Labradoodles are enormous fun; energetic, intelligent and love the company of other dogs and children (see note of caution for under 5s) They are easily trainable because they love to learn and please.

The value of these cross-bred dogs, the result of a planned mating between a Labrador and a Poodle (F1) or a Labradoodle and a Poodle (F1B) is that the offspring are thought to possess a hybrid vigour with less likelihood of developing the hereditary problems often associated with the pure breed from which it is derived. However, the level of hybrid vigour is likely to diminish if the first cross progeny are then bred on to F2 F3 etc.

We advocate that the cross breeding should be carefully planned and that only the best representatives of the breeds should be selected, paying particular attention to conformation and temperament and only breeding from appropriately screened dogs. Labradoodles like their Labrador ‘cousins’ will only be as good as the breeding lines of their parents.

Labradoodle size and coats

Labradoodles sizes can vary greatly. Prospective owners should do their research and if possible talk to other owners to get a good idea of what to expect. Obviously the size of the parents plays a part but the size of the puppies in the same litter can vary. The Labradoodle bred from a Standard Poodle can grow to be larger than the average household can cope with if space is restricted. Some families looking for a smaller size family dog will look for a ‘Doodle’ bred using a Miniature Poodle where the height at the shoulder of the full grown dog could be expected to be between 14-16” (Miniature) or 17-20” (Medium).

As with size, coats can also vary within the same litter of F1 puppies. Some people decide to buy a Labradoodle because they have heard of the (mistaken) non shedding reputation. Some F1 puppies may shed very little, if at all, whilst others may have a ‘hairy’ coat which will shed to varying degrees. A reputable breeder will never sell you a puppy claiming it to be ‘non-allergenic’. The coats of F1B puppies tend to shed very little, if at all.