How Big Do Labradoodles Get? Average Growth & Weight Chart

Labradoodles were first bred in 1989 when breeder Wally Conron attempted to create a dog that could work as a guide dog, in a similar way to the popular Labrador Retriever, but that had the hypoallergenic properties of a Poodle. Although the original breeder has since said that he regretted creating the Labradoodle, it has become one of the most popular breeds in the world, and certainly one of the most popular hybrid breeds.

Whether or not a Labradoodle is hypoallergenic depends on whether it adopts the shedding traits of the Labrador or the non-shedding attribute of the Poodle, and the breed’s other characteristics are also dependent on which parent breed it takes after. As there are three sizes of Poodle, there are various sizes of Labradoodle, too, and this means that the size and weight of a Labradoodle can vary considerably.

Below, we have given a guide that aims to incorporate the most common sizes of this breed to help you determine whether your pup is at an appropriate size for its age.

Top 3 Facts About Labradoodles

1. The breed founder describes Labradoodles as a “Frankenstein monster.”

The Labradoodle was first bred in 1989 by Wally Conron who was trying to create a guide dog that was suitable for a client whose husband was allergic to dogs. Since then, Conron has gone on to lament his creation, stating that he created a Frankenstein monster of a dog that has spurned a generation of crazy dogs.

2. But their owners disagree.

But not everybody agrees with Conron’s assessment of the hybrid breed. It has gone on to become one of the world’s most popular breeds and arguably the most popular hybrid breed. It is popular for its loyalty and loving nature, as well as for its trainability and energetic nature.

3. Some, but not all, Labradoodles are hypoallergenic

Although the hybrid was first bred to be hypoallergenic, benefiting from the fact that Poodles do not shed like other dogs, not all Labradoodles offer the same benefit. In fact, some shed as much as the Labrador Retriever parent breed, which means they can shed a lot of hair.

Labradoodle Size and Growth Chart

Traditionally, the Labradoodle was bred by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle, but some breeders have used miniature and toy Poodles, which has led to smaller iterations of the breed. This means that there is a large variance in target height and weight from the breed.

The breed will usually reach full size by the time it reaches around 9 or 10 months, although may grow a little more before reaching 12 months old and its full mature size.

When Does a Labradoodle Stop Growing?

Standard and medium Labradoodles will generally stop growing at around 1 year of age, while miniature Labradoodles will stop growing at around 10 months. However, there is some deviation in this, and your Labradoodle may stop growing slightly sooner or later. If you notice your Labradoodle putting on extra weight when it is over 12 months old, it could be a sign that it is putting on too much weight. Check the height of the dog, compare it to the expected size, and make sure you are providing a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Factors Affecting the Size of Labradoodles

The primary factor that determines the size of a Labradoodle is whether the first generation was bred from a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle. Beyond that, factors such as diet and exercise play a big part. Dogs that eat more will usually grow heavier, although not necessarily bigger. Exercise helps to keep weight off but it can also lead to a growth in muscle mass, which also puts extra weight on the dog.

Some illnesses can cause growth to slow or speed up, and if your dog is growing more quickly or slower than expected for its age, and has any other symptoms of concern, it is worth speaking to a vet to ensure everything is OK.

Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Labradoodles should get protein from high-quality sources, typically including chicken, turkey, beef, and other meats. They can also get protein from vegetable sources as Labradoodles—like all dogs—are omnivores that benefit from a diet that consists of meat and pl1ant-based ingredients. Unless they have an allergy, Labradoodles can also eat grains and cereals. Such protein and other ingredients can come in dry kibble, via wet or canned food, or as part of a carefully constructed and safely prepared raw food diet.

Owners should follow feeding guidelines, which are usually given according to the weight or target weight of the dog. Ideally, the food should consist of around 20% protein by dry weight and needs to include appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and some fat.

How to Measure Your Labradoodle

Measuring your Labradoodle is a relatively easy process. To measure height, measure from the floor to the top of the dog’s shoulders. Length is measured from the neck to the base of the tail, and both length and height can be measured with a standard dressmaker’s tape or even a hard ruler. To measure the weight, if you can’t get your dog to stand on the weighing scale, weigh yourself first and then weigh yourself while holding the dog. Subtract your own weight from the combined weight to be left with your Labradoodle’s weight.

Alternatively, your vet or possibly a dog groomer may have scales and measures to help take the required measurements.

Conclusion

The Labradoodle has become one of the most popular dog breeds around the world and is almost certainly the most popular hybrid breed. It was bred as a guide dog that was also hypoallergenic but is more often kept as a companion dog. There are different sizes, according to the size of Poodle that was originally bred, which means that the typical weight and size of the Doodle can vary.

Featured Image Credit: Lindsay Helms, Shutterstock