Labradoodles: An active and intelligent dog breed

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As a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle, Labradoodles are intelligent and active dogs that need lots of mental and physical stimulation. They are best suited to more experienced dog owners, not least because they will benefit from having several hours of exercise per day and a committed obedience routine for stimulation and good behaviour.

Personality-wise, Labradoodles are very affectionate and lively. They can make good family pets but due to their boundless energy, their ideal owner will enjoy being active and taking them on several long walks each day.

The Labradoodle is not a recognised breed and there are no breeding standards in place. Their ‘look’ therefore depends on their parents’ bloodline and it’s difficult to predict what a Labradoodle puppy may look like.

The coat of a Labradoodle can range from wiry to wavy, depending on their background. The colour of the coat can vary too but it can be anything from cream to black. In terms of grooming, their coat will benefit from daily brushing and combing to keep it dirt-free and in good condition. Labradoodles enjoy coming into contact with mud so this is a must to keep them clean.

Health-wise, problems can be difficult to predict (and this is the case for crossbreeds in general). Labradors and Poodles can be affected by hip dysplasia and eye conditions, and these are both possibilities for Labradoodles. Other potential health issues can include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (which can lead to blindness), cataracts, Multifocal Retinal Dysplasia and Addisons Disease (in which the adrenal glands are not producing enough steroid hormones).

Pet insurance for your Labradoodle

As with any breed, it’s always a good idea to have a dog insurance policy in place to help with unexpected vet fees.

If you’re introducing a Labradoodle puppy to your family, now’s a great time to take a look at our four weeks’ free WalkawayCover* created especially for new pups aged 8 weeks to one year.

*Puppy must be between 8 weeks and 1 year old and is subject to a CVS health check. WalkawayCover covers illness and accidents instantly. Not all breeds of dog are eligible.