Last Updated on July 30, 2021 by Marco C.
Putting two great things together often leads to fantastic results as is the case with the lab mix with poodle – the amazing Labradoodle cross. This combination of two of the most popular dog breeds is not accidental either. Rather, the two breeds were purposefully combined to create the perfect hypoallergenic guide dog. Did it work, however, and what exactly can you expect from a lab mix with poodle? We’ll cover all the basics below.
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What Does A Lab Mix With Poodle Look Like?
This mix can have a varying appearance and several different coats. Exactly how your Labradoodle looks will depend on what his parents looked like and whom the pup took more from.
On average, a cross between a standard poodle and a standard Labrador will be 21 to 24 inches tall (53 to 61 cm) and will weigh between 50 and 65 pounds (23 to 30 kg). If the cross was with a smaller or miniature poodle, the Labradoodle will be smaller.
As for the coat type of a lab mix with poodle, there are three main options:
- The “Wool” coat is semi-dense and hangs on loose curls. It’s non-shedding and doesn’t have a strong odor. This coat is largely why the crossbreed was created as purebred Labradors usually shed a lot.
- The “Fleece” coat is silky in texture and can be either straight or wavy. This coat will shed a bit but not excessively.
- The “Hair” coat is the least desirable one as it sheds and has an odor – it’s similar to a Labrador’s coat.
It’s a matter of luck which coat a first-generation Labradoodle is going to have but in second and subsequent generations breeders will try to focus on the first two coat types.
In terms of color, there are many different options, depending on the color of the parents.
Read more about: How Much Are Labradoodles Worth In Pet Stores and Breeders?
How Much Exercise Does The Labrador and Poodle Cross Need On A Daily Basis?
As both Labradors and poodles are fairly energetic dogs, so is the Labradoodle. These dogs usually need about an hour (or 2x 30 minutes) of active outdoor time. Adding a couple of hours of playtime in a well-fenced yard is also important as well as some indoor playtime with toys, with you, or with another pet.
All in all, the Labradoodle is not recommended for apartment living precisely because of how active the dog is. This isn’t to say that you can’t look after a Labradoodle In an apartment, of course. If the place is spacious enough and if you’re willing to spend some extra time in the dog park each day (to compensate for the lack of yard time), an apartment can work too.
These high energy levels usually mean a very playful nature too. Labradoodles can be overly enthusiastic and love to just jump and run around frantically whenever they get excited.
The Interesting Personality Traits Of Lab Poodles
Labradors and poodles are both very intelligent and social dogs and so is the Labradoodle. These dogs will usually get along swimmingly with both kids and other pets as long as they are properly socialized. Do be careful with very small children and toddlers, however. The high energy and unending enthusiasm of the Labradoodle can lead to some accidental knocks.
Like Labradors, this cross is also fairly easy to train as it has the instinctive desire to please people. Some obedience training is still required, of course, but it’s easier done than with most other breeds.
This high intelligence has some drawbacks too, however. If you leave a Labradoodle home alone for several hours, separation anxiety will become a very likely problem. This can lead to depression, disobedience, and even destructive tendencies.
It’s not a unique problem to Labradoodles, of course – almost all highly intelligent dog breeds can suffer from separation anxiety. There are several things you can consider in this regard:
- Make sure there’s a family member at home at (almost) all times
- Hire a dog sitter or a dog walker
- Arrange playdates with a fellow dog owner’s pet while you’re at work
- Get a lot of interactive and anti-anxiety dog toys to keep your pet occupied
- Exhaust your Labradoodle from playtime before you go out
- Get a second dog to keep your Labradoodle company
If none of these is an option and you have to leave your dog alone often – the Labradoodle may be the wrong breed for you.
Health Characteristics Of Labradoodles
Like their parents, a lab mix with poodle is a pretty healthy cross. Of course, there are some common issues to watch out for. These include:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Allergies
- Von Willebrand Disease
- Ear infections
To minimize the risk for any of these conditions you’d do well to get your Labradoodle from a reputable breeder. Such a breeder will offer you a health certificate for the pup as well as certificates for its parents. The rest is a matter of adequate care – feed your Labradoodle well, give him plenty of exercise, and don’t skip any of the routine vet check-ups, and everything should be fine.
Pros and Cons Of A Labrador and Poodle Mix
Pros:
- Very playful and energetic breed
- Highly intelligent and easy to train dog
- Great with kids ad other pets
Cons:
- Separation anxiety can be an issue
- There may be genetic health concerns if the breeder hasn’t been diligent with the breeding process
- The exact coat type of first-generation lab mix with poodle is a matter of chance
So, Is A Lab Mix With Poodle The Right Dog For You?
If you’re looking for a lively, fun, loving, loyal, and smart dog for a family pet, few are better than the Labradoodle. These dogs are great with kids too and aren’t as much of super-shedders as Labradors.
These dogs do need attention and company, however – the Labradoodle isn’t a pet you can just ignore. If you’re not 100% sure you’ll have the time and desire to play with your Labradoodle every day, a calmer pet may be a more suitable choice for you.
