Labradoodle – a perfect combination?

I was delighted when Adam Delderfield, from Delders Dogs agreed to be interviewed about his two gorgeous Labradoodle boys, Buddy and Chester.  I started to write this post and then realised I needed to talk about Labradoodles, crossbreeds and designer dog breeds, so I wrote that post first.

Adam says he chose an Australian Labradoodle, but that whatever breed he has, he always looks for dogs that are bred for health and temperament, with plenty of stimulation provided early in life.  He wasn’t sure what to expect;

“With a crossbreed the breed standards or stereotypes are vague, so I had no real expectations as to what I was getting. However I did get chance to meet the mother and aunt of the puppies, so had a rough idea of what the temperament was likely to be.”

Wet, muddy dogs!

Adam explains that an Australian Labradoodle is a mix of SIX different breeds:

• Labrador
• Poodle
• English Cocker Spaniel
• American Cocker Spaniel
• Curly Coat Retriever
• Irish Water Spaniel

Most of these dogs have quite high drive and also love water and mud. They may not leave any hair in your house, but they will take TWO DAYS to dry after getting wet!  They are basically Velcro for leaves, sticky balls, grass, mud and anything else they can find.  Most of the breeds are Gundog breeds so an Australian Labradoodle likes to retrieve.  This needs to be managed, or you can find them taking things to their bed they shouldn’t have!

That face

The best thing about having an Australian Labradoodle, (or better still two) is that funny face!

“Nothing beats the joyful look of a doodle in the morning, or after being called a good boy.  Its the floppy ears, tongue out, cheeky look they have.”

Adam says his boys fit his lifestyle perfectly; one is calm and loves to sleep all day, the other has the energy of six dogs!  They are both affectionate and loving.  One is independent and outgoing, while the other is reserved and loyal.

Health records

The Australian Labradoodle has potential issues with hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems and heart conditions.  Neither of Adam’s boys has had any issues, which is not surprising because he has health certificates for their parents and grandparents.

Adam has great advice for a potential dog owner, to help assess the breed and lines for health issues:

“Ask for a list of the breed line and all of their ages.  If all the dogs before your pup got ill at 8 and died at 9, that’s a pretty good marker.  If the breeder doesn’t know this information, that’s even worse. Look for a breed line that is living well into its teenage years because chances are your pup will also live that long. “

How much exercise and training does a Labradoodle need?

Adam says:

“I tend to walk my dogs twice a day as a minimum. Once in the morning and a longer walk in the evening, as that is what fits with my life.  I always try and take the dogs on 1 adventure walk per week.  They go somewhere new or with some new people or dogs, just to keep life exciting.  My dogs tend to be a lot calmer and more settled afterwards.  I really do notice if I don’t take them on a longer adventure walk for a few weeks. “

As for training, although Adam is a dog trainer and is confident that he can teach his dogs anything, he tends to let their personality shine through.  They are pet dogs, not police dogs, so Adam makes sure training is fun for him and for them.  Little and often is the way to go, with any training; 5 minutes a day is perfect.

Are they recommended?

Interestingly, Adam says:

“Although I love my Labradoodles and would never change them, I would also like to try some other breeds out.  I have always loved Staffordshire Bull Terriers and would love to do a breed like that justice.” 

Adam also says that Labradoodles are by no means the easy option in any way.  He says that a good home for these dogs would be someone who likes grooming and definitely someone who wants to find games that will exercise their brain.

Final advice

As far as giving advice to others considering this breed, Adam says:

“Spend as much time with the Breeder as possible, ask them lots of questions and ask to meet all the dogs that would be related to your puppy. Ask them what the average lifespan of the dogs ancestors are, because you want your dog to live for a long time.” 

Thank you Adam, for your invaluable insights into this incredibly popular breed of dog.

Ask for help?

I hope you have enjoyed finding out about owning a Labradoodle?  Please comment and share your views and experiences?  What breed would you like to know about?  Or do you have a breed of dog and would like to share your views on living with your dog?  Please CONTACT ME to let me know?

You are very welcome to CONTACT ME to ask for my advice?  I can help you with a variety of issues and problems around getting a dog and suggestions for tackling training issues.  Go to the What Dog? page for more information on my new service.