Everything You Need to Know About Labradoodles

First created in 1989 by Wally Conron while he was working at the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, the Labradoodle was a cross-breed between a male Poodle and a female Labrador. He produced the breed after receiving a request from a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband was suffering from allergy brought about by longhaired dogs.

In such a short time, Labradoodles became so popular despite controversies about health and mental problems that commonly afflict the breed. Also, illegal breeders were quick to turn the breed into puppy mills, making Conron regretful of creating the Labradoodle. However, even celebrities like Tiger Woods, Christie Brinkley, Neil Young, and Jennifer Aniston have Labradoodles as part of their families.

After the Labradoodle’s popularity, some people decided to create a “new breed” out of them. Labradoodles are still quite large in size, and many were after a labradoodle type that could be cozier to keep at home. And so, the Miniature Labradoodle was born!

According to The Labrador Site, there are two types of Mini Labradoodles: Mini Labradoodle and Mini Australian Labradoodle, also known as Toy Labradoodles. They are a cross-breed between a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. However, the Mini Australian Labradoodle has other breeds in its lineage: American Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel. This is the reason why the Mini Australian Labradoodle has a silkier coat than a Mini Labradoodle.

Talking about coat, this breed has 3 types:

• Wool. Shares a similar texture of coat to a poodle, with low-shedding hair, but this type of coat needs regular grooming.
• Fleece. May be spiral curly or wavy with a soft, easy-to-manage texture that facilitates grooming.
• Hair. Similar to a Labrador Retriever but a little bit shaggier. Not very curly.

When it comes to coat colors, Mini Labradoodles come in a wide range of choices, either in solid or multiple shades due to its Poodle ancestry. (Although some with more dominant Labrador traits may also show up in the solid colors of black, chocolate, or yellow.):

• Silver
• Silver-Beige
• White
• Black
• Brown
• Cream
• Gray
• Blue
• Red
• Apricot

How about the size? A typical Mini Labradoodle may grow up to 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. But if it inherited its Labrador parent’s trait in terms of height, it may reach up to 24 inches. If you want to have a more accurate guess regarding size, take a look at its parents. It’s also better if you choose a second or third generation mix to have a Mini Labradoodle that’s smaller.

Smaller, yes. But you should expect this breed to be as energetic as its ancestors which are from a working breed. A Mini Doodle needs regular exercise, everyday walks, and other physical activities, like swimming and playing. It’s also best to provide it with interactive toys to stimulate both mind and body.

Since both of its parents are intelligent and human-oriented, Mini Doodles may share the same traits, including temperament. However, it’s highly recommended to train them early about socialization since puppies may be scared of new people and new surroundings just like other dogs.

Everyone who wants to adopt a Mini Labradoodle must also be aware that this breed can inherit the kinds of health problems to which a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle are prone. Both breeds are susceptible to Hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, although a responsible breeder would not choose a dog who’s positive in any of these conditions to produce puppies.

Here are more health conditions that a Mini Labradoodle may experience:

• Cataracts
• Gastric dilatation
• Hypothyroidism
• Patellar luxation
• Cushing’s disease
• Addison’s disease
• Exercise-induced collapse
• Epilepsy
• Centronuclear myopathy
• Chronic active hepatitis
• Sebaceous adenitis

But you must bear in mind that a Mini Labradoodle can enjoy a long and healthy life with regular check-ups, right diet, and everyday exercise. In fact, its parent poodle can live from 10 – 18 years, while a Labrador has a life span of 10 – 12 years. Thus, you can expect a Mini Labradoodle to live within this range.

Now, want to see a Mini Labradoodle in full action?

In this viral post on Tiktok, you’ll see little Koda, and what you’ll agree to be the happiest zoomies in the world!

This puppy has just been given his own backyard, and his reaction to the gift is simply delightful and unforgettable! You can tell how much he appreciates his fur parents’ love for him as he bursts out running round his yard in pure excitement. Yep, it’s just the beginning of more joyful days for their whole family.

@kodatheminidood

I think Koda approves of his yard, what do you think? #apartmentdog #labradoodle #minilabradoodle #zoomies #upgraded #yarddog #frompuppytodog

♬ BRENT MORGAN What Dreams Are Made Of – Brent Morgan