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Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of FAQs that have been compiled, and adopted from the
founders of the breed.
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 Mini, Mediums & Standards
Standards: can be anything between 22 and 27 inches at the shoulder and
weigh 50 - 80 pounds.
Mediums: range between 18 and 21 inches at the shoulder and weigh
between 30 - 45 pounds.
Miniatures: vary from 12 inches to 17 inches at the shoulder and weigh
between 15 and 25 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 either gender. 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
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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