Labradoodles 101: An Intro to the Labrador Retriever-Poodle Mix

Labradoodles are a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. These adorable doodles have lots of energy, they’re quirky, intelligent and fun-loving family dogs. Let’s get to know them a bit more!

Labradoodle Generations

Let’s take a quick look at the Labradoodle generations and what each of them means:

	1st Parent	2nd Parent	% Labrador Retriever*	% Poodle*
F1 Labradoodle (first-generation)	Labrador Retriever	Poodle	50%	50%
F1B Labradoodle (first-generation backcross)	F1 Labradoodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F1BB Labradoodle (first-generation backcross backcross)	F1B Labradoodle	Poodle	12.5%	87.5%
F2 Labradoodle (second-generation)	F1 Labradoodle	F1 Labradoodle	50%	50%
F2B Labradoodle (second-generation backcross)	F1 Labradoodle	F1B Labradoodle	37.5%	62.5%
F2B Labradoodle (alternate cross)	F2 Labradoodle	Poodle	25%	75%
F3 / Multigen Labradoodle	F1B Labradoodle or higher	F1B Labradoodle or higher	Varies	Varies

• F1 Labradoodle is a 50/50 cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. This generation is considered the healthiest.
• F1b Labradoodle results when an F1 Labradoodle and a Poodle have been crossed. This results in 75% Poodle and 25% Labrador Retriever.
• F2 Labradoodle are second generation Labradoodles where both parents are F1 Labradoodles.
• F2b Labradoodle is a cross between an F1 Labradoodle and an F1b Labradoodle.
• F3 or multigen Labradoodles are third generation Labradoodles where both parents are F1b or higher.

Appearance of Labradoodles

Colors

As with all other Doodles, Labradoodles come in many colors. Their coat can be one solid color or a mix of different color combinations.

Most commonly you will find chocolate, cream, red, black, silver, apricot, caramel, blue, chalk, parti color or phantom Labradoodles. 

Coat, Shedding, and Hypoallergenic Level

The coat texture, shedding, and hypoallergenic levels can be determined by the Labradoodle’s generation.

Labrador Retrievers have a double coat. Also, they shed a lot. Thus, the more genes a Labradoodle inherits from a Labrador Retriever parent or grandparent, the more it usually sheds. 

For example, an F1 Labradoodle can have a higher maintenance coat due to them being 50% Labrador Retriever.

On the other hand, the appearance and shedding of the coat really depends on how much it inherits from each of its parents. 

Likewise, F1b Labradoodles usually have more Poodle-like coats. This generation is perfect for people who are looking for less-shedding and allergy-friendly dogs.

	F1	F1b	F2
Coat Description	Coats are usually more wavy than curly, which grows to a typical length of 3-5 inches. May or may not have an undercoat.	Coats are more likely to be curly than wavy, and grows to a typical length of 3-5 inches. May or may not have an undercoat.	Coats can vary greatly – curly, wavy, and anywhere in between – with varying lengths. May or may not have an undercoat.
Grooming/Coat Maintenance*	High care	Very high care	Moderate to very high care
Shedding	Some to light-shedding	Very light to non-shedding	Very light to non-shedding
Allergy Friendliness	Great for people or families with mild allergies	Recommended for people or families with moderate to severe allergies	Recommended for people or families with moderate to severe allergies

Coat Types

Moreover, Labradoodles can have three different coat types. These are: hair coat, fleece coat, and wool coat. 

For instance, the “hair coat” is straight, usually sheds a lot and is least allergy-friendly. The “fleece coat” is a silky, wavy coat that’s typically very low-shedding. Further, the “wool coat” has a dense texture, thick curls and is usually non-shedding.

Size and Weight

• Miniature Labradoodle weighs around 15-25 pounds and grows 13 to 16 inches tall.
• Medium Labradoodle can weigh about 25-50 pounds and stand between 17 to 20 inches.
• Standard Labradoodles weigh around 50-90 pounds and usually stand at 20 to 26 inches tall.

	Mini/Medium Labradoodle	Standard Labradoodle
Weight	15-50 pounds	50-90 pounds
Height*	13-20 inches	20-26 inches
Age at Full Grown	11-13 months	12.5-16 months

Labradoodles: Personality & Temperament

Labradoodles are smart, fun-loving and overall adorable dogs. They are perfect for families as they enjoy affection, attention, playtime, and exercise. And because of their highly intelligent parents, they are very easy to train!

Of course, if you’re single, a Labradoodle can absolutely become your new companion. But keep in mind that you should not leave them home alone for most of the day. 

In addition, since they are active dogs, give them at least an hour of exercise each day. This will ensure that your pup won’t become destructive out of boredom.

Generally, Labradoodles are very friendly and family-oriented. However, make sure you start training and socializing your pup as soon as you bring them home. This helps you to enforce good behavior and get them used to other people, sounds, and environments.

To conclude, Labradoodles are well-rounded, smart and affectionate dogs. Daily walks and jogs, evening cuddles, and playtime with children – they can do it all! 

Where To Get Labradoodle Puppies

Due to the growing demand and competition for Doodles, they are unfortunately rarely available to rescue from shelters or families (especially puppies), though it is possible.

That said, an infant puppy is easiest to buy from a breeder. There are many high-quality Labradoodle breeders out there who have been breeding healthy Doodles for years, and they all specialize in breeding different generations, sizes, and colors of them.