Labradoodles are often described as designer dogs but this description can sometimes diminish the real purpose of their development, as Labradoodles were originally bred as assistance dogs for people with allergies. Read on to discover ten more interesting facts about this wonderful dog.
* After two years of attempting to produce a hypo-allergenic dog for a blind woman in Hawaii, Wally Conran of Guide Dogs Victoria, Australia, finally produced three ‘allergy friendly’ puppies, and first used the term Labradoodle.
* Dog training can be great fun, and with the Labradoodle’s high intelligence and loyal nature, regular short training and play sessions are perfect for bonding with this dog. Labradoodles sometimes undergo gundog training and can benefit hugely from the discipline involved in this type of dog training.
* The size of a Labradoodle can vary greatly depending on whether a Standard Poodle or a Miniature Poodle is used in the cross; but also multi-generational pups can be smaller than their F1 counterparts, as Labradoodle is bred with Labradoodle.
* Celebrity owners of Labradoodles include Graham Norton, Jeremy Clarkson, Jennifer Aniston and Tiger Woods. A Labradoodle also nearly made it into the White House, but unfortunately was pipped at the post by a Portuguese Water Hound.
* The Labradoodle coat can come in many colours, including black, chocolate, cream, apricot and silver. It can vary enormously in texture, and ranges from being flat like a Labrador, to very curly like a Poodle. Their coats may alter several times as they grow, and a fully grown adult dog often bears little resemblance to the puppy it once was.
* Although it has not yet been recognised as a ‘true breed’ by The Kennel Club, the Labradoodle does have the distinction of being listed in the Oxford English Dictionary, as well as being featured in an Australian version of Monopoly.
* It appears that Labradoodles have amazing tracking skills, as a Labradoodle in America, who is a companion dog to a boy with autism, travelled across two counties recently, in search of his owner. The dog had been left with relatives who lived twelve miles away, but he jumped a 6′ fence, negotiated two interstate highways and avoided numerous coyotes on his way back. He was found about a mile from his home, and then he slept for three days solid!
* A Labradoodle pup from a reputable breeder can cost around £750, but much careful research should be done with regard to breeders, to ensure that they have the dogs’ interests at heart and are not just breeding pups for the money. There is often a waiting list for pups, and the breeder should take as much interest in you as possible owners, as you do in the pups. Many breeders will give out a questionnaire in order to establish the suitability of prospective owners.
* The UK Labradoodle Association was formed in 1999, and provides a good source of information and advice to anyone considering buying a Labradoodle. The forum provides much helpful advice on dog training, and dog health and nutrition, and the site provides information for both dog breeders and owners.
* Allergic reactions to dogs may not just originate from their fur, but can also be caused by the dander and saliva of the dog. Great care, therefore, must be taken when choosing a Labradoodle pup, and a good tip is to look at the parents and any adult siblings from previous litters, if possible.
I hope this short introduction to the Labradoodle has convinced you of the special qualities of this amazing dog.
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Source by Ann Freeman