UPDATED! Labradoodle: Breed of the Week
Are Labradoodles Good City Dogs?
You may have noticed a new kid on the block. All of a sudden, everywhere, there seem to be Labradoodles! Big ones, medium-sized ones, small ones: Labradoodles are one of the most popular of the so called “designer dogs.” (Funny, when I was growing up we called them “mutts!”)
The Labradoodle got their start in Australia back in the 1980s when an Australian veterinarian crossed a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. This hybrid dog was bred to be “hypoallergenic.” Hypoallergenic, if you didn’t know, is defined as causing fewer allergic reactions than normal. Most people are under the impression that it means “allergy-free.” With that in mind, there is no such thing as a allergy free dog. Labradoodles tend to shed very little dander thus reducing the allergic reaction for those with dog allergies.
There are actually two breeds of Labradoodle: the Australian, which is a pure breed dog, and the American, which is a hybrid. The Australian is a result of breeding two Labradoodles while the American is still the result of mixing Poodles and Labs.
There are several different ways in which breeders derive the Labradoodle, without going into too much detail, the further down a blood line, the more Labradoodle traits your dog will have. This affects temperament, coat type, and whether or not they shed. If you would like to learn more about how Labradoodles are crossbred you can read more on Dog Breed Info.
If your main reason for buying a Doodle is for allergy reduction, you want to find an Australian or what has become known as an F3 or higher generation Labradoodle. This means that the Labradoodle puppy is a third or multi-generation Doodle, which is more hypoallergenic than a F1 (first generation).
They are susceptible to hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and ear infections. They come in many colors as well as coat textures. Again, it all goes back to what percentage of your dog is Lab and what percent isPpoodle.
Do Labradoodles Bark?
Labradoodles are intelligent, loving, loyal dogs. They come in a variety of sizes so you can find the one that fits our living situation. That means they are probably going to make a great Urban Dog for you.
The traits of your Doodle with depend on whether your dog is more Poodle or Lab or all Doodle. These are things to keep in mind when searching out a breeder. To help you with your search check out the Australian Labradoodle Association of America website to help you find a reputable breeder .
It is important to train your city dog. You don’t want your pooch to misbehave in your building’s common areas. Our research shows that Doodles share a very important characteristic with their Poodle forebears: they are very easily trained.
We did a little research and found that the consensus is that Labradoodles are not considered excessive barkers.
For tips on how to find a pet-friendly apartment in New York and other cities read Urban Dog’s guide. Big dogs pose a particular challenge, but don’t worry, you can find places that accept large breed dogs.
