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Labradoodle |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Canada <> France -> Australia | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Labradoodle |
| Labradoodles are a specific crossbreed of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Initially designed as hypoallergenic guide dogs, Labradoodles quickly became popular for their gentleness and joyfulness. Labradoodles are high-energy dogs that combine the personality traits of Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. Because the Labradoodle is not a breed, there is no consistency in appearance or temperament. Size, coat color and temperament vary widely, and they can be prone to the same diseases as their parents. Whatever the case, they make wonderful family dogs and are also used as guide, service and therapy dogs. |
History of the Labradoodle |
| The Labradoodle was created by an Australian breeder and veterinarian, Wally Conron, at the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia in Victoria. Although they first appeared in 1955, it wasn't until 1988 that these specific crossbred dogs became popular. By crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, Conron aimed to combine the low shedding properties associated with the Poodle with the friendliness and trainability of the Labrador Retriever. Hopefully, this cross would result in a hypoallergenic dog that could be used as a guide dog for allergy sufferers. Although not entirely successful, as Labradoodles are not hypoallergenic, some shed less. However, as the Labradoodle is not a breed of dog, there are many inconsistencies between dogs with certain characteristics, such as shedding potential, being unpredictable until the animal reaches adulthood. Born from Conron's first litter, Sultan served as a guide in Hawaii for 10 years. Today, many organizations that breed guide and assistance dogs use Labradoodles. Jonnie was the first guide dog to graduate from the Western Australian Blind Association in 2010. However, despite the success of many assistance and guide dogs, Conron said he regretted creating the cross. The inconsistency of Labradoodles' characteristics has created problems, especially with the rise in popularity seen in recent years. Some breeders only cross Labrador Retrievers with purebred Poodles, creating a more genetically uniform F1 hybrid generation that is more diverse and therefore has fewer inherited health problems. On the other hand, other breeders cross Labradoodles with other Labradoodles, creating F2 hybrids likely to cause more problems due to the limited size of the gene pool. These are also known as multigenerational or Australian Labradoodles. Some lines even include crosses with English or American Cockers, Irish Water Spaniels and soft-coated Wheaten Terriers. Lovers of this designer breed and groups involved in Labradoodle breeding are striving to achieve breed status, with the aim of bringing breeders together to standardize selection criteria. In addition to guide and service dogs, Labradoodles make excellent therapy dogs and, of course, pets. You'll also find hybrids of this hybrid with breeders now crossing the Labradoodle with the Goldendoodle to create what they call the Double Doodle. |
A little of the Labrador Retriever |
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| The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized, friendly, charismatic dog from the Retriever group. Originally bred to retrieve game, the Labrador Retriever has continued to show aptitude for many different jobs, such as companions, assistants and sniffer dogs. Today, they contribute to society in these roles, but are also the most popular dog breed in many countries as companion dogs. | ||
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| Standard of the Labrador Retriever | ||
A little of the Poodle |
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| The Standard Poodle is one of three variants of the Poodle breed, the other two being the Miniature and Toy. The Poodle is undoubtedly the most popular choice of dog for creating specific crossbreeds. This is not only because they come in three different sizes, but also because they tend to have soft fur and a gentle, intelligent nature. Poodles have been around since the 15th century and are descended from the French Barbet, a water dog. Although the Poodle is mistakenly thought to be a French breed in its own right, experts agree that it originated in Germany, where it was used for duck hunting. | ||
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| Standard of the Poodle |
Appearance of the Labradoodle |
| The Labradoodle can have three types of hair: straight (called bristles), wavy (called fleece) and curly (called wool). Hair type is unpredictable, and the coat can vary from slightly stiffer to soft. Although they can be any color, the most common colors are chocolate brown, cream, apricot, red, black, silver and chalk. There are three possible sizes: the standard Labradoodle measures 53 to 61 centimeters in height and weighs 23 to 27 kilos, the medium Labradoodle measures 43 to 51 centimeters in height and weighs 14 to 20 kilos, and the small Labradoodle, 36 to 41 centimeters in height, weighs 7 to 11 kilos. |
Temperament of the Labradoodle |
| Labradoodles are intelligent, sociable dogs, affectionate with adults and children, as well as pets. They are friendly, energetic, highly intelligent and always ready to play. They love water and are good swimmers, just like their parents. Versatile family and therapy dogs, Labradoodles are devoted and enthusiastic, and their willingness to please makes training much easier. People generally say that the Labradoodle has the energy of a Labrador Retriever and the work ethic of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The Labradoodle is considered a good pet for those getting a dog for the first time, as they're generally easy to get along with and can be calm, despite all their energy and mischief. Again, because they're not a breed, there's a lack of uniformity in their offspring, with some puppies being more intelligent, reserved and calm, like Poodles, and others being noisier and slower to develop, like Labrador Retrievers. The same applies to their coats, which can be longer or shorter, or more or less prone to shedding. Labradoodles are generally high-energy dogs that are not well suited to apartment living, and need physical and mental stimulation to blossom fully. Exuberant jumpers, Labradoodles may be too much for small children, accidentally knocking them over. The Labradoodle is a gentle dog that doesn't possess many guard dog characteristics, although it probably barks to alert visitors. |
Needs and activities of the Labradoodle |
| Labradoodles have the potential to be very energetic dogs. They need at least thirty minutes of exercise a day, but for your dog to release all that extra energy, keep them active for at least an hour a day. They can be destructive if they don't get a proper outlet for their enthusiasm. If they have access to a fenced yard, they can play there under supervision to expend their extra energy. However, this sociable puppy needs to live inside the family; they don't do well apart from everyone else. In addition, they should not be left in a kennel for long periods. |
Maintenance of the Labradoodle |
| Bear in mind that Labradoodles are hypoallergenic and, although they have longer coats, they don't require much maintenance apart from weekly brushing. There are a variety of coat types. It will always be a single coat, but the type of coat can be made up of hair, rather like the coat of breeds that shed, which is not very desirable. Wool, dense and similar to lamb's wool, it generally doesn't shed and has no odor, or fleece, this variant has a silky texture that resembles the texture of an Angora goat. It can be straight or wavy. Grooming depends on the type of coat your Labradoodle inherits. In general, your puppy should be brushed once or twice a week. They should generally be groomed every six to eight weeks, and bathed only when necessary. Clip their nails every two to four weeks, especially if you hear them clicking on the floor as they walk. Brush their teeth three times a week to prevent bad breath, however, brush their teeth every day if you want to prevent tooth decay. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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