Who has experience with Labradoodles?

Question

My wife and I are thinking of getting one. Any input about them would be great - good, bad, other.......

Answer 1

The mistake most adopters of Labradoodles make is in thinking that the crossing of the breeds eliminates the likelihood of the mix having the health problems of the purebred...NOT SO..
Only get your Labradoodle from a reputable breeder, as they are prone to any health problem as can be common in either breed.
Although a well bred Labrador is generally less prone to genetic problems than many breeds, Labradors are subject to hip and skin problems..> http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/modules.php?name=Health...

.Poodles are also subject to hip dysplasia, and other genetic disorders as will be seen here,(scroll down to 'standard' >http://www.napoleon.org.uk/health/poodlehealth.htm

The other problem with breeders of designer dogs is commonly the lack of devotion to the breed. there are exceptions, so that exceptional breeder is the one you hope to find.

Just shop for your pup the same as if he was the highest bred show dog, and don't settle for dogs who's parents haven't been tested and cleared of genetic problems. when you find the breeder that has actually had testing done, you have found a reputable and devoted breeder.
Check out the parents, and see if they are the hyper, uncontrollable dog, or the well mannered and trainable dog.
Especially the Lab parent, as hyperactivity is common in the breed, and they are sure a handful!
I work at a dog day-care/boarding kennel, and have 2 Labradoodle clients. One is a saint! and one is a sinner!See at least 4 littermates, and see how the puppies interact. You don't want the flashy struttin-his-stuff pup, nor the one who hides, and flinches from being handled or played with by his siblings, but choose the outgoing friendly pup that plays well with others.

Answer 2

I had one and I have a friend that has two. They are great dogs. I am not a fan of curly hair on a dog and I hate the way poodles look. However, labradoodles are pretty cute. They are also one of the smartest dogs I have ever seen. Very easy to train, great temperment, very good with children. Friendliest dog I have ever had.

Answer 3

Labradoodles are a mix of a labrador and poodle. Poodles have a good temperament, but you shoul find out if the labrador was aggressive otherwise you might end with an aggressive one. The aare very easy to train and listen to commands very well if they are handled with care and love. Make sure you do not scare or hurt or stress out your dog in any manner. Try keeping it away from loud noises.

Answer 4

Do not count on them being low shedding with a Poodle type coat, they have a 50/50 chance. The worst shedding dog I have ever seen after 30 years of showing and teaching, was a labradoodle.

Its hard to say what they are like, they are a crossbreed. Could be like a Lab, could be like a Poodle. Crossbreed dogs can be a bit of a crapshoot, you have no idea what you are getting.

Answer 5

Labradoodles are great dogs. Temperment similar to standard poodle. One word of caution, the coat grows like a poodle. They are high maintainence dogs and will get matted if not properly cared for.

Answer 6

Do I ever. Hence, my handle. I have a 4 yr. old Portuguese. I researched for 4 yrs b/f buying. My friends have PWD's and I was skeptical at first. I thought I would buy one and it wouldn't be as well behaved as theirs. They are the best dogs I have ever been around. Since owning a Portuguese Water Dog I have been exposed to many Lab/Doodle mixed breeds. Regardless of what you are told, you are still paying money for a mixed breed.

Over 1/2 the Lab/Doodle dogs shed. Ferris Bueller, my PWD, can snuggle with me in my lap while I am wearing a white shirt. He is blk. When he gets up, there isn't one single hair on me. Not one. Ohhh, and there isn't blk hair in all my kitchen cabinets, either.

In addition, his personality is exactly like my friends PWD's. The things I loved about their dogs are all 'breed specific'. If you would like me to share more, just let me know. I have some of the best shots of him with his 2 Yorkie brothers and one Dobie. Best of luck. My vote is if you want a dog that looks like a PWD, buy a PWD. He was born calm. Ciao, Sami

PS-We live on the water and keep him in a sport cut vs. the atrocious lion cut. They do love the water. He is the sweetest dog I have ever been around. I have sitters that fight over who gets to keep him when I travel.

Answer 7

I have one. They are great dogs. But at least mine can not swim . I had to save his life two times. But he does have a great attitude , loves bath time. As long as the water is not deep. They love being a lap dog . I tried to cut his hair , but it is easer to have a pro do it . One bad thing about them . They are prone to get kidney stones . I just paid $600. to have his stones removed. I ended up over 3 ounces of stones. So Now he has to have a non alcohol beer every day to keep him flushed out and clean . But they are a great dog to own .

Answer 8

Think AGAIN!!! Why on earth pay BIG $$$ for a MUTT???

Do tell,if you DON'T want a lab OR a poodle,what makes you think a COMBINATION of the 2 will be correct???

You're too smart to fall for the MARKETING PLOYS,aren't you??

You *DO* realize that the original breeding program FAILED & WAS DIS-CONTINUED?? All that's left is crooks(or the self-deluded) trying pawn off these EXPENSIVE MUTTS/MONGRELS on to the GULLIBLE!

Answer 9

Well Poodles are one of the most intelligent breeds out there .Golden retrievers are sweet,loving,friendly,loyal,and eager to please..so it makes a pretty awesome mix.Not to mention poodles don't shed so the shedding on this breed would be very minimal(though some claim that they don't shed at all..since Goldens shed you cannot guarantee they will be 100% non-shedding).

Answer 10

Had a black lab for 13 years till she past away from cancer. Great dogs very loyal and loving. The only problem is that she loved to chew everything in sight.