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.
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.
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