Labradoodle (Small/Medium)

Yes, depending on their size! The middle-sized variety (Mini) is less likely to knock small children over during play. They’re also more manageable on walks and don’t have the same level of energy or endurance as the larger type. But they’re still playful, funny, and make great companions.

The smallest variety (Toy) can be more fragile and emotionally sensitive, so they not a good match for young children. They usually have a lower level of tolerance. And they don’t always like to share their favourite person!

These two smaller varieties are very much companion dogs. They wouldn’t suit a home where they’d need to be left alone for long periods. The ideal match for this crossbreed is a retired couple/person or with someone who is able to work from home.

Absolutely – all sizes of Labradoodle are affectionate. They love physical attention. So be prepared to share your armchair, sofa, and maybe even your bed with them (if you allow it, of course!). They can be like little shadows, so be careful not to trip over them.

The smallest variety can be affectionate to the point of being needy.  This needs to be considered if you’ll need to leave them home alone.

Yes, all three varieties like to play! The medium and larger sizes really love scent games, as well as chasing and retrieving toys.

As the standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever have gundog roots (hunting), they’re hardwired to using their nose and having things in their mouth a lot. The intelligence of the Poodle means they need a high level of mental stimulation, and this can be satisfied through play. So if you’re considering a Labradoodle of any size, you’ll need enough time to devote to regular play sessions.

Whilst the Labrador isn’t a noisy breed, the two smaller sizes of Poodle are known for liking the sound of their own voice! They’ll certainly let you know if they hear something out of the ordinary. Likewise, they’ll pipe up if they feel they’re not getting enough attention! This doesn’t need to be a deal breaker, though. If you meet their needs, barking can be managed effectively.

Funny, active and intelligent are just a few ways to describe these dogs. They can make a lovely family pet or companion – as long as their needs are met. This includes essentials like training, exercise, and mental stimulation.

If your Labradoodle feels bored or frustrated, they’ll let you know. This could take the shape of nuisance barking, chewing, and/or digging holes in your garden.

They love the company of their people and other dogs. If left for long periods of time on their own, they can become stressed.

Labradoodles are very social dogs, so they need to be socialised well to ensure they have good manners around people. Otherwise jumping and barking in excitement can become a problem! Socialisation is about teaching a dog to interact in an appropriate way with people and other dogs.

Like all dogs, Labradoodles need your time, care, and attention for them to live their best life. 

As you can imagine, the size of your Labradoodle will determine the type of home environment they need. The smaller varieties can live in flats, but they’ll need regular toilet breaks outside.

Medium and standard sizes can play nicely with other dogs, as long as they’ve been socialised. The smaller size can struggle with the playfulness of large, bouncy dogs.

The Labradoodle will need plenty of your time. They’re not a dog that you can ignore – a lonely Labradoodle is a sad Labradoodle. So make sure you can give them everything they need before taking the plunge. 

The Labradoodle Mini/Medium doesn’t need a huge amount of exercise – 30 to 60 minutes of free-running every day will do the trick. They don’t have as much energy as the larger variety, so shorter, more frequent, outings will keep them happy. These dogs also enjoy using their noses a lot and playing with toys.

As well as exercise, this sociable breed will enjoy visits with you to local dog-friendly cafes and garden centres.

Don’t forget, the Poodle is one of the most intelligent breeds. So it’s essential their brains are exercised as well as their bodies!  

Yes! Both the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever are very smart.

The Labradoodle Mini/Medium usually has a higher percentage of Poodle in them, making this a very intelligent crossbreed.

Labradoodles are motivated by food and toys, and love to learn new things. Socialisation and habituation training are essential for all puppies, and Labradoodles are no exception. They need to learn how to come when called so they can enjoy off-lead exercise. Staying on all four paws is also something worth teaching them. These dogs love people and no one wants muddy footprints on them!

Like with most dogs, adolescence can be a challenging time. But hang in there, and it will be worth the effort when they hit maturity! Labradoodles don’t like spending time alone, so take home alone training slow and steady. The key to success is to starting with short periods on their own. 

When it comes to grooming, Labradoodles need a lot of your time. Their coats can be curly, wavy, fleecy, or straight. The Labradoodle Mini/Medium tends to have more Poodle in them than Labrador Retriever, so their coats lean more towards curly. This type of coat mats and knots quickly, which can pull on the skin and be painful. So daily grooming sessions of 15 minutes are needed.

We also recommended having your Labradoodle professionally groomed every six weeks. This means they’ll be bathed, groomed, and clipped/trimmed, along with having their ears cleaned and nails clipped. Keeping your dog’s coat immaculate is an ongoing cost you need to consider. 

Both the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever are affected by a number of genetic health issues, which a trusted breeder should test for before selling them. These include:

• Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia a genetic condition affecting the joints, leading to pain and mobility issues.
• Eye cataracts
• Heart problems
• Thyroid issues
• Von Willebrand disease (where the blood doesn’t clot properly)
• Cancer

You can help keep your dog in tip-top shape with regular health checks, a good diet and exercise.