Labradoodle Breed Guide

Contents:

• Labradoodle at a Glance
• History of the Labradoodle
• Labradoodle Characteristics & Traits
• Labradoodle Life Stages
• Caring for a Labradoodle
• Common Labradoodle Health Conditions
• Cost of Owning a Labradoodle
• Labradoodle Name Ideas

The Labradoodle at a Glance

• Breed size: Small, Medium or Large (7-30kg, varies with Poodle parentage)
• Life expectancy: 12-15 years
• Exercise needs: High. Descended from active working breeds, Labradoodles require at least 60 minutes of daily exercise, combined with opportunities for training, play, enrichment and social interaction
• Space needs: Miniature and Medium Labradoodles can adapt well to apartments or smaller homes provided their daily exercise and enrichment needs are met. Standard Labradoodles generally appreciate more room to move and often thrive in homes with access to a secure yard
• Grooming needs: High. Their coat requires regular brushing to help prevent knots and matting, along with professional grooming every 6-8 weeks
• Shedding: Low to moderate depending on coat type, with fleece and wool coats generally shedding less than hair coats
• Hypoallergenic? No dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, many Labradoodles have lower-shedding coats that may be better tolerated by some people with dog allergies
• Barking tendency: Low to moderate. Labradoodles may bark to communicate, alert their family, or when they’re feeling bored or under-stimulated
• Trainability: High. Intelligent, eager to please and highly food motivated, Labradoodles often respond well to positive, reward-based training
• People-friendly? Yes. Labradoodles are affectionate, social dogs that typically form strong bonds with their family and often enjoy meeting new people
• Other pets? Usually yes. With appropriate introductions and early socialisation, Labradoodles generally get along well with other dogs and can live happily alongside cats and other household pets
• Family-friendly? Yes. Their playful, gentle and affectionate nature has made Labradoodles one of Australia’s favourite family companions
• Suitable for first-time dog owners? Yes. Their friendly temperament and willingness to learn make them a good choice for many first-time owners, provided they’re prepared to meet the breed’s exercise, grooming and training needs
• Best suited to: Active individuals, couples and families who have the time to invest in regular exercise, training, grooming and companionship for this intelligent and affectionate breed

Remember that every Labradoodle is an individual with their own personality and behaviours that may differ from the breed’s stereotypical characteristics.

What people love about Labradoodles

Labradoodles have become one of Australia’s most loved companion dogs for good reason. Owners often appreciate their:

• Friendly, affectionate nature and strong desire to be involved in family life.
• Intelligence and eagerness to learn, making training enjoyable and rewarding.
• Playful personalities that suit active households and families with children.
• Gentle temperament, which has helped many Labradoodles excel as therapy, assistance and support dogs.
• Adaptability, with miniature, medium and standard sizes available to suit different lifestyles.
• Soft, teddy bear-like appearance and low-shedding coat varieties.
• Strong bonds with their people and enthusiasm for joining in almost any family adventure.

Important things to consider

While Labradoodles make wonderful companions for many households, they’re not a low-maintenance breed. Before bringing one home, consider whether you can provide:

• Regular grooming. Low-shedding coats require frequent brushing and, for many dogs, professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to help prevent matting.
• Plenty of daily exercise and play. Labradoodles inherit energy from both parent breeds and can become bored if their physical needs aren't met.
• Ongoing mental enrichment. Puzzle toys, training sessions, scent games and interactive play all help satisfy their intelligent, curious minds.
• Lots of companionship. Labradoodles are highly people-oriented and generally prefer homes where someone is around for much of the day or where they're gradually taught to feel comfortable spending short periods alone.
• Space appropriate to their size. Miniature and Medium Labradoodles often adapt well to smaller homes, while Standard Labradoodles generally appreciate more room to stretch their legs.
• Consistent training from an early age. Their intelligence means they quickly learn good habits – but they can learn unwanted ones just as quickly if boundaries aren't consistent.

History & Origins of the Labradoodle

Labradoodles originated in Australia in the late 1980s, when they were purposefully bred to meet the needs of a blind woman seeking a guide dog that would not trigger her allergies. Labrador Retrievers were already well established as guide dogs thanks to their intelligence, trainability and gentle nature, making them a natural choice for one side of the cross. To introduce lower-shedding coat qualities, the intelligent and hard-working Standard Poodle was selected.

Since that first litter, Labradoodles have become much-loved companion dogs in Australia and around the world. While many are now family pets, they continue to be valued for assistance, therapy and service roles thanks to their people-focused temperament, trainability and intuitive nature.

As a modern crossbreed, the Labradoodle is not yet officially recognised as a breed in its own right by major kennel clubs. However, some Australian breed organisations continue working towards greater consistency in type, temperament and coat, with the goal of developing the Labradoodle into a recognised breed standard.

Common Traits & Characteristics of Labradoodles

Physical Appearance

The appearance of a Labradoodle can vary considerably depending on their genetics, coat type and whether they are a Miniature, Medium or Standard Labradoodle. Despite this variation, most share a friendly expression, floppy ears and the soft, shaggy coat that has become one of the breed's most recognisable features.

Their coats can range from loose waves to tight curls, with many owners comparing their teddy bear-like appearance to a cuddly toy. Because coat characteristics are inherited from both parent breeds, texture and appearance can vary considerably, even between puppies in the same litter. Combined with their athletic build and expressive eyes, Labradoodles have a distinctive look that reflects both their Labrador Retriever and Poodle heritage.

Size

Labradoodles come in three recognised size varieties: Miniature, Medium and Standard. Their size is largely influenced by the type of Poodle used in their breeding, allowing prospective owners to choose a Labradoodle that best suits their lifestyle and living space.

Labradoodle Type	Miniature	Medium	Standard
Poodle Parentage	Toy Poodle	Miniature Poodle	Standard Poodle
Height (to withers)	35-42cm	43-52cm	53-63cm
Weight	7-13kg	13-20kg	21-30kg
Breed Size	Small	Medium	Large

Coat

Coat Trait	Details
Colours	Shades of black, yellow, chocolate, cream, chalky white, red, and silver. Labradoodles may be a single solid colour, have a secondary colour or feature white markings
Coat Type	Fleece: Soft, silky coat that may be wavy or curly. This is generally the lowest-shedding coat type and is one of the most sought after. Wool: Dense, curly coat with texture similar to sheep’s wool. This coat type also tends to be low shedding but requires regular grooming. Hair: May be short and wiry or longer in texture, resembling the Labrador Retriever’s coat more closely. This coat type generally sheds more than fleece or wool coats. As Labradoodles are a crossbreed, the exact coat type, texture and shedding characteristics of individual puppies can’t be guaranteed, even within the same litter.
Coat Length	Medium
Hypoallergenic?	No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but lower-shedding Labradoodle coat types may be better tolerated by some people with dog allergies.
Shedding Level	Low overall. Varies with coat type.

Personality and Temperament

One of the reasons Labradoodles have become such popular family dogs is their affectionate, outgoing personality. While temperament can vary depending on genetics and individual upbringing, most Labradoodles inherit the intelligence of the Poodle alongside the friendly, people-focused nature of the Labrador Retriever.

Known for forming close bonds with their families, they generally enjoy being involved in everyday life, whether that's joining a walk, playing in the backyard or simply relaxing alongside their favourite people. Many Labradoodles are naturally gentle, playful and eager to please, qualities that have helped them excel as both family companions and assistance dogs. Many also retain a puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood, bringing a fun-loving energy to everyday life.

Their social nature means they often enjoy meeting new people and other dogs, particularly when they're well socialised from a young age. Given the right environment, Labradoodles are typically confident, affectionate dogs that thrive on companionship and interaction.

Trainability and Behaviour

Labradoodles are widely regarded as one of the more trainable companion breeds thanks to their intelligence, eagerness to please and strong desire to work alongside people. Originally developed for assistance work, they generally enjoy learning new skills and often respond extremely well to positive, reward-based training.

Short, engaging training sessions using food, toys or praise as rewards can help keep them motivated. Consistency across the household is equally important, as intelligent dogs quickly learn both desirable and undesirable behaviours.

Like all dogs, Labradoodles are happiest when both their physical and emotional needs are met. Without enough exercise, enrichment or companionship, some may develop unwanted behaviours as a way of relieving boredom or frustration.

To help a Labradoodle thrive, owners should be prepared to support a few key behavioural needs:

• Companionship: Labradoodles thrive on human companionship and often form very strong bonds with their families. Teaching gradual independence from puppyhood can help them feel more confident spending short periods alone, reduce frustration when left by themselves and lower the likelihood of developing separation anxiety-related behaviours.
• Exercise & Play: With two active working breeds in their heritage, Labradoodles need regular opportunities to run, play and explore. Without enough physical activity, some may channel their energy into behaviours such as digging, chewing or other unwanted habits.
• Mental Enrichment: Just as important as physical exercise, mental stimulation helps satisfy the Labradoodle's curious and intelligent mind. Puzzle toys, scent games, interactive feeders and trick training all provide excellent outlets for their natural problem-solving abilities.
• Socialisation: Positive experiences with different people, dogs, environments and everyday situations during puppyhood can help Labradoodles develop into calm, confident adults. Ongoing socialisation throughout life continues to build resilience and confidence in new situations.

Sociability

Friendly, affectionate and people-oriented, Labradoodles generally love being part of family life. Many happily greet visitors, enjoy meeting other dogs and are always keen to join whatever activity is happening around them.

Their socially inclined temperament means they usually thrive in homes where they're included in daily routines and spend plenty of time with their people. While they're often outgoing by nature, positive experiences with different people, places, sounds and situations throughout puppyhood remain important for helping them grow into calm, confident adult dogs.

Do Labradoodles get along with...

Children?

Labradoodles are generally known for their gentle, playful nature, making them popular companions for families with children. Their friendly personalities and love of interaction often make them enthusiastic playmates. As with any dog, interactions with young children should always be supervised. Standard Labradoodles can also be quite boisterous, particularly during adolescence, so teaching both children and dogs how to interact respectfully helps everyone enjoy each other's company safely.

Other dogs?

Most Labradoodles enjoy the company of other dogs, especially when they've been well socialised from a young age. Positive introductions and ongoing social experiences can help them develop into confident, well-mannered canine companions.

Cats and other pets?

Many Labradoodles can happily share a home with cats and other household pets when introduced thoughtfully and given time to adjust. Early socialisation and positive introductions help lay the foundation for harmonious multi-pet households.

Strangers?

Friendly by nature, many Labradoodles are more likely to greet visitors with curiosity than suspicion. While some may bark to announce someone's arrival, it's often out of excitement rather than protectiveness. Rewarding calm greetings from an early age can help encourage polite manners when meeting new people.

What to Expect as Your Labradoodle Grows

Like all dogs, Labradoodles move through several life stages, each bringing new behaviours, milestones and care requirements. The timing of these stages varies slightly between Miniature, Medium and Standard Labradoodles, as larger dogs generally take longer to mature than smaller varieties.

	Miniature Labradoodle Age	Medium Labradoodle Age	Standard Labradoodle Age
Puppy	0 – 12 months	0 – 12 months	0 – 15 months
Adult	1-7 years	1-6 years	16 months – 5 years
Senior	8+ years	7+ years	6+ years

Puppyhood

Puppyhood is an exciting period of rapid growth, learning and discovery. During this stage, your Labradoodle is building confidence, exploring the world and developing the skills they'll carry into adulthood. Throughout puppyhood, you can expect:

• Rapid growth and development
• First veterinary visits and vaccinations
• Important socialisation opportunities
• Learning life skills such as toilet training and basic obedience commands
• Teething and associated chewing behaviours
• Strong bonds developing with family members
• Introduction to grooming routines
• Growing independence and confidence

As your Labradoodle approaches adolescence, you may notice they become more independent or appear to forget previously learned commands. This is a normal developmental stage as they test boundaries and may include a second fear period. Remaining patient, consistent and positive with training will help guide them into a confident, well-mannered adult.

Adulthood

As Labradoodles reach adulthood, they often become more settled while retaining the playful, affectionate personality they're known for. During these years, you may notice:

• Greater confidence in themselves and their surroundings
• High energy levels and enjoyment of regular exercise
• Continued enthusiasm for training, enrichment and learning new skills
• Strong, lasting bonds with family members
• Ongoing grooming requirements to maintain a healthy coat

These are often the years when Labradoodles are at their most active and engaged. A balanced routine that combines physical exercise, mental stimulation, quality nutrition and plenty of companionship can help support their overall wellbeing throughout adulthood.

Senior Years

As Labradoodles enter their senior years, it’s natural for their activity levels and daily routines to gradually change. During this stage of life, you may notice:

• Reduced energy levels and a preference for gentler exercise
• More time spent resting throughout the day
• Continued enjoyment of companionship and family interaction
• Age-related changes to mobility, vision, hearing or cognition
• Ongoing grooming and coat care requirements
• More frequent veterinary health checks

Although they may slow down, senior Labradoodles still benefit from regular walks, enrichment and quality time with their family. Age-appropriate nutrition, routine veterinary care and thoughtful adjustments around the home can help support comfort, mobility and quality of life as they grow older.

Caring for a Labradoodle

Food & Nutrition

Labradoodles come in Miniature, Medium and Standard sizes, with each life stage and size having slightly different nutritional requirements. Feeding a complete and balanced diet that's appropriate for your dog's size, age and lifestyle helps support healthy growth, maintain an ideal body condition and promote lifelong wellbeing.

Feeding the correct life-stage diet is particularly important because growth rates differ considerably between Miniature, Medium and Standard Labradoodles. Standard Labradoodles continue growing for much longer than their smaller counterparts, so puppies benefit from a large breed puppy food formulated to support healthy bone and joint development throughout this extended growth period.

Miniature Labradoodles

Miniature Labradoodles come under the category of small breed dogs and, as such, do best on a diet appropriate for small dogs.

Age	What to Feed
Weaning to 11 months	Small breed puppy food
1-7 years	Small breed adult dog food
8+ years	Small breed senior dog food

Medium Labradoodles

As their name suggests, Medium Labradoodles are considered medium sized dogs and should be fed a diet for medium breed dogs.

Age	What to Feed
Weaning to 11 months	Medium breed puppy food
1-6 years	Medium breed adult dog food
7+ years	Medium breed senior dog food

Standard Labradoodles

The offspring of two large breed dogs - the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle - Standard Labradoodles should be fed a diet for large breed dogs. This is especially important for Labradoodle puppies, as large breed puppies have unique nutritional needs to support their growth patterns.

Age	What to Feed
Weaning to 14 months	Large breed puppy food
15 months - 5 years	Large breed adult dog food
6+ years	Large breed senior dog food

Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Labradoodles are energetic, intelligent dogs that thrive when both their bodies and minds are kept active. Most benefit from at least 60 minutes of exercise each day, alongside regular opportunities for training, play and enrichment.

Because they inherit the Labrador Retriever's enthusiasm for activity and the Poodle's intelligence, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. A balanced routine that combines movement, problem-solving and quality time with their family can help prevent boredom while supporting their overall wellbeing.

Activities many Labradoodles enjoy include:

• Daily walks
• Sniff walks
• Swimming
• Agility
• Obedience training
• Interactive play with family
• Puzzle and enrichment toys

Space Requirements

Miniature and Medium Labradoodles generally adapt well to apartments and smaller homes, provided they're given enough daily exercise, enrichment and opportunities to spend time outdoors.

Standard Labradoodles often appreciate more space to move and play and are well suited to homes with access to a secure yard. That said, living space is only one part of the equation. With sufficient exercise, mental stimulation and companionship, many Standard Labradoodles can also adapt successfully to apartment living.

Grooming Needs

One of the Labradoodle's most recognisable features is their soft, low-shedding coat, but it also comes with a lifelong commitment to regular grooming. Routine coat care helps minimise tangles and matting while providing a valuable opportunity to check your dog's skin, ears and overall health. Regular brushing can also help detect grass seeds, burrs and signs of skin irritation early, before they become more serious problems.

A typical Labradoodle grooming routine may include:

• Brushing several times per week (or daily for curlier coats)
• Coat trims every 6-8 weeks, which many Labradoodle owners choose to get done by a professional dog groomer
• Bathing as required, generally no more than once a month
• Routine nail trims
• Regular ear checks and cleaning when needed
• Daily dental care where possible

Introducing grooming from puppyhood helps create positive associations with brushing, bathing and handling, making grooming sessions more enjoyable throughout your Labradoodle’s life.

Common Health Conditions in Labradoodles

With appropriate nutrition, routine veterinary care and proactive preventative health, many Labradoodles enjoy long, healthy lives. Like all breeds, however, they can be predisposed to certain inherited or age-related health conditions.

Some health conditions commonly seen in Labradoodles may include:

• Skin sensitivities: allergies can cause itchy, irritated skin, and if the skin barrier becomes damaged, may increase the risk of secondary skin infections.
• Ear infections: their floppy ears can create a warm, moist environment where infections are more likely to develop.
• Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV): also known as bloat, this serious condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It requires immediate emergency veterinary treatment.
• Heart disease: some Labradoodles may develop heart conditions that affect how efficiently the heart pumps blood around the body, potentially leading to reduced exercise tolerance, coughing or lethargy.
• Hip dysplasia: abnormal development of the hip joint that can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility and arthritis over time.
• Osteoarthritis: age-related changes to the joints that may lead to stiffness, discomfort and reduced mobility, particularly during the senior years.
• Eye conditions: Labradoodles may be predisposed to inherited eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) which affect vision.

In addition to these breed-related conditions, Labradoodles can experience many of the same illnesses and injuries as any other dog breed. It’s important to familiarise yourself with signs of pain and illness in dogs so you know when to seek veterinary help.

Routine health checks, proactive preventative health measures like vaccinations and parasite protection, and monitoring for changes in appetite, behaviour, and other signs of illness can help identify and address health problems early.

How Much Does a Labradoodle Cost?

Bringing a Labradoodle into your family is a long-term commitment, both emotionally and financially. While the initial purchase or adoption cost is an important consideration, ongoing expenses such as food, grooming, training and veterinary care should also form part of your planning.

Initial Costs

• Purchase or adoption fee: The cost of a Labradoodle can vary significantly depending on whether you purchase from a reputable breeder or adopt through a shelter or rescue organisation. Adoption fees are generally lower and help support animal welfare organisations.
• Desexing: If your Labradoodle has not already been desexed, this is an important one-off expense to factor into your budget.
• Microchipping: A legal requirement of dog ownership in many parts of Australia. Many dogs bought from a breeder or adopted will already be microchipped as a condition of sale. Make sure you transfer the microchip details into your name.
• Vaccinations: Essential protection against a range of common preventable diseases. Following the initial puppy vaccination course, ongoing booster vaccinations will become part of your dog’s routine healthcare.
• Basic supplies: Essentials such as a bed, crate, food and water bowls, lead, harness, toys, enrichment products and grooming tools will all form part of your initial setup costs.

Ongoing Costs

• Food: Ongoing food costs will vary depending on whether you have a Miniature, Medium or Standard Labradoodle, as well as their age, activity level and individual dietary requirements.
• Health care: Routine health checks, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care and treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries all contribute to ongoing healthcare costs.
• Training and enrichment: Puppy School, ongoing training, enrichment toys and interactive activities all help support your Labradoodle’s physical wellbeing, mental stimulation and continued learning.
• Grooming: Regular brushing at home, professional grooming appointments every 6–8 weeks for many Labradoodles, and routine coat care all contribute to ongoing ownership costs.
• Pet insurance: Many owners choose pet insurance to help manage the cost of unexpected veterinary expenses and provide additional peace of mind.
• Registration: Many councils require you to register your dog(s) and pay an annual registration fee. The cost of registration varies on your location. Check your local council’s website for further details on the requirements in your area.

Best Names for a Labradoodle

When choosing a name for your Labradoodle, you might like to consider:

• Teddy-bear or sheep inspired names
• Names that reflect their coat colour
• Names that pair well with other household pets
• A name that is easy to say and remember
• Something unique that stands out at the dog park
• Australian-inspired names that celebrate the breed’s origins
• A name with special meaning for your family

Find Everything Your Labradoodle Needs from Puppyhood to their Golden Years

Whether you're preparing to welcome your first Labradoodle or already share your home with one, understanding their exercise, grooming, nutrition and companionship needs can help set them up for a happy, healthy life.

From puppyhood through to their golden years, Petbarn has everything you need to help your Labradoodle thrive, including premium nutrition, grooming essentials, enrichment toys, health care products and everyday accessories.