1. What are the sizes of a Labradoodle?
   

2. What Sex of Labradoodle should I get?
   

3. What is the temperament of a Labradoodle?
   

4. How can I tell if a Labradoodle is right for me?
   

5. Are all Labradoodles non shedding and/or allergy friendly?
   

6. How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?
   

7. How do I care for the coat of a Labradoodle? Can you explain the differences in the types of Labradoodle coats?
   

8. Are health problems common in Labradoodles?
   

9. Should we crate our puppy when we take it home?
   

10. What are the colors of Labradoodles coats?
    

11. What is the life expectancy of a Labradoodle?
    

12. Do Labradoodles have a fear of water?
    

13. Are there any foods I should avoid feeding my dog?
    

14. How often do Labradoodles need to be bathed?
    

1. What are the sizes of a Labradoodle?

Sandyhill Labradoodles are breeding Standard Labradoodles and Miniature Labradoodles. Here are our sizes below:

Standard: 21-24 inches tall and approximately 50-65 pounds

Medium: 17-20 inches tall and approximately 30-45 pounds

Miniature: 14-16 inches tall and approximately 16-25 pounds

 

2. What Sex of Labradoodle should I get?

At Sandyhill Labradoodles, and all reputable breeders of multigenerational Labradoodles, all family companion puppies will be de-sexed before they leave our kennel, usually around 8 weeks old. As a result, the testosterone-related behavior usually associated with male dogs, such as frequent leg lifting to mark territory, etc. doesn't develop.  We want to encourage you to consider adopting a male Labradoodle. Both males and females make equally great companions!

3. What is the temperament of a Labradoodle?

Labradoodles are an intelligent  breed of dog. Other traits they acquire are: affectionate, confident, sociable, friendly, comical and extremely loving, loyal and a devoted family pet. They are a very non aggressive breed. They love to play, making them wonderful pets to have around children.

They are well suited to work as therapy dogs, and have a history of working as guide dogs and assistance dogs.

4. How can I tell if a Labradoodle is  right for me?

The Labradoodle is intuitive, sociable, loving, and easily trained. They are also exceptionally intelligent. Because they are so smart, they need to have their intelligence channeled the right way through early training.

Because the Labradoodle is a sociable dog, they crave companionship and stimulation. Labradoodles love their family and are very loyal to them.  It is important to note that dogs really have a sense of order in their pack. You will need to make them know his place in the pack, and that you are the leader. If you are too busy to spend the time with your puppy early on, you should invest in a less intelligent breed. Their active mind needs stimulation, which comes from training.

5. Are all Labradoodles non shedding and/or allergy friendly?

Most will be, but the Labradoodle is still a developing breed and occasionally there will be a throwback puppy who will shed later on.

6. How much exercise does a Labradoodle need?

Labradoodles only need moderate amounts of exercise. Exercising their minds is equally important. Walk your puppy a few times a week and allow them some playing  time out in the yard. Remember the platelettes of young puppies are still forming so you should avoid long walks on hard surfaces in the early months.

7. How do I care for the coat of a Labradoodle? Can you explain the differences in the types of Labradoodle coats?

A Labradoodles coat will change from a puppy coat to an adult coat. The coat should be groomed thoroughly at least once a month.

HAIR coats are the easiest coats to maintain. They don't need much grooming, except for a little trimming around the eyes and chin. Most hair coats do shed

CURLY or WOOL coats do not shed. But they will look best if cut or trimmed a few times a year. They also need to be groomed thoroughly about once each week or so. They are the 'safest' coat type around people who have dog related allergies or asthma. Please note that allergies can be transferred in the saliva of a dog and not just the hair.

FLEECE COATS (formerly referred to as a borderline coat.) This coat should not shed and has a soft fleece feel and requires no maintenance until the puppy is between eight and fourteen months old. At that time the adult coat starts to grow through the puppy coat.
You will need to brush the puppy coat daily at this time until the new coat grows in completely. This is done to prevent matting.

8. Are health problems common in Labradoodles?

Like other floppy eared dogs, Labradoodles have a tendency to get ear infections. To prevent this, keep hair out of the ear if possible, clean them regularly with a cotton swab.

It is important for breeders to continue health testing their breeding stock so as to maintain the well bred Labradoodles current vibrant health status.

Labradoodles tend to be healthier than most breeds, but they are not immune to hip dysplasia or other health related diseases.

At Sandyhill Labradoodles we perform regular hip checks on all our breeding stock dogs and will make our breeding selections based on the results of these tests.

Please note that all animals can develop health issues no matter what the breed.

9. Should we crate our puppy when we take it home?

Dogs are used to living in dens, and if used properly, the crate can serve as the puppies den. Crate training is also helpful with potty training. Puppies and/or dogs should never be left all day in their crates. They will need breaks every few hours so they can eat, drink, play, train or get some exercise.

We recommend that you teach your puppy to sleep in his or her crate overnight. This will keep your puppy safe, and it is also very helpful in potty training.

In the morning, if you take them out immediately to the place you want them to go potty, they will quickly learn to come to this spot to go potty. Puppies will almost never soil their own crates, so will be very ready to potty in the morning. We have found this to be an extremely effective method of potty training.

10. What are the colors of Labradoodles coats?

Black, Chocolate, Cafe, Silver, Cream, Chalk, Gold and Apricot Cream, Apricot and Red. Red and apricot are the rarest and most prized colors currently. Please be aware that many reds will fade over time, although they will remain beautiful.

11. What is the life expectancy of a Labradoodle?

The Labradoodle lifespan is generally 14 to 16 years.

12. Do Labradoodles have a fear of water?

No, they generally love the water.

13. Are there any foods I should avoid feeding my dog?

All breeds of dog should never have chocolate or cooked chicken bones.
Foods like raw meaty bones and thin, flat rib bones from lamb, beef or chicken are highly recommended.

14. How often do Labradoodles need to be bathed?

With multigenerational Labradoodles you don't need to bathe them often. Labradoodles have natural oils in the coat that acts as protection, bathing them will strip this protective oil from their coats.