Labradoodle Lab Mix

What is a Labradoodle Labrador Mix?

The Labradoodle Lab mix combines the purebred Labrador with a mixed breed – the Labradoodle. Labradoodles, at their most basic, are a combination of the Labrador and Poodle breeds. But, Australian Labradoodle breeders will often include other working dogs, like Cocker Spaniels.

As a mixed breed, a Labradoodle Lab mix’s traits will be unpredictable. Puppies could favor one parent, or could be the perfect combination of the two. When researching Labradors and the Labradoodle Lab mix, you’ll likely come across terms like f1b, f2, f2b, and so on. But what does that mean?

The ‘F’ in these terms stands for filial, which means relating to offspring. The number in the term indicates the generation. So, 1 would mean first generation offspring (a Labrador Poodle mix), 2 would mean second generation offspring (an f1 Labradoodle and f1 Labradoodle mix), and so on. ‘B’ stands for ‘backcross’, which means breeding back to one of the relevant purebred dogs. So, and f1b Labradoodle is a first generation Labradoodle crossed with a purebred dog (either a Poodle or a Labrador).

Poodles are much more common candidates for backcrossing, since they have the coat type that many breeders desire. But, it is possible to find a Labradoodle Labrador backcross. It just might take a little more time!

What to Expect From a Labradoodle Lab Mix

As mixed breeds, the Labradoodle Labrador mix can be quite unpredictable. Some puppies might look just like purebred Labradors, but others may show more of the Poodle influence from their Labradoodle parent. Regardless, here is a general idea of what you might be able to expect from this cross:

Height:	18 – 24 inches
Weight:	40 – 80 lbs
Coat type:	Straight or wavy, usually double layered
Shedding levels:	Moderate to high
Energy levels:	High
Temperament:	People-oriented, intelligent, energetic
Average lifespan:	12+ years
Average puppy price:	$1000 – $2000

Because this mix can be unpredictable, the above information should only be a guide for how puppies may turn out. The best way to predict what your puppies will end up like is to take a look at their parents!

Labradoodle Lab Mix Appearance

The appearance of a Labradoodle and Labrador backcross will usually vary depending on the Labradoodle. If the Labradoodle used is a later generation, or favored their Poodle parent, puppies will usually be more unpredictable. But, if the Labradoodle looked quite Lab-like, puppies will often look more like the traditional purebred Labrador.

This mix will grow up to be a medium to large dog. Like most breeds, females will often be smaller and lighter than males. But, size can range from as little as 18 to 24 inches, and weight from 40 to 80 lbs! This is assuming that the Labradoodle parent is a standard size, not a medium or miniature variety. Puppies parented by these smaller varieties will usually be smaller, too.

Most Labradoodle Lab mix dogs will have floppy, triangular ears, a long, straight tail, and an overall muscular body. Physique can range from slender to stocky, depending on the parent your mix takes after. The type of Labrador used can also impact this. For instance, show type Labradors are usually stockier than field type Labs.

Lab Labradoodle Mix Coat Type

Though a Labradoodle Lab backcross will have more Labrador influence than other Labradoodles, their coat type can still be quite unpredictable. Many of these puppies will grow up to have straight fur and a double layered coat, like the traditional purebred Labrador.

However, some may have longer fur, which is wavy all over their bodies. In fact, even puppies from the same litter can have very different coat types. Most Labradoodle owners and breeders want dogs with low shedding, “hypoallergenic” coats, more like the Poodle parent. This is partly what makes Labrador backcrosses so uncommon compared to Poodle backcrosses.

But, some Labradoodle Lab mix owners find that their dogs have low shedding coats, despite their fur being more like the Labrador’s. So, there’s a chance that this mix will still shed less than a purebred Lab.

Labradoodle Lab Mix Temperament

One of the most common reasons breeders backcross to the Labrador is for temperament. Labs are friendly, playful, and people-oriented dogs that make wonderful family companions. They’re often recommended as ideal for first-time owners, since they’re eager to please and take well to training. On top of this, they’re usually great with kids and other pets, particularly if they are well socialized.

A Labradoodle Lab mix will show this same personality. But, they can still show some Poodle influence, being a little more wary around strangers and other animals. Either way, this mix will have a lot of energy, and will need a lot of mental stimulation every single day. Without proper stimulation, they can become bored. Boredom and stress can lead to unwanted behaviors, including digging, barking, chewing, and so on.

Temperament can be quite unpredictable in mixed breed dogs. But, fortunately, there’s a lot of Labrador influence in this cross! So, you’re bound to get an affectionate, loving, and playful pet. As soon as you get through that bitey puppy stage, that is!

Training and Exercise Needs

Both Labradors and Labradoodles are intelligent and energetic dogs. So, a mix between the two will be the same. Many new owners underestimate just how much exercise and stimulation Labradoodles need, which results in dogs being given up for adoption. A full grown Labradoodle Lab backcross will need at least an hour of exercise every day. This could be hiking, swimming, or even some fun, energetic retrieval games.

Just as important as physical exercise is mental stimulation. Labradoodle and Lab mix dogs are clever. So, they pick up new cues quickly, but they can become easily bored. Regular training will help to keep your dog entertained, but it’s a great idea to invest in some interactive toys, too.

Labradoodle Labrador mix dogs are usually food motivated. They also form very strong bonds with their owners, and are eager to please. So, positive reward methods are very effective. Aversive or punishment based methods can erode the trust between you and your mix, and can increase their stress levels.

Labradoodle Lab Mix Health

Labradoodle Lab mix dogs are prone to a number of health issues, particularly those that impact your dog’s joints. Studies have found that mixed breed dogs have longer average lifespans than purebred dogs. So, it’s reasonable to expect a Labradoodle Lab mix to live into their teens! But, good breeding and proper daily care will go a long way to increasing that lifespan. Here are some of the most common health issues that a Labradoodle and Labrador mix dog will experience:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Osteoarthritis
• Ear infections
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
• Exercise induced collapse
• Centronuclear Myopathy
• Muscular dystrophy
• Heart problems

Grooming a Labradoodle Lab Mix

The grooming needs of a Labradoodle Labrador mixed dog will depend on its coat type. Those with Lab-type coats are lower maintenance than those with wavy coats. Wavy fur is more likely to knot and tangle, particularly if it grows long, like a fleece type Labradoodle. These Labradoodles will need more frequent grooming than those with straight, short fur, like a Labrador’s.

No matter what fur type your mix has, the Labradoodle Lab mix will likely shed more than a standard Labradoodle mix. Shedding hairs are less likely to get caught in straight fur. But, no matter what type of fur your mix has, grooming can help to control and remove shedding hairs.

As well as fur care, you should trim your mix’s nails during grooming sessions. Check your dog’s ears for excess wax, gently wipe away any eye gunk, and make sure their teeth are brushed every day. Start grooming from a young age, to ensure your mix is comfortable with all aspects of the process.

Are Labradoodle Lab Mixes Hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic dogs are those that don’t shed and don’t trigger allergy symptoms. However, studies into hypoallergenic dogs draw mixed conclusions. Some support the idea that “hypoallergenic” breeds are better for people who suffer from dog allergies. But, others find no different between hypoallergenic and non-hypoallergenic breeds. In fact, some go as far as to say truly hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist at all.

Generally, Labradoodle Lab mix dogs will not be hypoallergenic dogs. They are often moderate to high shedders, and will have straight or wavy hair that doesn’t catch shedding fur. The best way to see if a certain dog triggers allergy symptoms for you is to spend time with them before committing and bringing them home.

You can also enforce a strict cleaning regimen, and recruit someone else in your home to complete grooming tasks. This way, you’ll stay away from shedding hairs, and the dander which contains allergens that can be so problematic.

Is a Labradoodle Labrador Mix a Good Family Pet?

The Labrador and Labradoodle mix can make a great family companion in the right home. These dogs are people-oriented, eager to please, and playful. They are very social dogs that do best in homes where they have lots of company. If you spend lots of time away from home, this isn’t the right mix for you.

This is also a very high energy dog. So, they won’t suit homes with little space to run and play. They also won’t suit families that are unable to give them enough exercise and mental stimulation. Daily training and exercise are a must.

Labradoodle Lab mix dogs get on well with people, children, and animals, as long as they’ve been properly socialized from a young age. But, since they are likely to have a more Lab-like coat, they may not suit people who suffer from dog allergies.

Finding a Labradoodle Lab Mix Puppy

Labradoodles are popular dogs, so finding a Labradoodle breeder who backcrosses their dogs is not likely to pose a challenge. However, finding a breeder who backcrosses to the Labrador is going to be harder. Most breeders will backcross to Poodles in order to achieve a low-shedding, curly coat.

When searching for a puppy, make sure you specify that you’re looking for a Labrador backcross. Some breeders may have litters, or will at least be able to point you in the direction of someone who can help.

However, with the Labradoodle’s popularity comes a huge cost. Puppy mills, pet stores, and backyard breeders tend to jump on trends like the Labradoodle to make a quick profit. But, the puppies they sell are often poorly cared for and much more likely to have health and behavioral problems. So, above all else, you should prioritise finding a reputable breeder.

How Much Does a Labradoodle Labrador Mix Cost?

Puppy prices will vary from one location to the next. Factors like demand for a certain breed, puppy colors, coat type, and so on, can all influence puppy price. So, it’s difficult to say exactly how much a Labradoodle Lab mix will cost.

The Labradoodle Labrador mix is less common than a Poodle backcross. And, much less popular. So, whilst they might be harder to find, they also tend to cost less. As a general rule, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1000 and $2000 for a Labradoodle Lab mix puppy. But, as we’ve mentioned, this price can fluctuate depending on a number of factors.

Rescuing a Labradoodle Labrador Mix

An alternative option to buying a puppy from a breeder is to search for one in rescue centers. Puppies from rescue centers are often cheaper than those from a breeder. They might be slightly older, but this can be an advantage, as many will have some basic training. You’ll also likely be able to find out more about their temperament.

The major disadvantage of rescue center mixed breeds is that staff might not know exactly what parentage the dogs have. It’s worth speaking to staff to ensure you’re bringing home a companion that suits the care needs you can offer. But, if you suspect you’ve found a Labradoodle Lab mix, you can always use a DNA test when you bring your new friend home.

Labradoodle Lab Mix – A Summary

The Labrador and Labradoodle mixed dog can be quite unpredictable, but they’re more likely to inherit Labrador traits than your standard Labradoodle. These dogs are best suited to families that have plenty of time for training, exercise and mental stimulation. They may be too energetic for apartment living, unless you have access to an open, safe space to give them exercise and a chance to stretch their legs a few times each day.

Do you have this uncommon backcross at home already? Or are you still considering whether this mix is right for you? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

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References and Resources

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