Last Updated: 14/05/2025

Labradoodle Breed Guide | Nutrition & Personality

Want to know more about Labradoodles? Take a look at our Vet-written guide for all the facts health and care tips.

Author: Dr Josepha Cox BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM

Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read

A complete breed guide for Labradoodle Dogs

Labradoodles are the resultant breed of the Poodle bred with the Labrador. Initially bred for owners with special needs these dogs are energetic, fun loving and intelligent. They make great family pets and are an excellent choice for first dog owners.

Contents:

1. Labradoodle Facts

2. History

3. Personality

4. Best Toys for Labradoodles

5. Best Food for Labradoodles

6. Health Concerns

7. Related Breeds

Labradoodle Facts

Breed size:	Place of origin:	Intelligence:
Three sizes: Miniature, medium and standard	Australia	High
Breed group:	Energy level:	Weight range:
Cross breed "oodle"	Moderate to high	Miniature: 6.5-12kg Medium: 12-23 kg Standard: 23-45kg
Life expectancy:	Tendency to bark:	Height range:
12-15 years	Medium	Miniature: 35 to 42 cm Medium: 43 to 52 cm Standard: 53 to 63 cm
Drool factor:	Ease of training:	Coat type:
Low	Easy	Three types: Fleece, wool & hair
Shedding factor:	Overall grooming needs:	Colours:
Low	Medium	Varied

How big do Labradoodles get?

Size varies depending on the size of the poodle they are crossed with.Sizes fall into three categories:
Miniature 6.5-12kg
Medium 12-23 kg
Standard 23-45kg

How much does a Labradoodle cost?

Prices can vary depending on particular coat types and colours but typically range from $2500-$4000.

Do Labradoodles shed?

Labradoodles are generally known as a non-shedding breed however, depending on their genetics some may shed a little.

Are Labradoodles good pets?

Labradoodles are fun loving, social and energetic companions. They are intuitive and generally good with children and other pets. They are highly intelligent so respond well to consistent training and socialisation.

How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?

Labradoodles are an active breed and require daily exercise. Needs will vary depending on the individual but range from 30 minutes to 2 hours per day.

How long do Labradoodles live?

The average lifespan is 12-15 years.

How do I choose a Labradoodle breeder?

The Australian Labradoodle Association (ALA) has a list of accredited breeders who comply with and maintain their set standards. These standards include important factors such as ensuring ethical breeding, maintaining animal welfare as a priority and regular health testing of breeding animals. The ALA also has a section for adopting older Labradoodle's that require new homes.

It is not recommended to buy from an online marketplace or pet store.

Do Labradoodles bark much?

Labradoodles are considered low barkers and as such do not typically make good guard dogs. However, like any dog they can bark if there is a trigger.

Labradoodle History

The Labradoodle originated in Australia in the 1980's after the Guide Dog Association received a query from a person requesting a guide dog that would be compatible with their allergies. Because Poodles are non-shedding this breed was chosen to be bred with the already tried and true guide dog, the Labrador. This combination led to the creation of Labradoodles.

Since then Labradoodles have been bred back to Poodles and Labradoodles to other Labradoodles leading to the wide variety of different sizes and appearances we see today.

Labradoodle Personality

Labradoodles are energetic, intelligent and fun loving companions. They are sociable with other dogs and people. Due to their intuitive and gentle nature they make great pets for children or those with special needs. They are highly affectionate and love to play. They make a great choice for first time dog owners as they are keen to please and easy to train.

Best Toys for Labradoodles

Just like their parent breeds the Labrador and Poodle, Labradoodles love the water! Your Labradoodle is sure to love some of these water toys as well as puzzle toys that challenge and entertain them.

This collapsible pool is a great option to keep your pooch cool during hot summer days. Made from durable PVC with an anti-slip bottom. It requires no inflation and folds down completely for easy storage.

Designed to offer you and your dog hours of fetch and fun at the beach or pool. This lightweight toy is carefully crafted to float, so that your dog can engage in their favourite game in and around the water.

Connects to your garden hose to provide a constant sprinkler stream. Perfect for water-loving dogs, the sprinkler mat sprays multiple water jets up to a height of 1 metre. Your dog will love playing and splashing on and around the mat - and its a great way to keep them cool on hot summer days!

Nina Ottossons range of interactive games and toys have been designed to exercise both your dogs body and mind. Interactive games help to prevent boredom and behavioural problems.

Can't decide? Why not let us choose for you with

Curious Box

? Each Curious Box contains a

selection of the most popular and top-rated products on the market, so you can be sure this
box will please even the most fussy pets! Even better, the theme changes every 6 weeks,
making it the perfect way to keep your dog's supply of toys and treats fresh, fun, and varied!

The Curious Big Dog Box

The Curious Chewer Dog Box

Labradoodle Diet and Nutrition

Labradoodle Puppies

Some points to note about Labradoodle puppy ownership include:

Food: Labradoodle puppies should eat a premium brand formula such as Advance, Hills or Black hawk until they are fully grown.For miniature and medium Labradoodles this will be around 12 months of age and for standard labradoodles this will be 15-18 months of age.

Behaviour: Labradoodle puppies have fantastic personalities but do like to chew and destroy things, just like any puppy! Puppy proofing your house is essential. Remove any easy-to-reach toxins or electrical cords, and provide plenty of toys! For more information on puppy behaviour, take a look at our Puppy Training Guide.

Worming: Labradoodle puppies need to be wormed fortnightly from the age of 2-12 weeks, and then once per month after this. In Australia, Labradoodle puppies also require heartworm protection. You may wish to get a heartworm injection yearly at your vet, or you can simply give a monthly treatment such as Nexgard Spectra, Simparica Trio or Credelio Plu s.

For more helpful information on worming, training, socialisation, and nutrition, consult our veterinary-written Complete New Puppy Guide: New Puppy Guide

What To Feed A Labradoodle Puppy:

Labradoodle puppies need to eat a premium puppy diet that is nutritionally formulated to meet AAFCO Guidelines until they are 12 months of age. You may consider a Rotation Diet to provide exposure to different proteins and reduce the risk of food sensitivities.

Raw diets for Bicohn Frises? Raw diets are not suitable or safe for Bichon puppies due to the risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to food poisoning and upset their sensitive tummies. Plus, an unbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Read more about Raw Diets: The Risks and Benefits.

When should you transition a Labradoodle from puppy to adult food? This depends on what size Labradoodle you have. For miniature and medium Labradoodles this will be at 12 months of age and 15-18 months for standard Labradoodles.

To find out how whether your pup is ready to transition to an adult diet, take a look at our Body Condition Assessment Charts, or ask our Vet Squad for further advice.

Best Food for Labradoodle Puppies

If going for breed size specific foods, miniature and medium labradoodles should be fed small-medium breed diets whereas standard Labradoodles are better suited to large breed diets.

Complete and balanced for puppies both large and small who are mixed with poodles. This food is crafted to accommodate the specific needs of the breed, by combatting any known health conditions. It is designed for oodle puppies from two to twenty one months of age, and works to promote a healthy coat, skin barrier, as well as joints and overall health.

Contains omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA which helps ensure optimal brain and eye development. It is gentle and easy to digest, with high quality proteins to support lean muscle development.

Air dried to lock in flavour and essential nutrients. A complete & balanced diet for puppies it is made with grass fed Australian Lamb, fruits and natural prebiotics & probiotics. Targeted levels of protein, fat, antioxidants, and essential amino acids, provide young growing dogs with the nutritional support needed during the most important life stage.

This high quality dry puppy food contains functional ingredients from nature with known beneficial properties like blueberries, dried kelp and rosemary. With added food grade emu oil, Black Hawk Lamb & Rice Puppy is rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny, lustrous coat. This formula is made from highly digestible lamb meal, and is rich in protein and fat to keep up with your puppy's high energy requirements.

Best Food for Adult Labradoodles

Although there are no specific feeding requirements for Labradoodles, their diet needs to be age-appropriate and meet all of their daily nutritional and energy demands. Most food from premium brands including Hills Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Advance are suitable. These scientifically-formulated diets also contain balanced levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for health and wellbeing.

Australian made, dry dog food is complete and balanced to support the health and wellbeing of your large adult Poodle mix. This also comes in a variety for small breed Oodles - Advance Adult Small Oodles Dry Food.

Formulated using high quality ingredients to ensure easy digestion and contains a clinically proven antioxidant complex to support a healthy immune system. Made from high quality lean proteins to help build muscle, contains added taurine for heart health and controlled phosphorus levels to preserve kidney health.

Contains functional ingredients from nature with known beneficial properties like blueberries, dandelion and rosemary. With added food grade emu oil, it is rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny, lustrous coat.

The Salmon, Lentil and Tumeric formulation contains 80%+ protein derived from Australian Salmon. Your dog will love the added omega oils and essential fatty acids as well as prebiotics to support skin and gut health. Great for any Labradoodle with allergies.

Labradoodle Health Concerns

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is the abnormal growth and development of the hips. A healthy hip joint operates as a smooth 'ball and socket' type joint, whereas hips affected by dysplasia typically have a flattening of the 'socket' component of the joint, resulting in a shallow joint where the 'ball' or head of the femur is not held securely. This leads to instability of the joint which may cause pain in the young dog (juvenile hip dysplasia) and ultimately causes development of osteoarthritis.

There are varying degrees of disease seen between dogs due to a combination of factors such as genetics, body weight, exercise, nutrition and hormonal factors. To learn more, check out our article on Hip Dysplasia.

Eye Issues

Labradoodles can suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA is a disease where the retina (the structure in the eye that interprets light) gradually deteriorates and leads to vision loss. Cataracts are a cloudy change in the lens of the eye which, in its advanced stages, leads to vision loss. Regular and prompt vet visits when eye issues occur are essential.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disease where an abnormally low level of thyroid hormone is produced. This leads to lethargy, weight gain and hair loss. It is a treatable condition with a good prognosis.

Epilepsy

Both parent breeds of the Labradoodle are prone to epilepsy so this makes some Labradoodles more at risk of suffering this condition. Epilepsy is a disease where there are repeated seizure events which occur due to electrical over-activity in the brain. Many cases are treatable with long term medication.

Allergies

Many Labradoodles suffer from allergies which mainly manifest as dermatitis and ear infections. The allergies can be to food or environmental allergens such as pollen. Most allergies need to be managed over the pets lifetime.

Best supplements/products for Labradoodles:

These products help to target the Labradoodles common health concerns by supporting their skin and joint health. And although Labradoodles are mainly a non-shedding breed they are still prone to knots and tangles which will require regular brushing to keep them looking their best.

Ideal for dogs and cats prone to skin conditions. It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in an optimal ratio to address inflammation and restore skin integrity

This patented formula is 100% natural and plant-based. It is clinically tested to reduce joint inflammation, work as a powerful antioxidant and is a rich source of Vitamin C. It also improves skin and coat quality.

A gentle and effective ear cleaner using advanced natural ingredients to help reduce excess wax, dirt and debris.

The tool gently removes dead and loose hair from the undercoat, whilst helping to tease out tangles.