Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Right Homes For Mini Labradoodles

By Lisa Kemp


Variably considered either a mixed breed or a designer breed, mini labradoodles are either the product of crossing purebred labradors with purebred poodles, or breeding previous crosses together. Specific traits can be selected for in multiple-generation lines, while the original dogs are usually fairly similar.

These dogs have great popularity, and this is mostly based on their temperament and their coat. Less hyper than miniature poodles but quicker than many labradors, mini labradoodles often inherit the best traits from both sides. About half of first-generation crosses also sport a coat similar to a poodle, which does not shed or sheds very little.

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog, because people are not allergic to the hair or fur of a dog. They are allergic to the dog's dander, or dead skin cells and other products. However, some breeds with hair that does not shed appear to be better tolerated by some individuals with allergies, perhaps because the dander that they are allergic to is not spread all over the home along with lost fur.

If anyone in your family has allergies, you should first make sure that low-shedding dogs do not trigger symptoms. If this is the case, then perhaps a labradoodle might be a good fit. But puppy coats are not always the same as adult coats, and with the relatively low percentage of first-generation dogs that do not shed, an older dog whose coat is established might be a better choice.

Some people are surprised by the adult size of mini labradoodles. Although these dogs are smaller than a labrador, they are larger than a miniature poodle by quite a bit because of the lab's influence. Because their parents vary so much in size, the puppies tend to range from around 20 to 60 pounds full-grown, but the average is usually close to 35 or 40 pounds.

Puppies should always be acquired from a carefully-selected, responsible breeder. Older dogs are often available through rescue, which is a great way to give a dog in need a home. There are some labradoodle rescue organizations out there, but most people will find they have better success looking at labrador and poodle rescues, which are generally larger, more established organizations.

A great family pet for the right home, mini labradoodles often combine the best of both worlds from their different-breed parents. It is important to make sure that you can meet their needs before adopting one, however-- these are not inactive or dumb dogs, and they need a good deal of both physical and mental exercise.

mini labradoodles




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