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Deciding whether a Labradoodle is the right breed for you and your family can be difficult. While these designer dogs have quickly become one of the most popular breeds in recent years, there are both pros and cons that you should consider before getting one. This article will discuss some of the Labradoodle’s most significant benefits and drawbacks so that you can make an informed decision about bringing home this bouncy and loving breed.
What Exactly Is a Labradoodle?
The Labradoodle is a designer breed developed by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. While the precise origin of this breed is unclear, it is thought that the Labradoodle’s popularity began in Australia in 1989 when Wally Conron, the leader of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Victoria, bred a litter to produce guide dogs suitable for people with allergies. Since then, Labradoodles have grown increasingly popular as family pets due to their intelligence and loyalty.
Top 8 Labradoodle Pros
1. They Are Highly Intelligent
With Poodles and Labrador Retrievers being two of the smartest breeds around, it’s no surprise that Labradoodles are incredibly smart too! This means they can quickly pick up new commands and tricks, making them great candidates for agility training.
2. They Are Loyal Companions
Labradoodles form strong emotional bonds with them and need lots of attention to make them happy. This is why they make a choice for service dogs, guide dogs, and therapy dogs.
3. They Are Friendly Towards Other Animals
Despite their large size, Labradoodles tend to get along well with other dogs and cats due to their loving nature. This makes them a great choice for people that already have pets, but are looking for another compatible dog to add to their home.
4. They Don’t Shed Much
Poodle coat genetics mean that Labradoodles have a low-shedding coat, which benefits those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Although not truly hypoallergenic, they are pretty close and they were bred to be friendly to allergy sufferers.
5. They Require Minimal Grooming
Labradoodles do not require a massive amount of grooming because of their short coats. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent mats. But, their coats can also be cut into different styles to cut down on grooming.
6. They Are Great for Active Families
Labradoodles get along well with children and adults, making them a great choice for families. But Labradoodles enjoy an active lifestyle and need plenty of exercise to remain healthy.
7. They Have a Long Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is 12 to 15 years, which gives you plenty of time to form a strong bond with your pup! They are also relatively healthy, so you don’t have to worry too much about illnesses as long as they receive regular vet care.
8. They Come in Various Sizes
The size of the Labradoodle can vary depending on the size of their Poodle parent. So, you can choose from mini, medium, or standard size when selecting one as a pet.
Top 7 Labradoodle Cons
Top 7 Labradoodle Cons1. They Require Lots of Exercise
Labradoodles need lots of daily physical activity to stay healthy and happy. Without enough exercise, they may become restless, destructive or develop depression. They are not suitable for people that have busy lifestyles and don’t have time to spend with them. As with any breed, the Labradoodle can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. This can manifest in destructive behaviors such as chewing or barking.
2. Can Be Difficult to Housebreak
Training a Labradoodle can take some patience and consistency, as they may need more guidance than other breeds regarding housebreaking. However, they are intelligent and should pick up on things pretty quickly with the proper training methods.
3. May Require Professional Grooming
Depending on your pup’s coat, you may need to take them to your favorite groomer every few months for a trim and bath. This is especially true if you want them to maintain a certain hairstyle, which can cut down on grooming that you have to do at home.
4. Potentially High Vet Bills
Although they are a relatively healthy breed, Labradoodles are more prone to injuries than other breeds due to their active lifestyle. This could mean higher vet bills. Labradoodles can also be prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies if not properly cared for.
5. They Are Expensive to Buy
Labradoodles can cost up to $3,000 depending on the breeder, making them an expensive purchase compared to other breeds. This is especially true if you want a specific color or size that may not be as common.
6. Can Bark Too Much
The Labradoodle’s natural alertness means they may bark at noises or visitors more than desired. This makes them great guard dogs, but they may not be great for small spaces and apartments if they’re going to bark a lot.
7. Not Suitable for Small Homes or Apartments
Speaking of small spaces, Labradoodles aren’t good for these spaces anyway. As active dogs, Labradoodles require plenty of room and space to run around to stay healthy and happy. Therefore, this is not an ideal breed for smaller homes or apartments due to the daily exercise they need.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Bring Home a Labradoodle
If after reading these pros and cons, you’re on the fence about whether a Labradoodle is right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself before bringing one home.
What Does the Perfect Home, Family, and Lifestyle Look Like for a Labradoodle?
An ideal home for a Labradoodle is one with plenty of open space to run and play and experienced dog owners with the time and energy to train, exercise, and socialize their pup. The family should also be prepared for potential vet bills associated with this breed and the need for professional grooming appointments. A Labradoodle’s temperament should also be considered before bringing them home due to their outgoing personalities; they may require more attention than other breeds. Lastly, it’s important to ask yourself if you are willing to put forth the effort needed to ensure your pup lives a happy and healthy life.
Other FAQs About Labradoodles
Are Labradoodles good family pets?
Yes, Labradoodles make excellent family pets. They are intelligent, friendly, and energetic – perfect for a busy family lifestyle.
Are Labradoodles good service dogs?
Labradoodles are often used as service dogs due to their intelligence and loyalty. They can be trained to assist with various tasks and easily perform them.
How big do Labradoodles get?
Labradoodles come in various sizes depending on the parent breeds. The most common size is medium, usually weighing 30–45 pounds and standing 16–24 inches tall.
Are Labradoodles good for first-time owners?
Yes, Labradoodles make great companions for first-time dog owners. They are loyal, loving, intelligent and eager to please, so naturally they respond well to training and socialization. Plus, they have an even temperament which makes them easy to handle.
Conclusion
Understanding the pros and cons of bringing home a Labradoodle is important for any potential pet parent, as it can help you decide whether this breed of dog is right for your lifestyle. With their intelligence, loyalty, and outgoing personality, Labradoodles make great family pets but require plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention to stay happy and healthy. So before committing to bringing one into your life, take the time to ask yourself these questions above to decide if a Labradoodle is the best fit for you!
Featured Image Credit: Josh Borup, Pixabay
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