The Labrador retriever and the Standard poodle are among the most popular breeds in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. These two lovable canines are also commonly crossbred to create a hybrid dog known as a Labradoodle.
The Labradoodle is also known as a Goldendoodle (as compared to a Golden Retriever) or a Poodle crossbred with either another standard poodle or another type of medium-sized breed like a Labrador retriever. The result of these breeding experiments is a hybrid dog known as Labradoodling, which has become one of the most popular designer dogs in the world today.
Labradoodle puppies for sale might be the perfect addition to your family—or perhaps not. It’s important to know what you need from your new pup before you begin looking for potential mates! Let’s dive right in:
Things to Consider Before Buying a Labradoodle
There are definitely benefits to owning a Labradoodle, but there are also some things to consider before committing to this adorable canine.
Temperament: Labradoodles have very calm and friendly temperaments, making them great family dogs but they may not be the best choice if you have very young children.
Coat: Labradoodles have a very dense, curly coat that requires daily brushing and regular trimming. This means that this sturdy canine would be a poor choice for someone who is unable to commit to daily upkeep.
Size: These sturdy dogs are larger than both Labrador retrievers and Standard poodles and they come in a variety of sizes. If you live in a small apartment or have limited outdoor space, a Labradoodle may not be the right choice for you.
Energy level: While Labradoodles are not overly energetic (in contrast to many other hybrid dogs), they are a bit more active than a Labrador retriever. If you are looking for a lower-energy dog, this hybrid may not be for you.
Labradoodle Puppies for Sale: How to Find Your Best Pup
A responsible breeder will never let you take a puppy home on a whim and a responsible owner will wait until the perfect pup finds you! The best way to find the perfect pup for you is to speak with breeders and visit their facilities.
If you’ve never owned a dog before, you might start with a rescue organization. Rescues are full of all sorts of dogs, so it’s easy to find a breed that matches your lifestyle.
Next, visit a few breeders and meet some Labradoodles in person. Make sure that the breeding facility is clean, and that the dogs appear healthy and happy.
Make sure that you spend at least an hour with the pups and their parents. Learn about their personalities and needs, and see how they interact with other dogs.
Is a Labradoodle Right for You?
Before you continue looking for the perfect Labradoodle, you should ask yourself a few questions to determine if this hybrid is the right choice for you:
Are you ready for a lot of grooming? The curly coat of a Labradoodle requires daily brushing, and it grows very quickly!
Are you willing to make time for daily exercise? While Labradoodles can adapt to any type of lifestyle, they do need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
Are you ready to provide regular veterinary care? All dogs require regular veterinary care, and Labradoodles are no exception.
Are you comfortable with a higher-than-average initial cost? A Labradoodle puppy will cost you more than a purebred of either breed.
Finding Your Dream Labradoodle
If you’ve determined that a Labradoodle is the right dog for your family, and you’ve visited a few breeders, you’re ready to find the perfect pup! Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting breeders:
Make sure that the breeder is reputable. Check references and read reviews on popular dog-related websites.
Ask for documentation of vaccinations and blood tests. You want to make sure that your pup is healthy and that you don’t bring home any diseases.
Make sure that the breeder lets you spend time with the pups. Don’t just look at them behind bars or in cages.
Take your time! Young puppies have lots of energy and will have a lot of fun with you. But they also need their naps!
And remember the perfect pup for you may not be the cutest pup in the litter. It’s important to find a pup that fits with your lifestyle and personality.
Labradoodle Care and Maintenance
Once you’ve found your dream Labradoodle, it’s important to make sure that you’re equipped to care for your new best friend. Here are some tips for keeping your pooch healthy and happy:
Daily brushing – You may want to hire a professional groomer for the first few years of your Labradoodle’s life so that you can keep up with the daily brushing necessary to prevent matting.
Regular exercise – Your Labradoodle will have lots of energy and will love an opportunity to run and play.
Good nutrition – Make sure you’re feeding your Labradoodle a high-quality diet designed for dogs with high energy levels.
Regular veterinary care – Your Labradoodle will need regular veterinary care, including vaccinations, teeth cleaning, and preventative flea and tick medication.
The Bottom Line
If you’re ready for a dog with a ton of love and affection, who can provide a lot of exercise for both you and your family, a Labradoodle might be the perfect pup for you. Be sure that you’re willing to commit to the daily upkeep required by a Labradoodle, and start grooming and training early.
