Although Labradoodles can now be found posing on Instagram influencers’ glossy social media pages, the breed was originally created with a noble cause – to be a hypoallergenic guide dog.
While most Labradoodles share a range of common traits, there is currently no ‘standard’ like there is with purebred dogs because they're a hybrid breed of a Labrador and Poodle. Their coats can range from woolly to fleece to hair, and their sizes can range from miniature to medium to standard.
If you’re thinking about adopting one of these super-trendy pups, keep in mind that there’s more to them than meets the eye (or the Instagram page).
Labradoodle influencers you need to follow
One of the reasons Labradoodles are so popular is their online presence. Social media has a massive effect on trends – even when it comes to dog breeds – and, while you shouldn’t be influenced to choose a dog breed based on what looks good in photos, Labradoodles sure are photogenic!
Is a Labradoodle right for you?
Poodles are known as one of the smartest breeds in the world, and Labradors are known as one of the friendliest – so it’s no surprise that the outcome of crossing these breeds is a result that experts call sociable, friendly, smart, and affectionate.
One of the most appealing things about Labradoodles is the fact that they are considered hypoallergenic.
This doesn’t mean their fur is any different to other dogs, but it does mean that they shed very little (if at all), but if you or someone you live with has serious dog allergies, even a hypoallergenic breed might be too much for them to handle.
Like all dogs, Labradoodles require regular exercise and a healthy diet.
They’re considered high energy and playful but have a tendency to gain weight (it must be those Labrador genetics!) so, although they’re able to adapt to apartment living, they should ideally have a garden to run around in between walks.
Labradoodle health issues
Like many mixed breeds, Labradoodles are relatively healthy and don’t suffer from many of the common genetic health issues in purebred dogs.
Labradoodles have a life expectancy of 12 – 16 years, and the most common health issues they present with are hip dysplasia, congenital eye disease, and Addison’s Disease.
Finding a Labradoodle in your area
Finding a Labradoodle in South Africa can be tricky.
Because they’re not an official breed, they can’t be sold by accredited breeders who belong to recognized organisations like KUSA (Kennel Club South Africa) – and you never want to go through a breeder who isn’t part of a regulatory organisation.
When it comes to adopting, you may have a hard time finding this hybrid breed: Because they’re so difficult to find in the first place, the pet parents who do find them are unlikely to give them up to a shelter.
At dotsure.co.za, we support Adopt Don’t Shop, so if your heart is set on finding a Labradoodle, we recommend making it known to shelters in your area or searching for breed-specific shelters.
It may take longer than you hoped to find your perfect pup, but there’s nothing quite as heart-warming as giving a needy dog a good home.
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