If you're looking for a gorgeous, low-shedding pup that's bursting with personality, then look no further than the Golden Labradoodle!
Keep reading to learn more about these amazing dogs and whether or not they're truly hypoallergenic. You'll also find out why the Golden Labradoodle makes such an excellent family pet!
A Brief Rundown on The Labradoodle
The Labradoodle actually comes in a variety of sizes and colors but we’re going to be focusing on the popular golden version. As a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Golden Labradoodle is intelligent and trainable — all while being as sweet, gentle, and loyal as can be.
It having Golden in the name does not mean it is related to the Golden Retriever. The golden is coming purely from its coloring. If you are interested in a Golden Retriever cross, you should look into a Goldendoodle.
Labradoodle Sizes
Poodles come in three sizes — Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Most Labradoodles are bred by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle, so they tend to be bigger dogs. In general, a Standard Golden Labradoodle will weigh somewhere between 50 and 80 pounds.
However, if you're looking for a small companion dog that won't take up too much space in your home, then a Mini Golden Labradoodle might be more your style. This Golden Labradoodle is created by using a Miniature Poodle in the mix. Miniature Poodles, by definition, are shorter than 15 inches at the shoulder.
The full-grown Golden Labradoodle's size will be affected by which parent it takes after, but Mini Labradoodles will typically be less than 40 pounds. It’s also possible to cross a Labrador Retriever with a Toy Poodle to get the Toy Labradoodle, though the final size can vary from individual to individual.
But just because they’re small doesn’t mean they don’t have big personalities!
The Colors of the Labradoodle
The Golden Labradoodle is a prized and highly sought-after version of the Labradoodle. However, both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles come in various colors, so the mix can produce quite a bit of variety.
Golden Labradoodles come in stunning colors from creamy shades of gold and apricot to vibrant reds and rich chocolates. They can also be white or even silver.
Plus, many Golden Labradoodle pups sport more than one color. For example, you could get an adorable cream-colored doodle with chocolate highlights or a golden-apricot mix with black patches!
Its coat adds even more character as it's either wavy or curly — so those ringlets just add to its irresistible charm! You can be sure that whichever color combo you pick will bring lots of joy into your life — after all, who doesn't love having such an eye-catching four-legged friend?
The best part is that the influence of the Poodle parent cuts down considerably on the typical shedding you expect from a dog. It's also incredibly soft and silky, giving you all the more reason to snuggle up with your pup!
Labradoodle Temperament
The Golden Labradoodle is one of the sweetest and most loyal breeds around. Similar to their Labrador parent, they have a gentle nature that makes them excellent family pets. And Poodles, though wary of strangers, are very loyal, loving dogs with their families. Thus, the Labradoodle tends to be eager to please their owners and gets along well with children.
Thanks to both parents, they tend to be quite intelligent. And the Labrador trainability really shines which means you won’t have too much trouble teaching your pup some basic commands or training it for agility competitions.
And if you ever find yourself in need of a furry friend who will never leave your side, then the Golden Labradoodle is the pup for you! Their loyalty is unparalleled and they’ll stick by your side no matter what life throws at you — now that's true friendship!
The Golden Labradoodles Exercise Needs
The Labradoodle tends to be pretty easy-going and laid back. They’ll be happy to curl up with you on the couch on a rainy day or even act as a pillow for small children.
However, thanks to their energetic Poodle parent, they are not lazy. Labradoodles will always be up for playing fetch in the backyard, taking a run around the neighborhood, or accompanying you on a hiking adventure.
They don’t need as much exercise as highly energetic dogs like the German Shepherd, but they’ll still need about an hour a day. This will keep them physically fit and healthy, as well as provide them with enough mental stimulation to avoid boredom.
Exercising Golden Labradoodles doesn't have to be complicated. For starters, take them on regular walks around the neighborhood. Not only will they get some physical exercise, but they’ll also get to explore new sights and sounds which will keep their minds active too.
Once they're a bit older, longer hikes are great for getting more of a workout in while allowing them to sniff around and explore nature.
Playtime is a great source of exercise for dogs of all ages. Fetch games are always popular as is the classic game of tug-of-war – both activities provide excellent physical activity while being fun for your Labradoodle at the same time!
Swimming is another great option if you have access to water. Not only does it involve lots of movement but it also helps to keep your furry friend cool in hot weather too. This breed is often a huge fan of water as well!
Of course, individuals will vary. Labrador-leaning Labradoodles will be more laid-back. But those who take more after their Poodle parent will require more stimulation — otherwise, your furniture may be in danger!
Who is the Perfect Fit for a Golden Labradoodle?
Mini Golden Labradoodles are great for families who want an active pup to join them on outdoor adventures. They provide just enough energy without being overly rambunctious or overwhelming.
For those wanting a larger doodle that can still fit comfortably inside their house, the standard Labradoodle size is ideal. This size dog offers lots of cuddles with plenty of room to move around while playing indoors.
Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
Labradors have those short coats, but they still shed as much as the next dog. However, Poodles are prized for their virtually no-shed coats and are less likely to bother an allergy sufferer.
You will often hear Labradoodles promoted as hypoallergenic dogs. However, it really depends on the individual. If the dog hair is more like the Poodle parent, he will be more hypoallergenic, though no dog is truly 100% allergen-free.
For the lowest chance of allergy issues, you might consider a different cross — a Labradoodle crossed with a Poodle. Then there is a higher chance that the Poodle hair tendencies come through. Of course, any double doodle with a higher percentage of Poodle in their linage will do the trick.
Furthermore, your grooming habits can help cut down on the allergens your pup leaves lying around. Frequent brushing will not only help keep your pup’s coat shiny and silky but also clear away dander and keep it from being left all over your house.
History of the Labradoodle
How did this delightful pup come to be? The story is quite interesting. In the late 1980s, a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband had severe allergies contacted Australian breeder Walter Conron, looking for a hypoallergenic guide dog.
He started by trying to train Poodles, but the pups couldn’t be calm enough to serve their purpose. So he decided to try a cross between a Labrador, a guide-dog standard, and the Poodle.
The right puppy from the mix worked perfectly, though some people balked at the fact that the dogs were not purebred. Through a marketing gimmick and the catchy “Labradoodle” name, Walter managed to change that perception.
Now the doodle craze has exploded and people are crossing lots of popular purebreds with poodles. There are Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, Shepadoodles, and more!
Labradoodles Make Great Family Pets!
All in all, Labradoodles make great family pets. Not only are they intelligent, loyal and loving, but also they get along great with children. Their gentle nature makes them ideal pets for families with young ones around.
Whether it's playing fetch in the backyard or snuggling up on the couch together while watching movies — this breed is sure to provide lots of fun times and lasting memories. So if you're looking for a furry friend who will fit right into your family then look no further than this designer dog breed!
Visit the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com for more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips.
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