Complete Guide To The Multigenerational Labradoodle

If you’re a fan of Labradoodles like us here at Doodle Doods, you’ve probably also heard about the Multigenerational Labradoodle. So, what’s up with that? What is a Multigenerational Labradoodle? What do they look like? How big do they get? What’s their personality like? We’ll answer all of your questions about Multigen Labradoodles in the following guide. Let’s get into it! 

Table of Contents

• Multigenerational Labradoodle 101: Introduction
• What Is A Multigenerational Labradoodle?
• Traits Of Multi-Gen Labradoodles
• Are Multigen Labradoodles Good Family Dogs?
• Multigenerational Labradoodle 101: FAQs

Multigenerational Labradoodle 101: Introduction

The Labradoodle is a hybrid cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The Labradoodle is one of the longest, most established Doodle breeds. They date back to the 1950s when the very first Labradoodle was created with the goal of producing a hypoallergenic guide dog. 

The fun, yet confusing part of Poodle mixes and other hybrid breeds is that they can be bred in numerous different ways. We have first-generation Labradoodles, second-generation Labradoodles, and then we have all sorts of different backcross generations of the Labradoodle. And, let’s not forget, there’s also the Multigen Labradoodle that we’ll focus on more in this guide. Which brings us to…

What Is A Multigenerational Labradoodle?

A Multigenerational Labradoodle is a Labradoodle that’s been bred for at least three generations. Another way to put it is that a Multigen Labradoodle is a pooch whose both parents are at least F1b or higher. As the name hints, Multigenerational Labradoodles have been bred over multiple generations. Additionally, a Multigen Labradoodle may also have a Multigenerational Labradoodle parent that’s crossed back to a Poodle. The great thing about this is that it lets reputable breeders achieve more control over the outcome and achieve more consistency in their litters. 

As the Labradoodle is such an established Doodle breed, there are plenty of different generations available for loving Doodle parents to adopt. You can opt for a first-generation Labradoodle, look into backcross Labradoodles, or get yourself an adorable Multigen Labradoodle. Thanks to their long history, all different generations of Labradoodle are quite widely available. In contrast, some Poodle mixes that are relatively new and rare are often only available in the first generation. 

By the way, Australian Labradoodles are also considered Multigeneration Labradoodles. Now granted, Australian Labradoodles are a bit different from regular OG Labradoodles. The Labradoodle, including Multigenerational Labradoodle, is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. The Australian Labradoodle actually consists of three different purebreds in its lineage: Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and also Cocker Spaniel. In addition to that, Australian Labradoodles are all at least fifth generation or higher. 

Labradoodle Generations Explained

To explain things a bit further, we must also understand all the different Labradoodle generations that are possible to produce. Here’s a quick overview of how each Labradoodle generation is produced and how it may affect the outcome: 

*These are generic calculations only – genetics are rarely mathematically accurate.

Making Sense Of It All…

As you can see, all Labradoodle generations can have wildly different traits and characteristics due to their genetic makeup. First-generation Labradoodles, having a 50-50 mix of both parental breeds, may lean on either side of the lineage. While they’re certainly adorable and just as amazing as any other generation of Labradoodle, it’s often harder to predict their traits before they’re born and genetically tested. But with each consecutive generation, a breeder can achieve more control over the outcome. This includes the puppies’ size, personality and temperament, coat type and shedding levels, and so on. 

Nonetheless, keep in mind that these are just rough estimates. Indeed, they can somewhat help us predict the outcome, but there are never any guarantees. Even some F1bb Labradoodles may inherit more Labrador-like traits, whereas most of their littermates lean more towards the Poodle’s side. 

Also, as you may have noticed, it’s impossible to tell a Multigenerational Labradoodle’s exact genetic makeup, as they can be bred in many different ways. They may have two F1b Labradoodle parents or two F2 Labradoodle parents. They may also be bred from two Multigen Labradoodle parents or with one Multigen Labradoodle parent and another that’s a purebred Poodle. 

That’s why choosing a reputable breeder is so important. If you’re after specific traits like size and coat type, you should clearly communicate this to your chosen breeder so that they can help you choose the best suited pup for you personally.  

Traits Of Multi-Gen Labradoodles

So, what do Multigenerational Labradoodles look like? And what’s their personality like? What about their health and activity levels? How much training do they need and how easy it is? Let’s take a closer look at the different traits of the Multi-Gen Labradoodle and see what all the fuss is about! 

Multigenerational Labradoodle Temperament & Personality

Like any other generation of the Labradoodle, Multigenerational Labradoodles are fun-loving, playful, intelligent, sweet as can be Doods. They make truly amazing companions, as they thrive when spending lots and lots of time with their beloved humans. If you’re looking for a pet who is equally as silly and playful as they are affectionate, then the Multigen Labradoodle will definitely not disappoint. 

While Multigenerational Labradoodles are quite active dogs, they generally aren’t overly hyper. Compared to purebred Poodles, they tend to be a bit more laid-back. But, considering that a Multigen Labradoodle can be bred different ways, meaning that some of them have a much higher percentage of Poodle in their genetic makeup, some of them may be more energetic like the Poodle parent. 

Labradoodles usually get along well with people of all ages as well as other pets, such as other dogs and even cats. To be fair, even strangers are all friends to them! But, of course, the key to raising a well-rounded and confident dog who doesn’t have issues interacting with others outside of their household lies in early socialization and training. 

Also, like most other Poodle mixes, Multigenerational Labradoodles don’t exactly do well on lots of alone time. They are prone to separation anxiety, which is something you should keep in mind. 

Multigen Labradoodle Coat Types & Colors

The great thing about Multigenerational Labradoodles is that they’re usually very low to non-shedding dogs. Thanks partly thanks to them being at least three generations in or more, which means that a breeder has more control over the puppies’ coat genetics. 

Like F1 or F2 Labradoodles, Multigen Labradoodles can inherit either curly, wavy, or straight coats. As the Labrador Retriever has a straight coat and the Poodle has a tightly curled coat, the outcome can sometimes surprise us. But most of the time, Multigen Labradoodles have wavy or curly coats that are considerably more hypoallergenic than straight coats. Especially if some of those wavy-coated Labradoodles don’t inherit a shedding undercoat – the main culprit triggering allergies in humans and leaving a trail of loose dog hair behind. 

Multigenerational Labradoodles also come in a variety of colors. They may inherit the well-known Labrador Retriever’s coat hues like yellow, chocolate, white, red, silver, or black. But as there’s also the Poodle in the mix, they may very well inherit something from that side of their lineage, too. Other colors you may see on Labradoodles include golden or apricot, cream,  blue, or gray. But that’s not all, some especially lucky Labradoodle pups have beautifully patterned coats in sable, tuxedo, parti, merle, brindle, abstract, or phantom.  

Multigenerational Labradoodle Size

Multigenerational Labradoodles range in size with the smallest weighing as little as 15 pounds and the largest as much as 90 pounds once fully grown. They’re categorized as Standard, Medium, or Mini Labradoodles from largest to smallest. As the Australian Labradoodle is also technically a Multigenerational Labradoodle, with the slight addition of a Cocker Spaniel, they also come in a very similar size range. 

* A dog’s height is always measured from the withers. This is the highest part between their shoulder blades. 

Again, a Multigenerational Labradoodle has a small advantage here in comparison to F1 Labradoodles. Mainly because it’s easier to breed for a specific size when specializing in Multigenerational Labradoodles. With F1 Labradoodles, on the other hand, it can be difficult to predict the outcome.  

Multigenerational Labradoodle Health & Lifespan

Multigenerational Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they’re still at risk of certain health problems that are common in Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. These include joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and retinal dysplasia, but also conditions involving the thyroid, gastrointestinal diseases, bloat, obesity, cancer, and Addison’s disease. They’re also prone to ear infections as well as allergies and sensitivities. 

Hybrid breeds like the Labradoodle are said to benefit from hybrid vigor. This means that hybrid breeds tend to inherit superior genetics from their purebred parents, and therefore minimizing the risk of genetic illnesses. However, keep in mind that hybrid vigor is usually the most prevalent in first-generation Doodles. But that’s not to say that a Multigenerational Labradoodle won’t be a healthy pooch with a long life. 

If you’re planning to adopt a Multigenerational Labradoodle puppy from a breeder, be sure to ask them about any and all genetic and health testing protocols they utilize to ensure that their breeding dogs are healthy and born from strong bloodlines. This can greatly reduce the risk of the puppies inheriting some of the more serious health problems. 

And how long do Multigen Labradoodles live? The average life expectancy of a Multigenerational Labradoodle is between 12 and 15 years. As a general rule of thumb, smaller Mini Labradoodles tend to outlive their larger Standard Labradoodle counterparts by a few years. Those smaller pups may even live beyond the 15 year mark, if you’re lucky. 

Nutritional Needs

As we’re on the topic of the Multigenerational Labradoodle’s health, you can’t underestimate the value of a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet. The nutritional needs of a Multigen Labradoodle are no different than those of an F1 or F1b Labradoodle. Look for formulas that are made with high-quality ingredients and that don’t contain any unnecessary fillers or artificial preservatives. You should feed your Dood the right type of dog food according to their life stage, size, and overall health. 

For instance, for the first few weeks of a puppy’s life, they should be feeding on their mother’s milk. Once it’s time for weaning, they should be started on specially formulated puppy food. When they become an adult dog, you can switch to an adult formula, and finally graduate them to a senior formula once they enter their golden years. Similarly, if you have a smaller Mini Labradoodle, your vet may recommend a kibble that’s tailored for small-sized breeds. Or a formula that’s designed for large-sized breeds if you’ve got a heavy-set Standard Labradoodle. 

In addition to that, as Labradoodles can be prone to obesity, be sure to carefully measure out their daily food according to your pup’s needs. You can calculate this with the help of our Dog Food Calculator. Likewise, you shouldn’t underfeed your pup, as this can lead to malnourishment and a wide range of other health issues. 

Grooming Needs Of Multigen Labradoodles

Multigenerational Labradoodles are one of those lucky crossbreeds that have fluffy, fabulous, yet low-shedding and allergy-friendly coats. But! They also require constant grooming to prevent painful mats and any other skin and coat health problems. 

The most important step in a Multigenerational Labradoodle’s grooming routine is brushing. An easy guideline is this – the curlier your Labradoodle’s hair, the more brushing and grooming it’ll need. Curly-coated Labradoodles should be brushed daily, whereas straight and wavy-coated Labradoodles can be brushed slightly less, at least 3 to 4 times a week. It’s also important that you get the right kind of dog grooming brush for your Labradoodle. Not all dog brushes are suited for the Labradoodle’s coat, but you can find our top picks for Labradoodles here. 

Another important step in a Multigen Labradoodle’s maintenance regimen is hair trimming. This should usually be done about every 6 to 10 weeks, give or take. With a little bit of inspiration and learning how to do it at home yourself, you can save a lot of money on those routine trips to a professional groomer. 

Bathing should only be done when necessary, as doing it too often can sometimes lead to skin dryness and irritations. In addition to that, some Labradoodles are more sensitive and not all dog shampoos and conditioners may suit them. If that’s the case, look for hypoallergenic shampoos, but you can also find your pooch a great targeted shampoo for almost any other concern, too. 

Weekly maintenance steps include ear cleaning with a dog ear cleaner and nail trimming with a nail grinder or a dog nail clipper. We also recommend you brush your Labradoodle’s teeth at least a few times a week (if not more) to prevent dental problems. 

Exercise & Training Needs

The Multigenerational Labradoodle benefits from all different types of exercise, be it walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, or simply playing fetch in the backyard. You should aim to exercise your Multigen Labradoodle at least 60 minutes per day. 

What’s more, Multigenerational Labradoodles also need plenty of mental stimulation. After all, they’re intelligent dogs and they need a healthy outlet for that. Socialization, obedience training, interactive toys, and puzzle games are all great forms of enrichment for these dogs. By the way, this also prevents destructive behaviors due to boredom. 

Speaking of training, you should start with socialization, potty training, crate training, and obedience training as soon as you bring your new pooch home. Fortunately, as the Multigenerational Labradoodle is blessed with high levels of intelligence, none of these should be much of an issue. But if any undesired behaviors persist, you may find help from professionals, such as the Online Puppy School by Baxter & Bella. 

Are Multigen Labradoodles Good Family Dogs?

The Multigenerational Labradoodle makes an excellent family dog. These Doods are affectionate and gentle, intelligent, playful, and overall just a joy to be around. As we mentioned before, they’re amazing with children and they can also learn to play nice with other pets in the household. 

The main perk of the Multigenerational Labradoodle is that reputable breeders have more control over the consistency and predictability in their litters. Most of the time, people prefer Labradoodles to be as low-shedding as possible, which is much easier to achieve with Multigenerational Labradoodles. 

But even though Labradoodles, and the Multigenerational Labradoodle, are highly intelligent and usually well-mannered dogs, they only become this way if they’re raised properly. So, don’t forget to socialize your Dood with people of all ages, including children and elderly, other dogs, and other animals from a young age. You should also put great emphasis on desensitizing and training your pooch. 

Also, Labradoodles tend to form strong bonds with their family members and they adore their humans. So don’t forget to shower your pal with lots of attention, affection, and care, and you’ll see how they thrive in your company. 

Multigenerational Labradoodle 101: FAQs

Multigenerational Labradoodle 101: Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! We hope you learned some interesting and useful facts about the Multigenerational Labradoodle from this guide. They aren’t much different from any other generation of the Labradoodle – they have low-shedding and allergy-friendly coats, they’re just as intelligent and eager to please, and equally as adorable pets one could have. But remember that all dogs are unique and have their own personality traits and quirks. So, if you have specific needs in mind, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your chosen breeder. This way, you can ensure that you’re adopting a pup that’s best suited for you and your family. 

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