Last Updated: 29/10/2025
Labradoodle Breed Guide
Thinking of getting a Labradoodle or want to know more about yours? Our complete, vet-written guide has all the facts on their personality, history, health concerns, and the best food and toys.
Author: Dr Josepha Cox BBiomedSc (Hons) DVM
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
The Labradoodle is a cross between the Poodle and the Labrador. Originally developed to assist owners with special needs, these dogs are known for their energetic, fun-loving, and intelligent personalities. This blend of traits makes them fantastic family pets and an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
Although not an officially recognised dog breed, Labradoodles display consistent traits and health predispositions, making them worthy of their own profile.
All about Labradoodles
Place of origin
Australia
Weight range
Miniature: 6.5-12kg, Medium: 12-23 kg, Standard: 23-45kg
Breed size
Three sizes: Miniature, medium and standard
Height range
Miniature: 35-42 cm, Medium: 43-52 cm, Standard: 53-63 cm
Breed group
Cross breed "oodle"
Life expectancy
12-15 years
Coat colours
Varied
Grooming needs
Medium
Coat type
Three types: Fleece, wool & hair
Health issues
Hip dysplasia, allergies, eye issues
Shedding factor
Low
Exercise needs
Moderate to high
Play style
Water play, puzzles, fetch
Housing needs
Adaptable if activity needs are met
Trainability
Easy
Social needs
High
Family suitability
Excellent with all ages
Tendency to bark
Medium
Nutrition
As an active and intelligent crossbreed, the Labradoodle requires a high-quality, balanced diet to provide adequate energy for their busy lives.
Best food for adult Labradoodles
Labradoodles can be predisposed to joint conditions like hip dysplasia, so a diet containing ingredients to support joint health, such as green-lipped mussel, glucosamine and chondroitin, is beneficial.
Many also experience skin sensitivities, making foods formulated for sensitive skin, rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids a good choice to support a healthy coat. Given their Labrador heritage, Labradoodles can be prone to weight gain, so it is essential to monitor their portion sizes and maintain a lean body condition.
What to look for
Modified energy content to help maintain a healthy weight
Skin support ingredients such as omega 3 and 6
Nutraceuticals such as fish oil or green lipped mussel powder for joint support
Vet picks
Best food for Labradoodle puppies
For Labradoodle puppies, selecting a premium food formulated for your puppy's expected adult size will support their growth rate for healthy skeletal development.
As Labradoodles are prone to joint conditions like hip dysplasia, feeding large Labradoodle puppies a large-breed puppy diet is essential. These formulas are calibrated with specific levels of calcium and phosphorus to promote a controlled, steady growth rate, which helps to support healthy joint development.
What to look for
Balanced energy and calcium to phosphorus ratio for healthy bone development
Highly digestible formula to help prevent tummy upsets
DHA for healthy brain and eye development
Vet picks
Flea & worming
Keeping your Labradoodle protected year round against common parasites is essential to maintaining their health. This should include coverage against fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms.
Best flea and worming treatments for Labradoodles
Given that Labradoodles often love swimming and playing in water, oral parasite treatments are an ideal choice as they won't wash off after a bath or a swim. To keep things simple, you could opt for an all-in-one monthly chewable that covers fleas, ticks, and worms. Alternatively, many pet parents choose the annual heartworm injection from their vet, which is then supplemented with monthly oral treatments for fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.
What to look for
Oral chews and tablets to avoid reduced effectiveness from bathing and swimming
All in one products for simplicity
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose
Health
Like all dogs, Labradoodles can be prone to certain health conditions, often inherited from their Labrador and Poodle lineage. Hip dysplasia, an abnormal development of the hip joint that leads to instability and arthritis, is one of the most common concerns, often exacerbated by weight gain. Additionally, allergies are frequently seen in the breed, often manifesting as persistent skin irritation and ear infections.
Best products for weight management in Labradoodles
Feeding a therapeutic veterinary diet lower in calories with tailored levels of protein and fibre can help overweight and obese Labradoodles reach a healthy body condition while also preventing hunger between meals. In addition, using slow feeders or treat dispensing toys to slow down eating may also help to promote feelings of satiety and reduce begging between meals. Remember that it's essential to consult your veterinarian before starting your pet on a veterinary diet or embarking on a weight loss plan.
What to look for
Veterinary diets designed for weight loss while also promoting satiety
Slow feeders and treat dispensing toys to slow down mealtimes
Lower calorie treat options
Best products for Labradoodles with sensitive skin
Increasing a Labradoodle's intake of omega fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA from marine sources, can help to reduce itching and redness while also supporting a healthy skin barrier. If food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian may recommend a hypoallergenic diet, which is often based on either a hydrolysed protein or a novel protein source.
Topical treatments can also be helpful, including oils, creams, and shampoos that soothe irritated skin and remove allergens. Antibacterial and antifungal washes or creams may also be needed to treat secondary infections. Dogs with skin allergies often have concurrent ear infections, so it is wise to use an ear cleaner regularly to keep bacteria and yeast under control.
What to look for
Supplements rich in omega fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA
Soothing topical washes and treatments
Hydrolysed or novel protein diets for dogs with food allergies
Training and activity
Labradoodles are highly intelligent and eager to please, traits inherited from both their Labrador and Poodle heritage, which generally makes them very trainable. They respond well to positive reinforcement, and many are highly food-motivated. Training should begin in puppyhood and continue throughout adulthood to keep them mentally engaged.
Best toys for Labradoodles
Labradoodles are naturally intelligent, active and love to swim and play fetch. Keeping them physically active and using strategies such as puzzles and treat dispensing toys for mental enrichment is ideal.
As they are an active and clever breed, dog sports like agility, scent work, and trick training are excellent ways to keep them both mentally and physically fit. Ensuring they have a good variety of toys and rotating them regularly also helps to satisfy their natural instincts, prevent boredom, and manage problematic behaviours.
What to look for
Water and fetch toys to satisfy retriever instincts
Food dispensing toys and puzzles for mental enrichment
Durable chew and tug toys
Best harnesses, collars and walking accessories for Labradoodles
For walking your active Labradoodle, a well-fitting harness is often the best choice, especially for pups still learning loose-leash manners. A front-attaching harness can provide better control for this energetic breed without putting strain on the neck. Look for padded styles to ensure comfort and prevent matting under the arms. While the harness is great for walks, a flat collar is still essential for holding ID tags. Complete your kit with a sturdy leash and a treat pouch to reward good behaviour, which is perfect for this intelligent and food-motivated breed.
What to look for
Front attaching harness to provide better control and reduce neck strain
Flat collar for ID tags
Bite sized, high value treats and a treat pouch for training on the go
Grooming
Grooming is a significant commitment for any Labradoodle owner, as their unique coats require regular maintenance. Whether they have a fleece or wool coat, they are prone to matting, which can become painful and lead to skin infections if neglected.
Best grooming products for Labradoodles
To prevent tangles from forming, Labradoodles need to be brushed thoroughly, right down to the skin, several times a week.
Your most essential tool will be a high-quality slicker brush, which has fine, bent bristles designed to get through their thick coat, remove loose hair, and work on minor tangles. However, the real secret weapon for any oodle owner is a metal comb. After you've used the slicker brush on a section, you must be able to pass the comb smoothly from the skin all the way to the tip of the hair; this is the only way to find small, hidden knots close to the skin before they become large, painful mats. For any stubborn mats you do find, a dematting tool can be used with care to gently break them apart.
What to look for
Gentle ear cleaners to for use after bathing and swimming
Slicker brushes, and metal combs for regular brushing
Shampoos and conditioners that support a healthy skin barrier
Sleep and home
Adult Labradoodles typically need about 10 to 12 hours of sleep per day, although this will naturally vary based on their age and daily activity levels. You'll likely find that puppies and senior 'doodles will sleep for even longer periods. Even if your Labradoodle enjoys sharing your bed, it's important that they also have their own dedicated bed or crate, giving them a secure and comfortable place to sleep independently.
Best beds for Labradoodles
When choosing a bed for your Labradoodle, comfort and support are key, especially given their potential for hip and joint issues later in life. Look for an orthopaedic bed with memory foam or a similar supportive filling that can cradle their body and relieve pressure points.
Given their active nature, a durable and washable cover is also a huge plus for easy cleaning. Consider the size carefully - your Labradoodle should be able to stretch out fully without hanging off the edges. For puppies, a chew-resistant bed or crate mat might be a good starting point, and as they grow, you can upgrade to a more luxurious orthopaedic option.
What to look for
Extra support for joints from orthopaedic or memory foam
Durable, machine washable covers
Sized depending on your dog's measurements
Labradoodle FAQ
