The Labrador Cross Poodle is a unique and fascinating breed that combines the intelligence and loyalty of a Labrador with the trainability and low-shedding coat of a Poodle.
They are often referred to as "Doodles" and can make excellent family pets.
In terms of size, Labrador Cross Poodles can range from 15 to 20 inches in height and weigh between 20 and 40 pounds.
This size range makes them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces or for those who want a smaller dog that still packs a big personality.
Worth a look: What Is a Standard Poodle
Physical Characteristics
Labradoodles tend to be almost the same size as standard labrador, with males measuring between 22 and 24 inches tall.
Female labradoodles will be around 21 to 23 inches tall.
Both male and female labradoodles weigh somewhere between 50 and 65 pounds.
Labradoodles that are the result of mixing with a miniature or toy poodle will be significantly smaller.
Broaden your view: Tall Poodle Dog
Miniature poodles measure between 9 and 15 inches tall.
Toy poodles are less than 10 inches tall.
Medium labradoodles, which is what you get when you mix a miniature poodle and a labrador, weigh between 30 and 45 pounds.
Male medium labradors will be 18 to 20 inches tall.
Miniature labradoodles are much smaller than their standard cousins measuring just 14 to 16 inches tall.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Medium Sized Poodle
Grooming and Health
Grooming your Labrador Cross Poodle requires some effort, but it's essential for their overall health and well-being. Daily brushing is a must to prevent tangles from forming in their coat.
Their nails need to be trimmed regularly, but be careful not to cut too far down. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week is also crucial to prevent dental problems.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in your Labrador Cross Poodle:
- Retinal atrophy
- Bloat
- Ear infections
- Allergies
If you notice any symptoms of these conditions, make an appointment with your vet for diagnosis and further treatment options.
Grooming
Daily brushing is a must for the Petite Labradoodle to prevent tangles from forming in their coat. Their coat requires a gentle touch to prevent matting.
Give them a bath with a high-quality dog shampoo only when it's needed, not too often. This will keep their coat clean and healthy.
Trim their nails if they get too long, but be careful not to cut too far down. This will help prevent painful ingrown nails.
Brush their teeth at least twice a week to keep them clean and healthy. Regular dental care is essential for their overall health.
Clean their ears gently one time a week, but never stick anything into the ears. This will help prevent infections and keep their ears clean.
If you're worried about grooming, nail trimming, or cleaning their ears, consider making an appointment with a reputable groomer. They can take care of the job for you and give you peace of mind.
Health and Conditions
Petite Labradoodles, like any other breed, can be prone to certain health issues. These can include inherited conditions from their parents, as well as some that can arise on their own.
Retinal atrophy is a serious health issue that can affect your Petite Labradoodle. It's a degenerative condition that can cause vision loss and blindness.
Bloat is another potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in Petite Labradoodles. It happens when the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow.
Ear infections are common in many breeds, including Petite Labradoodles. Keeping an eye out for signs like redness, swelling, and discharge can help you catch them early.
Allergies can also affect Petite Labradoodles, causing skin issues and discomfort. If you notice your dog scratching or chewing at their skin, it could be a sign of an allergy.
Here are some common health issues to watch out for in Petite Labradoodles:
- Retinal atrophy
- Bloat
- Ear infections
- Allergies
Hypoallergenic Breed
The Labradoodle's hypoallergenic coat is a major perk for many dog owners, especially those with allergies. This is because the poodle coat is often inherited, making the dog a good choice for those with allergies.
Some Labradoodles can be hypoallergenic, but it's not a guarantee - you'll need to check with the breeder to see if the puppy's parents passed on this trait. Unfortunately, not all Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, so it's essential to ask about the parents' coat types.
The Labradoodle's intelligence and friendly nature make them a popular breed, but their grooming needs are also a consideration. Regular grooming can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Labradoodles are generally moderately active, but their energy level can vary depending on their individual characteristics. Regular exercise and playtime can help keep them happy and healthy.
Related reading: Standard Poodle Grooming Styles
Temperament and Behavior
The Petite Labradoodle is an extremely intelligent breed due to its Poodle parentage. They're loving, caring, and affectionate family dogs that thrive in active families.
They're energetic, playful, and enjoy having fun with their family. You'll be surprised at how much this breed enjoys life. They're also pretty good at entertaining themselves, so they don't have to be always under a family member.
Recommended read: Teacup Poodle Breed
This breed is never aggressive but is very loyal to their family. They have an even temperament, making them a popular choice for service dogs. They're friendly, intelligent pups that make great companions.
As a family dog, they get along well with children when socialized and trained from an early age. They're full of energy and love to play, making them perfect for families with active kids.
Care and Ownership
The Labradoodle requires regular brushing, typically around 3 times per week, to keep their coat healthy and shiny.
They enjoy the interaction time, so it's a great opportunity to bond with your pup.
Labradoodles are light shedders, making them ideal for those with allergies, but it's essential to spend time with any potential new puppy before buying if your allergies are strong.
Daily exercise is also crucial, aiming for regular interactive activity every day, even if just for a few minutes at a time, to maintain proper health and optimal personality and confidence in your pup.
Typically Sedentary with a Need for Regular Activity
The Petite Labradoodle may be small, but they love to play and are quite active and energetic. They need regular activity to maintain proper health, optimal personality, and confidence.
They can adapt easily to apartment life, but a fenced-in yard is great for them to play and run in. Take them on one long walk a day and get outside to play with them. This can be as simple as tossing a ball or running around together.
This breed loves water and needs games that challenge them mentally. They'll enjoy activities like Frisbee or hide-and-seek.
Socialization is key to ensure they get along well with other dogs and pets. Train and socialize them as a puppy by taking them to the dog park, out for walks, and around strangers and other pets.
As a puppy, they may chase smaller animals around the yard, so proper training is essential.
Final Thoughts
As you've learned about the care and ownership of a Petite Labradoodle, remember that they require a lot of love, attention, and training.
Make sure you're prepared to deal with the costs associated with bringing a dog into your family, including expenses for food, vet bills, and supplies.
Training a Petite Labradoodle is crucial, and it's essential to start early and be consistent.
A loyal and happy companion is within reach if you're willing to put in the time and effort required to care for your new furry friend.
Be prepared to provide a loving home for the next 12-15 years, as that's the average lifespan of a Petite Labradoodle.
Puppies and Pet Compatibility
This breed gets along quite well with other dogs and other pets in general.
It's essential to remember that this breed does have the Labrador Retriever nature, which could see them chasing smaller animals around the yard, especially as a puppy before they're trained properly.
Socializing your puppy is key to ensuring they remain friendly and calm around other pets.
Pet Compatibility
Pet Compatibility is a crucial aspect to consider when bringing a new furry friend home. This breed gets along quite well with other dogs and other pets in general.
Socialization is key to ensuring a smooth transition for your new puppy. Make sure to train and socialize your Petite Labradoodle as a puppy by taking them to the dog park, out for walks, and being around strangers and other pets.
Chasing smaller animals is a common behavior in this breed, especially as a puppy before they're trained properly. It's essential to remember that this breed does have the Labrador Retriever nature, which could see them chasing smaller animals around the yard.
What About Puppies?
Labradoodle puppies will typically weigh between seven and twelve pounds by the time they reach two months of age. This is estimated to be one-quarter of their full adult weight.
Miniature labradoodles will be much smaller, weighing just four to seven pounds by the time they reach two months. They will then take them around another year to reach their full size.
It's essential to watch their diet during this time as these dogs love to eat. Overfeeding can lead to an overweight dog, which can be challenging to manage.
Here's an interesting read: Full Grown Husky Poodle Mix
Labradoodle puppies will keep putting in weight for about a year after reaching their full size to fill out. This means their owners need to be mindful of their diet to prevent overfeeding.
Their love for food means it can also be very difficult to put them on a diet once they have gained too much weight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Labrador cross Poodle called?
A Labrador cross Poodle is called a Labradoodle. This crossbreed is designed to be hypoallergenic and suitable for people with canine dander allergies.
Are Labradoodles a good breed?
Labradoodles are a great breed for active families who want a kind, playful, and affectionate companion. They require regular exercise, such as daily walks of up to an hour, to thrive.
How big do Labradoodles usually get?
Labradoodles typically weigh between 50 and 90 pounds, with some individuals reaching up to 100 pounds. Their size can vary significantly depending on their lineage.
Do Poodle lab mixes shed?
Unfortunately, many first-generation Labradoodle mixes do shed, but there are low-shedding options available. Learn more about our hypoallergenic Labradoodle breeds
Sources
- A Guide to Poodle Mixes and Doodle Dogs (marthastewart.com)
- Dog DNA Tests (amazon.com)
- The English Labradoodle – History, Personality, Care, & ... (recherchekennels.com)
- How Big Do Labradoodles Get? (All About The Labrador- ... (labradortraininghq.com)
- A post shared by @muffin_la_petite_labradoodle (instagram.com)
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