Labradoodle
Quick facts
Size
Medium/Large
Weight
15 – 30 kg
Height
35 – 65 cm
Lifespan
12 – 14 years
Origin
Australia
Exercise
High
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Temperament
Compatibility
Pros
- Friendly and sociable temperament — gets along with everyone
- Low-shedding coat suitable for many allergy sufferers
- Intelligent and highly trainable with positive methods
- Excellent family dog that is gentle and patient with children
- Originally bred in Australia, well-adapted to our climate and lifestyle
Cons
- High grooming maintenance — coat requires regular professional attention
- Can develop separation anxiety due to their social nature
- Variable coat types and temperaments in first-generation crosses
- Needs substantial daily exercise, particularly standard-sized Labradoodles
Care guide
Exercise
Labradoodles need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily. They inherit energy and athleticism from both the Labrador and Poodle. Swimming is a natural favourite, along with retrieving games, running, and hiking. On the Gold Coast, they love beach visits and water play. Mental stimulation is equally important — puzzle toys, obedience training, and nose work keep them engaged. They are social dogs that enjoy dog park visits and group walks. Without enough exercise and stimulation, they can become boisterous and destructive.
Grooming
The Labradoodle's coat varies from hair-like to fleece to wool, and all types need regular maintenance. Brush every one to two days with a slicker brush to prevent matting. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is essential. In the Gold Coast humidity, their coat can matt quickly if neglected. Focus on areas behind ears, armpits, and groin where matting is most common. Clean ears weekly — the Poodle heritage means hair can grow in the ear canal. Trim nails fortnightly and maintain dental hygiene.
Feeding
Feed one and a half to three cups of high-quality food per day depending on size, divided into two meals. Standard Labradoodles need a large-breed formula, while miniature varieties need medium or small-breed food. They inherit the Labrador's love of food, so strict portion control is important. Choose a food with omega-3 fatty acids for coat health. Fresh water should always be available. If your Labradoodle has skin issues, consider a diet with limited ingredients and fish-based protein.
Training
Labradoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for training. Begin socialisation and obedience from eight weeks. They respond brilliantly to positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Keep sessions engaging and progressively challenging. Focus on crate training and separation training from puppyhood to prevent anxiety. They excel at obedience, therapy work, agility, and assistance roles. Their Labrador heritage can make them exuberant, so teach calm greetings and impulse control early. Consistency and patience produce a wonderfully well-mannered companion.