Labradoodles: 19 Reasons Why They’re the Best Doodles

The Labradoodle breed is a designer dog that was first bred by mating a standard-sized Poodle with a Labrador Retriever.

Despite their lack of recognition by the American Kennel Club, they are becoming an increasingly popular breed among the canine community.

Labradoodles are loved by thousands of families because they are a happy, active, friendly, and warm-hearted breed who make the perfect addition.

Read on to learn our top 17 reasons for why this dog is the best Doodle breed.

19. Labradoodles Are The Cutest

Your Labradoodle’s appearance may somewhat be unpredictable. No matter which size, variation or color; one thing that can be agreed upon is their adorable appearance!

Realistically, they may inherit traits from either side of their family tree (Poodle or Labrador). Often, their appearance is described as being teddy-bear like.

This is mostly due to their Poodle parent. Many poodle mixes are often known for their teddy-bear like appearance.

Other popular poodle mixes include the Shih Poo, the Saint Berdoodle, and the Cockapoo.

18. They Are Not Known To Be Aggressive

Not a breed known for any aggressive tendencies; they are an intelligent and observant dog.

When socialized and trained well at an early age, the Labradoodle is a very friendly canine.

An easy-going breed, their lack of aggressive behaviors makes them an excellent breed around children. They are able to remain extremely patient and caring.

They do not make a great guard dog. Like their Labrador parent, they are friendly and do not resort to intimidating behaviors.

17. They Are Highly Adaptable

Highly adaptable this dog can fit well into a variety of living situations. Labradoodles are very adaptable for many reasons:

• Their easy-going personality
• Their size variations
• Their warm temperament

As long as their exercise needs are fulfilled, then they can even thrive in a small home or inner-city apartment.

16. And Are Hard Working Too

The Labradoodles have proven themselves to be a hard-working dog over the years. Their various working roles include:

• Hunting
• Scent
• Service
• Therapy
• Show

There are specific traits (e.g. loyalty, a moderate to high activity level, intelligence, and endurance) which make this breed the perfect working dog. All of these traits can be used to describe this designer mix.

Labradoodles thrive on having a job to do, and love to accompany you around the house while you do your job too.

Because of their high mental and physical requirements, they are an active breed and love having a task. This mix is more active than other doodle mixes.

15. Labradoodles Make Great Family Pets

Due to the different size varieties; there is a Labradoodle to suit many different homes.

Perhaps you’d prefer a miniature if you lead a busier life? If you’re searching for a running buddy to add to the family, then perhaps a standard size is more suitable?

Their high adaptability makes them a great family dog for many different types of families.

It is important to note, this breed does not cope well with being left alone for extended periods of time. This is due to their Poodle parent, who may suffer from separation anxiety.

14. Labradoodles Are The Best Of Both Worlds

Half Poodle, and half Labrador Retriever, this mix brings together two of the most popular breeds in America together:

• Labrador Retrievers are known to be loving, gentle, and family-orientated.
• Poodles are known for their intelligence, companionship, and alert characteristics.

13. They’re Increasingly Popular

Despite the claim the first Labradoodle appeared in Australia in 1970, the first actually appeared in America five years earlier. One named Fang was known as a TV Star on the television show Get Smart in 1965.

They are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Labradoodle is becoming increasingly popular across the United States.

Due to their appealing characteristics and sweet family-orientated temperament; more and more breeders are popping up. It is important that you still aim to find a responsible and reputable breeder.

12. Labradoodle Puppies Are Cheaper Than Goldendoodles

At approximately $1,500 to $2,500 USD, the price of your puppy depends on the breeder, your puppy’s parents, and their litter history.

You should also expect to pay a higher price for mini labradoodles.

Miniaturized varieties are often harder to find due to the risks involved with mating different sized breeds.

11. You Can Rescue One!

Unfortunately, there is sometimes a downside to their increased popularity, many end up abandoned and in rescue shelters.

If you would prefer to adopt rather than shop, then there are many organizations and shelters in the United States dedicated to the rehoming and rehabilitation of this breed!

Popular organizations include:

• IDOG Rescue Inc
• Doodly Dandy Rescue

Adopting a senior rescue dog can be a heart-warming and exciting experience for both you and your family.

10. Labradoodles Love Swimming

Both parents of this dog (the Labrador Retriever and Poodle), are water dogs. In particular, Labrador Retrievers LOVE to swim!

Because of their parents’ affinity for water, the Labradoodle also has a fondness for water.

Their love of swimming gives you more ways to bond and interact with your puppy. They may even like to join you for those hot summer afternoon dips.

Other great swimming locations for your doodle include: rivers, beaches and even a paddling pool.

We recommend, where possible, introducing your puppy to swimming at an early age.

9. They Make Great Therapy Dogs

Did you know that the first Labradoodle was bred with the purpose of acting as a guide dog to those who required a hypoallergenic breed?

Because of this, they are known to be great therapy and working dogs; they’d be a natural.

They have an affectionate, intelligent, and understanding nature that allows them to work and develop connections with many different people who may require assistance.

In fact, in a recent study it was summarized that the presence of therapy dogs in social situations increases the typical social responses of children with autism.

This means that the Labradoodles were facilitators to help those with difficulties to form connections with not only them, but with other external stimuli as well.

They are frequently used and bred to be a therapy dog in the United States as well as all over the world.

8. They Live For Up To 15 Years

Known for being a relatively healthy breed, one of the aims of this designer breed was to reduce any predisposing genetic health issues certain breeds may have.

If your dog is well loved and looked after (e.g. nutrition, environment and exercise), then they have an average life expectancy of approximately 12 to 15 years of age (that’s 93 human years).

However, there are some potential health issues that you may still need to be aware of.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are diseases which affect both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Therefore, it is possible this health condition can affect their pups.

This is a musculoskeletal disease that occurs due to a malformation of the hip or elbow socket. The ball and the socket of the joints do not fit well and often rub and irritate your pup as they move.

Long term hip and elbow dysplasia may lead to osteoarthritis if not treated early.

This disease may occur due to poor breeding practices, hereditary conditions, or poor nutrition (i.e. obesity).

7. The Labradoodle Is Super-Easy To Train

Known to be one of the smartest designer dog breeds, this mix is super trainable! This is due to two key reasons:

1. Both the Poodle and Labrador Retriever parents are on the top 10 list of the smartest dog breeds in the world.
2. They love to please their owners. This dog is huge on people-pleasing; so seeing you content and smiling, when they’ve aced a trick, makes them happy.
3. Due to their Labrador Retriever parent, Labradoodles are an extremely food-oriented breed. This means that they will do anything for food and are ready to focus, learn, and succeed so long as a treat is in your hand.

As an intelligent dog, the Labradoodle catches onto training sessions very quickly and usually picks up basic commands such as “sit, stay and down” within days.

The key is to make training fun and light through positive reinforcement methods (i.e. use reward based training practices).

Easy to train breeds often make excellent family dogs because they don’t require overtly experienced owners to ensure they mature into a well-mannered canine member.

6. They Are Great At Playing Brain Games

As an intelligent and active breed, this designer mix loves and craves mental stimulation.

Mental stimulation can be provided to your puppy in many different ways: trips to the dog park, interactive games, walks, runs, and a change of environment (such as the river or beach).

Stimulating your puppy’s brain with a new and exciting environment is a great way for you and your family to bond. It is a great thing to be able to take your pet on adventures with you!

If they are socialized and trained correctly from an early age, the Labradoodle does well with mental stimulation and can handle changes in environments very well.

Training sessions can also be used as a means of mental stimulation so you can be sure your Labradoodle will be invested in their training sessions and will not easily bore.

5. They Come In Three Different Sizes

This designer mix can come in a variety of sizes. The main sizes include: toy, miniature, and standard.

Their size is dependent upon their Poodle parent who may also come in a selection of these three sizes.

The weight of the Labradoodle can range from 15 to 65 pounds.

Toy sized are usually the lighter side of this range, while Standards are on the heavier side, and Miniatures fall somewhere in between.

Additionally, they come in a variety of colors, including: black, white, cream, chocolate, apricot, red, gold, silver, gray and yellow.

4. Labradoodles Are A Low Shedding Breed

Great news for dog allergy sufferers, this breed is considered to be low shedding; some are even be recognized as a hypoallergenic breed. This is especially true when your dog’s coat is fleece like or wooly in texture.

Their “hypoallergenic” title is not necessarily a promise due to unpredictable coat inheritance traits. Therefore levels of coat shedding may vary.

Some definitely shed more than others.

For example

• If your puppy inherits the Poodle coat then their fur is more likely to be dense, and curly. The Poodle’s coat is also a single coat and therefore they do not shed often.

• If your puppy inherits the Labrador Retriever coat then their fur is longer, thicker and somewhat straight. This also means that your pup is more likely to have a double coat – which indeed sheds more frequently.

Low shedding breeds make for great family breeds for those who have allergies or also have limited times on their hands for grooming; it makes caring for a pet easier too.

As a low shedding dog, their grooming requirements are lowered. This means that less time needs to be spent on brushing your pet’s coat. Many owners choose regular trips to the groomers for their Labradoodle.

We still recommend brushing and de-matting your puppy’s coat frequently; perhaps a few times a week?

3. They Love Socializing

Known for being a highly social breed, they are keen to socialize with all walks of life.

The Labradoodle is known to get along infamously well with other canines in the household, as well as other pets (e.g. cats). However, socializing isn’t restricted to just dog-to-dog or dog-to-human interactions.

In fact, the Labradoodle loves socializing in more ways.

The process of socializing your puppy also covers the introduction of new environments, noises and objects too.

Socializing allows your Labradoodle to learn, understand and be confident in new environments and situations.

This characteristic makes them a great family dog who you are confidently able to take on all your new adventures.

2. Labradoodles Make Great Cuddle Buddies

Dogs seek contact with their owners due to the hormone oxytocin. This hormone plays a key role in the social bonding of your dog. Research suggests that dogs release this hormone when they interact with their owners.

This hormone is also released when they cuddle, play, or simply gaze at their owners.

The Labradoodle gives fantastic cuddles because of a variety of reasons.

Firstly, their super soft curly coat makes them extremely great cuddle buddies. Who doesn’t love a super soft pooch to snuggle?

Secondly, the Labradoodle is a very affectionate breed.

It’s true that they loves to play. However, they also seek those quiet nights cuddling their loved ones.

1. They Are Super Playful

The Labradoodle makes for one of the best doodles due to its fun and playful demeanor. It is their playful demeanor that makes this breed stand out when it comes to getting along with children.

Who better to keep your children company than a playful family pet?

Playtime provides your puppy with a means of releasing energy and helps them to bond with both you and other family members.

Play can consist of running around the yard, fetch, toy play, or interactive games. The Labradoodle has great retrieval dog instincts.

Which Is Your Favorite Fact?!

The Labradoodle is a sociable, friendly, active, and playful pet that fits right into any family, so long as their mental and physical needs are equally met.

Their super attentive personality makes them a great therapy dog and cuddle buddy, and their endurance makes them a hard-worker as well as a sucker for playtime.

With a variety of sizes and colors to choose from, the Labradoodle is increasing in demand as a family pet.

In our opinion the Labradoodle is definitely the best doodle designer mix and we hope our 19 best reasons were enough to convince you!

Which was your favorite? Did we leave any out?

Other Labrador Retriever and Poodle Mixes

If you’re interested in learning about other Lab mixes or poodle mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.

Lab Mixes

• German Shepherd Lab Mix
• Pitbull Lab Mix
• Blue Heeler Lab Mix
• Golden Retriever Lab Mix
• Rottweiler Lab Mix
• Beagle Lab Mix
• Border Collie Lab Mix
• Husky Lab Mix
• Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
• Labrabull
• Boxador
• Mini Labradoodle
• Australian Labradoodle

Poodle Mixes

• Corgipoo
• Bichon Poodle
• Bernedoodle
• Shepadoodle
• Saint Berdoodle
• Aussiedoodle
• Irish Doodle
• Goldendoodle
• Australian Labradoodle
• Cockapoo