Home of Noble Vestal Labradoodles

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of FAQs that have been compiled, and adopted from the most
frequently asked questions at the leading research and breeding centers, Rutland
Manor and Tegan Park.

Rutland Manor and Tegan Park have been the pioneers and leaders in the
research and development of Labradoodles. We have them to thank for making
the Labradoodle what it is today.

1.        What are the sizes of a Labradoodle?

2.        What Sex of Labradoodle should I get?

3.        What is the temperament of a Labradoodle?

4.        How can I tell if a Labradoodle is right for me?

5.        Are all Labradoodles non shedding and/or allergy friendly?

6.        How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?

7.        How do I care for the coat of a Labradoodle?
    Can you explain the differences in the types of Labradoodle coats?

8.        Are health problems common in Labradoodles?

9.        Should we crate our puppy when we take it home?

10.      What are the colors of Labradoodles coats?

11.        What is the life expectancy of a Labradoodle?

12.        Do Labradoodles have a fear of water?

13.        Are there any foods I should avoid feeding my dog?

14.        How often do Labradoodles need to be bathed?

15.        Are all Labradoodles the same?

1. What are the sizes of a Labradoodle?
We breed Standards and Mediums. We look forward to breeding Miniatures in
2007.

Standards: can be anything between 22 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh
65 - 85 pounds.
Mediums: range between 18 and 21 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 45
- 55 pounds.
Miniatures: vary from 12 inches to 17 inches at the shoulder and weigh between
25 and 40 pounds.

2. What Sex of Labradoodle should I get?
At Noble Vestal Labradoodles, and all reputable breeders of Australian
Labradoodles, all family companion puppies will be de-sexed before they leave
us, usually around 8 weeks old. As a result, the testosterone-related behavior
usually associated with male dogs, such as frequent leg lifting to mark territory,
etc. doesn't develop. We want to encourage you to consider adopting a male
Labradoodle. Both males and females make equally great companions! When
specifically requesting a gender your wait may be increased as we first match our
puppies by temperament. We also reserve the right to charge extra for the
request of a girl over a boy.

3. What is the temperament of a Labradoodle?
Labradoodles are an intelligent breed of dog. Other traits they acquire are:
affectionate, confident, sociable, friendly, comical and extremely loving, loyal and
a devoted family pet. They are a very non aggressive breed. They love to play,
making them wonderful pets to have around children.

They are well suited to work as therapy dogs, and have a history of working as
guide dogs and assistance dogs.

4. How can I tell if a Labradoodle is right for me?
The Labradoodle is intuitive, sociable, loving, and easily trained. They are also
exceptionally intelligent. Because they are so smart, they need to have their
intelligence channeled the right way through early training.

Because the Labradoodle is a sociable dog, they crave companionship and
stimulation. Labradoodles love their family and are very loyal to them. It is
important to note that dogs really have a sense of order in their pack. You will
need to make them know his place in the pack, and that you are the leader. If you
are too busy to spend the time with your puppy early on, you should invest in a
less intelligent breed. Their active mind needs stimulation, which comes from
training.

5. Are all Labradoodles non shedding and/or allergy friendly?
No. Most will be, but the Labradoodle is still a developing breed and occasionally
there will be a puppy who will shed later on. Labradoodles have fleece (non to
low shedding) coats.

6. How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?
Labradoodles only need moderate amounts of exercise. Exercising their minds is
equally important. Walk your puppy a few times a week and allow them some
playing time out in the yard. Remember the platelets of young puppies are still
forming so you should avoid long walks on hard surfaces in the early months.

7. How do I care for the coat of a Labradoodle? Can you explain the
differences in the types of Labradoodle coats?
A Labradoodles coat will change from a puppy coat to an adult coat. The coat
should be groomed thoroughly at least once a month.
HAIR coats are the easiest coats to maintain. They don't need much grooming,
except for a little trimming around the eyes and chin. Most hair coats do shed
CURLY or WOOL coats do not shed. But they will look best if cut or trimmed a
few times a year. They also need to be groomed thoroughly about once each week
or so. They are the 'safest' coat type around people who have dog related allergies
or asthma. Please note that allergies can be transferred in the saliva of a dog and
not just the hair.
FLEECE COATS (formerly referred to as a borderline coat.) This non to low
shedding coat has a soft fleece feel and requires no maintenance until the puppy
is between eight and fourteen months old. At that time the adult coat starts to
grow through the puppy coat.
You will need to brush the puppy coat daily at this time until the new coat grows
in completely. This is done to prevent matting.

8. Are health problems common in Labradoodles?
Like other floppy eared dogs, Labradoodles have a tendency to get ear infections.
To prevent this, keep hair out of the ear if possible, clean them regularly with a
cotton swab.

It is important for breeders to continue health testing their breeding stock so as
to maintain the well bred Labradoodles current vibrant health status.

Labradoodles tend to be healthier than most breeds, but they are not immune to
hip dysplasia or other health related diseases.

At Noble Vestal Labradoodles we perform regular hip checks on all our breeding
stock dogs and will make our breeding selections based on the results of these
tests.

Please note that all animals can develop health issues no matter what the breed.

9. Should we crate our puppy when we take it home?
Dogs are used to living in dens, and if used properly, the crate can serve as the
puppies den. Crate training is also helpful with potty training. Puppies and/or
dogs should never be left all day in their crates. They will need breaks every few
hours so they can eat, drink, play, train or get some exercise.

We recommend that you teach your puppy to sleep in his or her crate overnight.
This will keep your puppy safe, and it is also very helpful in potty training.

In the morning, if you take them out immediately to the place you want them to
go potty, they will quickly learn to come to this spot to go potty. Puppies will
almost never soil their own crates, so will be very ready to potty in the morning.
We have found this to be an extremely effective method of potty training.

10. What are the colors of Labradoodles coats?
Black, Chocolate, Café, Silver, Cream, Chalk, Gold and Apricot Cream, Apricot
and Red. Red and apricot are the rarest and most prized colors currently. Please
be aware that many reds will fade over time, although they will remain beautiful.

11. What is the life expectancy of a Labradoodle?
The Labradoodle lifespan is generally 14 to 16 years.

12. Do Labradoodles have a fear of water?
No, they generally love the water.

13. Are there any foods I should avoid feeding my dog?
All breeds of dog should never have chocolate or cooked chicken bones.
Foods like raw meaty bones and thin, flat rib bones from lamb, beef or chicken
are highly recommended.

14. How often do Labradoodles need to be bathed?
With Australian Labradoodles you don't need to bathe them often. Labradoodles
have natural oils in the coat that acts as protection, bathing them will strip this
protective oil from their coats.

15. Are all Labradoodles the same?
No, all Labradoodles are not the same! Many poodle mix dogs parade under the
name Labradoodle these days. A true Australian Labradoodle is a mix of more
than just a poodle and a lab. Many breeders are breeding their Australian
Labradoodles to poodles and changing the characteristics of the Australian
Labradoodle as created by Tegan Park & Rutland Manor. We love the Australian
Labradoodle and are not seeking to change them. We have chosen our breeding
dogs carefully to insure they complement the breed standard.