You are planning to buy a dog. You choose between different breeds. They are all cute, but you need one that has a good character, doesn’t shed a lot, and doesn’t cause allergies in your children. You’re facing a dilemma: labrador or maybe poodle? Or maybe a 2 in 1 combination – Labradoodle? Here’s what you need to know if you want to get a dog like this.
How To Choose The Perfect Dog?
If you’re wondering how to choose a dog that will suit you perfectly, the answer is certainly not: I’ll have the most beautiful one. We shouldn’t choose dogs according to their appearance – but according to characteristics. It is very similar to choosing your life partner. Your lifestyle must match the characteristics of the breed and its needs. You can start from the breeds you like – but you have to study them well and look at your possibilities completely honestly.
In recent years, certain breeds of dogs appeared that have been obtained by mixing with other breeds. One such breed is the Labradoodle. This cute little furry pup won the hearts of everyone who ever saw him. Still, though irresistible, the Labradoodle also has needs that every responsible owner must take into account. Therefore, we draw your attention to 5 things you need to know before taking a Labradoodle.
Crossbreeding
In recent decades, breeders around the world have been racing to create new, hybrid dog breeds, crossing already recognized breeds. The goal of such mixing is to create races that would retain the best treats of the old breeds and to eliminate their flaws. For example, by mixing a poodle and a labrador, a labradoodle was created, a lively dog that does not shed.
After all, almost all today is known and recognized purebred races were once created by crossbreeding. However, the recognition of such a breed takes time, to determine and establish the characteristics of the dog through generations, such as appearance, size, temperament, or possible health problems. This means that hybrid dogs will not be officially recognized breeds for a long time, but that does not mean that they will not be sought after. After all, everyone wants a dog who will have ideal traits.
Designed Dogs
The breed which most often crosses with others – is a poodle. It is because of its intelligence and fur that does not shed. Also, it exists in three sizes, so it is “practical” for crossing with both small and large dogs. Designer dogs, as they call them, are extremely expensive, priced from $ 1,000 and up. However, buying such a dog does not guarantee that you will get the best of both parents, because genetics can also deceive, so sometimes unwanted traits come to the surface.
Labradoodles And Their Varieties
Labradoodle
A favorite hybrid-breed that was created by mixing Labradors with poodles. The first Labradoodle was born in Australia by the end of the 80s. The breeder Wally Conron was the one”responsible” for making this hybrid-breed. The first new bred puppy named Sultan was his creation. Today, these dogs are extremely popular in Australia but the US as well. Today, you can find them in 3 sizes: mini, medium, and standard – and their hair can be curly or woolly. Still, this dog breed kept one flaw that Labs have as well: it’s the tendency towards hip dysplasia.
Every owner should be familiar with that fact. Therefore, you need to find good breeders who will offer you the best specimens of this breed. This is especially true when it comes to sub-varieties. However, according to Kinzie Doodles – it is not impossible to find a reliable Goldendoodle breeder or Irish doodle breeder, but you must inquire well about the litter. If you have the ambition to take this dog to dog shows and competitions, you won’t be able to do it because breeders still strive for the official recognition of the breed.
Goldendoodle
A mixture of golden retrievers and poodles. It was created in the 90s of the last century, with the desire to get a big poodle with a retriever temperament, cheerful and friendly, without shedding. Goldendudl is one of the youngest hybrid breeds, so it is still gaining its popularity.
Things To Know Before Buying
1. Labradoodle – Characteristics
Labradoodle hounds can be found in three sizes – standard, medium and little. The hair can be long and wavy with a delicate surface. It can also look like a fleece that structures into tight twists and gives the pooch a kind of a poodle look. This variety doesn’t shed. They are considered hypo-allergic dogs. They come in several different colors, including gold, chocolate, brown, black, red, blue, caramel, etc.
2. Hair, And Nails Maintaining
The recurrence of brushing a Labradoodle hound relies upon the type and length of its hide. Brushing is required about two times per week to keep the hair perfect and to avoid forming knobs in his fur. Nails ought to be cut routinely and teeth brushed a few times each week to expel scale and microorganisms. Labradoodles have issues with ear contaminations which is the reason Labradoodle ears should be kept dry and clean consistently. Check your Labradoodle’s ears once per week and search for soil, redness, or some other sign that may demonstrate contamination.
3. Temperament
When you have a hybrid dog, his temper is not always entirely predictable. However, these dogs have a good temper inherited from their ancestors – very friendly, energetic and they work well within the family and kids. Poodles and Labradors enter the category of the most intelligent dogs, so this mixed breed is considered very smart. They love water and swimming very much.
4. Training
To train a Labradoodle is not so difficult because they want to please their owners. Also, because they are very intelligent by nature, Labradoodle dogs learn new commands quickly. These dogs are sensitive to the tone of their owner’s voice and do not respond well if treated harshly. When training a dog, such as Labradoodle, always use only positive learning techniques.
5. Health Problems
The lifespan of a Labradoodle dog averages 12 to 15 years. These dogs are prone to the development of certain health issues. These health problems include hip dysplasia (you can read more about hip dysplasia here), patellar luxation, retinal atrophy, epilepsy, diabetes, ear problems and allergies, etc.
