15 Labradoodle Pros & Cons: What to Know Before You Bring One Home
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The Labradoodle is a hybrid breed, which means that it is a cross between two pure breeds. In this case, the Labradoodle combines the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, both of which are very popular dog breeds. The breed has become a very popular dog and has also been used as a service dog in a variety of settings. But, as popular as the breed is, there is no single breed that is ideal for all potential owners. Like any breed, the Labradoodle has pros and cons for potential owners.
Below, we look at both the good and the bad points of this hybrid breed, to help you decide whether it is the right choice for you and your family.
The 8 Pros of Owning a Labradoodle
1. They Love Their Family
Labradoodles have a lot of features that make them a good choice as a family pet. They are loving and loyal, love playtime, and are robust enough that they can cope with accidental knocks from children. They also really enjoy quiet time and this combination means that the Labradoodle will do well in a family with young children and older adults.
2. Labradoodles Get On With Strangers
It isn’t just family members that Labradoodles get along with, either. They are very happy and cheerful dogs that will get along with most people. Owners do need to ensure that their Labradoodle is socialized from a young age because this will help ensure that the dog is not fearful in new situations.
3. Some Shed Very Little
The Labradoodle was originally bred to hopefully create a service dog with the skills of the Labrador, combined with the low-shedding and hypoallergenic nature of the Poodle. In some cases, this combination means that the resulting hybrid breed does not shed much or often.
4. They Enjoy Hybrid Vigor
Hybrid vigor is a somewhat controversial topic, but it refers to the fact that purebred dogs suffer because they are more likely to suffer genetic and hereditary conditions. Because hybrid and cross-breed dogs combine different breeds, it reduces the risk of these hereditary conditions being passed on, which is referred to as hybrid vigor. Regardless, the Labradoodle is known for being a generally healthy breed.
5. There Are Different Coats
The Labradoodle does combine features of the Labrador Retriever with those of the Poodle. This combination has given rise to several different coat lengths and styles, including straight and curly, as well as shorter and longer coats. This gives potential owners a good choice of different coat styles.
6. Labradoodles Come In Different Sizes
Similarly, Poodles, in particular, come in three different sizes—standard, miniature, and toy. This means that Labradoodles can also come in different sizes, so you can choose the size that best fits your personal preference and your family’s requirements.
7. Labradoodles Are Intelligent And Easy To Train
Both Labradors and Poodles are known for being intelligent dogs that are easily trained, and this means that the trainable trait has been passed down to the Labradoodle hybrid breed. This has seen the hybrid breed becoming almost as popular as a service dog as both the parent breeds and it means that the breed is suitable for first-time as well as experienced owners.
8. They Are Quite a Common Breed
The Labradoodle is arguably the most popular and common hybrid breed. This means that there are plenty of breeders offering Doodles. It also means that there is a good variety of different coats and sizes, as well as colors, to choose from.
The 7 Cons of Owning a Labradoodle
1. They Can Be Stubborn
Although Poodles are intelligent and can be easy to train, they can also be somewhat headstrong and a little stubborn. These traits have been passed down to some Labradoodles. It depends on whether the Labradoodle takes on the traits of the Poodle or the Labrador.
2. Labradoodles Want To Be In Charge
Another trait that might be passed down to the Labradoodle is that it wants to be in charge. It is important that you set down ground rules early in the relationship with your Labradoodle to ensure that the dog does not take charge of the family.
3. They Don’t Make Good Guard Dogs
Labradoodles enjoy the company of family and they usually get along with strangers from delivery people to passers-by. This makes them good dogs for families that welcome a lot of visitors, but it means that they do not make effective guard dogs. They are as likely to present a burglar with their toy as they are to bark and alert their owners to the presence!
4. Some Labradoodles Shed a Lot
While some do not shed much, like their Poodle parents, those that take on the coat traits of the Labrador parent can shed a lot. Regular brushing can help prevent hairs from getting on the furniture but the heavy shedding means that some Labradoodles are not as hypoallergenic as the original breeders wanted.
5. They Need a Lot Of Exercise
Both parent breeds need a lot of exercise which means that the resulting hybrid Labradoodle will also need plenty of daily exercise. Expect to provide at least 90 minutes of exercise a day, ideally combining regular walks with more strenuous exercise. Labradoodles can do very well in agility and other canine sports classes. Such classes are not only good to help meet the dog’s exercise requirements but build a bond between owner and dog and can also help with training and socialization.
6. Labradoodles Are Prone To Some Health Issues
Although the Labradoodle is generally considered a healthy hybrid breed, it can still be prone to several illnesses and conditions. The primary health concern of the Labradoodle is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint does not align properly and it can cause discomfort and pain.
- Related Read: Do Labradoodles Smell More Than Other Dogs?
7. They Are Expensive for a Hybrid
Hybrid dogs and cross-breed dogs are generally inexpensive, with the higher price tags reserved for purebred dogs. However, the popularity of the Labradoodle means that its price has risen and you can end up paying as much for one as you would pay for some purebred dogs.
Conclusion
The Labradoodle is a very popular breed of dog, and arguably the most popular of all hybrid breeds. It is known for being a loyal, loving, and affectionate dog that usually gets along with everybody including strangers. It is also an intelligent dog and comes in a variety of sizes and coats. However, the hybrid can be expensive, requires plenty of exercise each day, and they don’t make good guard dogs.
Featured Image Credit: Lopolo, Shutterstock
