleece, wool (curly), or hair
- Family
- Curly / wavy (poodle-cross)
- Shedding
- Low (varies with coat type)
- Seasonal Change
- Minimal
- Matting Risk
- High for fleece and curly coats
Common Problem Areas
Groomer's Guide
Technical reference for professional groomers — specifications and standard operating procedures intended for certified groomers.
groomingLabradoodle coats can mat easily, especially the curlier and fleece types. Without regular brushing and professional clipping, mats form close to the skin and can cause pain and skin problems — badly matted coats sometimes have to be clipped off entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
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