Labradoodle at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 30–70 cm
- Weight
- from 5 kg
- Life expectancy
- up to 14 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Labradoodle right for you?
Like every breed, the Labradoodle is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the dog.
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Labradoodle fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a crossbreed rather than a pedigree breed, made by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle, or sometimes a Miniature Poodle. Size, coat and temperament can vary a lot depending on the parents, but most are big, confident, intelligent dogs with plenty of enthusiasm.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
High
Typically more than an hour a day, with time off the lead.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The Labradoodle is one of the best known of the so-called designer crossbreeds. It began in Australia in the 1970s, when the Australian guide dog association was asked for a guide dog that would not trigger a woman's allergies. The association crossed one of its Labradors with a Standard Poodle imported from Sweden, and the first intentional Labradoodle litter was born.
Since then Labradoodles have been bred widely, some responsibly and some not, and a number have worked well as assistance dogs. There are breed clubs in the UK and elsewhere, but the Labradoodle is not currently recognised by any international kennel club. A Labradoodle may be a first cross, may be bred back to a Labrador or Poodle, or may have two Labradoodle parents.
Labradoodle temperament
Like most crossbreeds, a Labradoodle's personality depends on its parents and how it was bred and raised. Both parent breeds are typically lively, sociable and affectionate, and Labradoodles are usually very loving dogs that enjoy a cuddle and want to be part of the family.
They are highly social and usually welcome everyone happily. Temperament tends to be more consistent in first crosses; later generations are less predictable, so a good breeder who values behaviour as highly as health matters.
Labradoodles are considered medium barkers. They are more likely to be vocal when they want attention or food, or when they are frustrated. An untrained or bored Labradoodle can easily become unruly and overly boisterous.
Size and appearance
Height depends on the parents and can range from about 30 cm to 70 cm at the shoulder. Weight varies just as widely, from around 5 kg for small dogs to over 40 kg for large ones.
The coat may be like a Labrador's, like a Poodle's, or anything in between, and you cannot tell for certain until the dog is mature. Colours follow the parents: Labrador colours are black, yellow or liver/chocolate, and Poodles can be any solid colour.
How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?
Both parent breeds are highly active, and Labradoodles typically need one to two hours of exercise a day, with many happy to do two hours or more. They often need more exercise and input than new owners expect.
Alongside walks, they enjoy games, training, interactive toys and being involved in family activities. Their size and energy mean they suit a good-sized home with a large garden and access to the countryside for long walks.
Training a Labradoodle
Labradoodles are usually a joy to train because both parent breeds are intelligent and like working with their owner. They learn bad habits as quickly as good ones, though, so training should start early and carry on throughout life.
- Use positive, reward-based methods from puppyhood onwards.
- Teach your puppy to enjoy handling and grooming, as they will need a lot of it.
- Train them to happily give up any prizes they would rather keep hold of.
- Give them a job: dog sports such as agility or pet gundog work suit them well.
Labradoodle grooming
Grooming needs depend on which coat a Labradoodle inherits, and they can be anything from low to high maintenance. A Poodle-type coat may shed little or not at all but needs regular trimming. A Labrador-type coat sheds, and some coats are unruly and prone to matting. Daily grooming is often needed.
It is a good idea to find a local groomer who can either look after the coat or teach you how to do it as it develops. Check the ears regularly, as Poodles can have excess hair inside the ears, which can lead to infections or soreness.
Living with a Labradoodle
From a reliable breeder, and well trained from puppyhood, a Labradoodle can make a fabulous family dog that gets on with everyone. Their size and exuberance mean they may need extra supervision around children, particularly if they are untrained or bored. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A garden is helpful.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Labradoodle health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Health in crossbreeds varies, because some dogs take more after one parent breed than the other. When choosing a puppy, look for a responsible breeder who health tests both parents, and read about the conditions that affect Labrador Retrievers and Poodles.
Bloat and stomach problems
Like most large dogs, Labradoodles can be prone to bloating and stomach problems. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk.
Ear problems
Poodles can grow excess hair inside the ears, which can cause infections or sore ears, so regular ear care is important.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Labradoodle home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Labradoodle cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Labradoodle home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 14 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Labradoodle
If you have decided the Labradoodle suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Labradoodle
Labradoodles do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Labradoodles looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Labradoodle adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Labradoodle FAQs
Is the Labradoodle good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Labradoodle live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Labradoodle need?
High: typically more than an hour a day, with time off the lead. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Labradoodle shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Labradoodle need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Labradoodle easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Labradoodle be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Labradoodle bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Labradoodle good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Labradoodle live?
Typically up to 14 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Labradoodle get?
Adults typically stand 30–70 cm at the shoulder and weigh from 5 kg.