THE LABRADOODLE
Labradoodles are a wonderful breed that is relatively new in the USA. The U.S. version of a labradoodle is cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Standard poodle, this varies from the Australian labradoodle which is its own pure blood line.
They are a Designer Breed known for their incredible intelligence, beautiful coats, and their amazing, friendly personalities.
There are several generations of labradoodles:
There are First Generation Labradoodles, or F1's:
These dogs are a Standard Poodle bred to a Labrador Retriever. They come in many different colors and sizes. They can be anywhere from lab looking to poodle looking. Typically their hair is wispy and wavy. They often shed at the change of the seasons if not more, though usually much less than a Lab. Their size can vary greatly depending on the parents but the average size range is between 60-100 lbs. They are a nice mix of the breeds with less shedding than a lab and a more refined shape than a lab.
There are also F1b Generation Labradoodles:
This generation is a result of a F1 bred to a Standard Poodle. These dogs can still vary in appearence and can be many different colors. Many F1b's have thick, soft hair that is wavy to curly. They are often frosted or highlighted in color. Their size often varries but a typical varriation is between 55-85lbs. They do not shed* and are hypo allergenic. They are highly intelligent and friendly. They are often used as seeing-eye dogs and service dogs because of their incredible intelligence and their size and strength. They are considered a "designer breed." F1b's are the most sought after generation.
Multi Generational Labradoodles:
These are usually F1b's bread to F1b's however F1s may be bred as well. These are essentially just really really cute mutts. They still carry many of the desired traits of the labradoodle however the most desired traits typically start to be less prominant with this cross.
The cream of the crop Labradoodles are F1b's. A female poodle bred to a male F1 labradoodle is typically the ideal breading for the desired traits in an F1b. Typically in the animal world the babies have coats and form more similar to the mothers than the father's, because of this the best qualities usually are found in dogs who's mother and grandmother were the Standard poodle. This breeding helps ensure the best combination of traits amoungst Labradoodles.
*Please note that all dogs do shed somewhat; just like you shed when you brush your hair sometimes, dogs do when they are brushed or groomed.
** Because they do not shed their hair just grows; this means that they may require regular grooming. Grooming frequency depends on your preference of coat length.
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