LabradoodleAs one can assume by the name, the Labradoodle is a cross between the Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Although there are conflicting reports, it seems that the first one was crossed by Wally Cochran in Australia in the late 1980’s. He was prompted to try this experiment by a woman whose husband suffered from allergies; the goal being to produce a low maintenance dog that was non-shedding and non-allergic; as well as even tempered. This dog does okay in an apartment, but does need daily exercise in their own space; preferably in an average-sized yard. Some personality traits are hard to pin down as there are a variety of crosses that take place during breeding. Some are the offspring of Miniature Poodles while others the Standard Poodle. Most are well balanced in terms of size, and heavier than the Standard Poodle. Sizes range from between 22 and 24 inches for the standard and 17 to 22 inches for the miniature. Weight ranges are between 30 and 77 pounds. There are minimal grooming requirements. Usually, they need to be brushed every couple of weeks and trimmed by a professional a couple of times a year. They are light shedders and in many cases they are non-allergic. Their curly, wavy coat can be seen in a variety of colors, including black, cream, chocolate and silver.
While there is the potential for elbow and kneecap problems they are a healthy breed that lives between 13 and 15 years.
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