Apricot Labradoodle - Is this pale red Labradoodle the right shade for you?

The Apricot Labradoodle is an uncommon but highly desirable dog.

Often bred from an Apricot Poodle and a Yellow Labrador, this gorgeous dog has a soft peach shade to its curly coat that looks really cute.

And that wonderful friendly, active Labradoodle temperament to go with it!

Apricot Labradoodle puppies coats may change color as they get older, an unusual trait that makes them all the more interesting!

Keep reading to learn more about the genetics behind this rare color, and whether this shade of the breed will suit your home.

What is an Apricot Labradoodle?

The apricot Labradoodle is a color variation of the Labradoodle hybrid.

This mix is a cross between the purebred Labrador Retriever and the purebred Standard Poodle.

It comes in a number of coat colors and patterns.

Apricot Labradoodle coats are lighter than red Labradoodle coats.

Plus, these puppies are more likely than some other color variations to change color as they get older.

Other than this, you can expect their appearance, personality, and health and care needs to be generally the same as other Labradoodles.

But why? It’s all in the genetics.

Apricot Labradoodle Genetics

As we mentioned above, the Labradoodle is a crossbreed and is the offspring of two different purebred parents.

Both the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle can come in a variety of colors. Meaning that your Labradoodle’s coat color and even texture can vary depending on the traits they inherit.

That said, some coat colors are more likely to present themselves than others when it comes to the Labradoodle.

All canine coat colors available are the result of red and black.

Red and black are the two base colors responsible for your dog’s coat color, regardless of if your dog is red, apricot, brown, black, and so on.

Differences arise when other genes interact with these two initial pigments.

So, how common is it to find Labradoodles with the genetic combination for apricot colored fur?

Are Apricot Labradoodles Rare?

Is the apricot a rare color variation of the Labradoodle? Actually yes, despite its popularity!

This is because the apricot color is a lighter variation of the red Labradoodle, and the red Labradoodle color is a rare color indeed.

The color that creates the reddish hues of the apricot Labradoodle’s coat are the result of the Rufus gene.

The Rufus gene is a recessive gene that is less likely to present itself than the other, more dominant genes in your Labradoodle’s genetics.

So, you may have trouble finding apricot Labradoodle puppies. And, because they’re so popular, litters with apricot puppies may sell out quickly.

We will take a closer look at finding healthy Labradoodle puppies towards the end of this guide.

Apricot Labradoodle Temperament

Your apricot Labradoodle’s temperament is most likely going to come down to responsible breeding practices, early socialization, exercise and training.

Make sure you meet both your puppy’s parents if possible. They should be calm and confident.

Although Poodles don’t tend to be as overtly friendly with strangers as Labradors, this parent should still have a happily wagging tail and an obvious attachment to their owner.

To properly socialize an apricot Labradoodle, make sure you introduce him to as many new people, places, and experiences as possible.

This will help to reduce fear and anxiety, and thus problematic behaviors in the future.

Keeping your Labradoodle properly trained using positive reinforcement can also help reduce behavior issues, as can ensuring your Labradoodle is mentally stimulated throughout the day.

Of course, it’s important to note that all dogs can be prone to aggressive behaviors if their needs are not met.

It’s also important to make sure you work with children in the home and teach them how to properly and respectfully interact with the family dog.

However, the good news is that a Labradoodle that is properly raised, trained and socialized at an early age is generally a family-friendly, playful, and energetic hybrid.

Are Apricot Labradoodles Healthy?

When it comes to the apricot Labradoodle, their health issues are relatively the same as their other Labradoodle color counterparts.

With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, a Labradoodle can be prone to suffering from:

hip and elbow dysplasia
progressive retinal atrophy
epilepsy
sebaceous adenitis
bloat
allergies
ear infections
von Willebrand’s disease.

To avoid these where possible only buy a puppy whose Labrador parent has good hip and elbow scores, a clear recent eye test and a clear PRA certificate.

The Poodle parent should be tested clear for von Willebrand’s and sebaceous adenitis.

We should also take a moment to acknowledge hybrid vigor.

This concept suggests that crossbreed dogs like the Labradoodle have a wider gene pool than their purebred counterparts and are thus less likely to develop certain hereditary conditions.

While there is something to this, it is still possible for your Labradoodle to suffer from the same genetic health issues as his parent breeds.

For this reason, it’s very important to get your apricot Labradoodle from a responsible breeder or shelter and to consider having your Labradoodle health screened at an early age.

Caring for an Apricot Labradoodle

The apricot Labradoodle will do best with about 30 to 60 minutes of routine exercise each and every day.

Socialization is also vital to ensuring your Labradoodle grows up happy and well-rounded.

Routine brushing will help keep mats and tangles at bay, and a good bath once every three to four weeks will keep your Labradoodle’s coat healthy and shiny.

Along with brushing and bathing, your Labradoodle will need his ears checked and cleaned regularly to keep build-up from causing ear infections and his nails should be trimmed often to keep them from cracking during play or exercise.

Finding an Apricot Labradoodle Puppy

If you want to get your hands on an apricot Labradoodle, your best bet is to go through a reputable breeder.

Even then, your Labradoodle could change color as he ages.

Lifestyle, diet, and even health can have an impact on your apricot Labradoodle’s coat color, as can certain haircuts.

If you really want to ensure you get a solid apricot Labradoodle dog, you may want to consider adopting an adult dog whose coat color is already established.

Of course, there are more important things to consider about your Labradoodle than the color of his coat.

Choosing a healthy dog whose needs fit your own lifestyle is the best thing to do, regardless of the dog’s color.

Always avoid puppy mills and pet stores, no matter how cheap their puppies are.

Your Apricot Labradoodle

Is the apricot Labradoodle right for you? These crossbreed dogs are not only a gorgeous color, but they are also remarkable in temperament and personality.

Intelligent, family-friendly, and eager to please, this pup brings all the benefits of any well-trained and raised Labradoodle dog, just with a color that is a bit more difficult to find.

So, what do you think about the apricot Labradoodle dog? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

References and Resources

Armstrong, J. ‘Color Genes in the Poodle’, University of Ottawa (1999)
Coren, S. ‘Your Dog’s Coat Color Predicts His Hearing Ability’, Psychology Today (2012)
Buzhardt, L. ‘Genetics Basics – Coat Color Genetics in Dogs’, VCA Hospitals
Webb, A. & Cullen, C. ‘Coat Color and Coat Color Pattern-Related Neurologic and Neuro-Ophthalmic Diseases’, The Canadian Veterinary Journal (2010)
Schmutz, S. & Berryere, T. ‘Genes Affecting Coat Color and Pattern in Domestic Dogs: A Review’, Animal Genetics (2007)
Howell, T. (et al), ‘Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior’, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (2015)