Labradoodle

Because Labradoodles are a crossbreed, their coats (and therefore, their grooming needs) vary.

Those with predominant Poodle genes might have a longer, heavier coat that requires frequent brushing and regular haircuts, says Angela Sexton, a national certified master groomer (NCMG) and owner of Fuzzy Butts, LLC, in Cincinnati. Labradoodle dogs with more dominant Labrador genes tend to have shorter, shaggier coats that are easier to maintain. 

On average, Labradoodles need grooming every four to eight weeks, Sexton says. Their grooming routine should include a bath and blow dry, a nail trim, an ear cleaning, and a haircut if necessary. At-home upkeep, like brushing them with a slicker brush, might be needed between appointments.

It’s best that Labradoodle puppies are exposed to grooming early. This gives your puppy a chance to acclimate to the sounds and stimuli (like a blow dryer) that are common during grooming. 

“They are a dog that’s going to need grooming their whole entire life,” she says. “So if they’re afraid of it early on, then you’re going to have a dog that’s going to cause a lot of behavior issues as the time goes on.”

Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are two of the smartest dog breeds. So naturally, the Labradoodle is bright, eager to please, and can pick up training cues quickly.

Labradoodles were also originally bred to work as guide dogs, so following instructions comes naturally for them. This makes the Labradoodle a great pick for first-time pet parents.

It’s important to train your Labradoodle puppy at a young age so they can develop good manners and healthy social skills. Use positive reinforcement such as treats or toys to reward good behaviors.

Along with teaching your puppy important behavior cues, training is a great way to give your Labradoodle the mental and physical stimulation this breed craves. 

Nutrition plays a big role in an animal’s quality of life, so feed your Labradoodle dog a high-quality commercial dog food that meets AAFCO standards.

Choose a food based on your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and follow the feeding instructions on the package unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian. Most adult Labradoodles do best when fed twice a day.

Labrador Retrievers love food and tend to eat quickly, which can cause digestion issues. If you notice your Labradoodle has inherited this trait, Dr. Faulkner recommends using a slow feeder bowl to slow down their eating. 

Schedule at least one hour of exercise every day with your Labradoodle. A couple of neighborhood walks can work in a pinch, but make sure to mix it up, too. Labradoodles need mental stimulation and social time; they want to engage with you, not just be left to run around the yard alone.

“It’s not just exercise in terms of distance walk,” Dr. Faulkner says. “It’s the entertainment and engagement that … the breed prefers.”

Here are some activities to add to your to-do list with your Labradoodle: go for a run, explore the outdoors on a hiking trail, play fetch in the backyard, go swimming, or learn a new dog sport.

Most Labradoodles are silly, fun-loving dogs who are a joy to live with as long as their basic needs are met. They’re high-energy and social, so they thrive in active homes with families who can give them plenty of time and attention.

They’d rather be with you than left alone, so Labradoodles prefer pet parents who are willing to bring them along on errands and outings.

No matter a Labradoodle’s size, they can do well in apartments as long as they get out to stretch their legs every day. But in general, Mini Labradoodles (those with Miniature Poodle lineage) need less space than Standard Labradoodles.

The breed is usually great with kids and four-legged family members alike. Training and socialization will help your Labradoodle puppy grow into a polite and well-behaved member of the family.