Tan Labradoodle

What is a Tan Labradoodle?

The Labradoodle is a mixed breed dog that combines a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle. Smaller varieties have also emerged that use Miniature Poodles. And, the Australian Labradoodle variety actually uses up to 6 different purebred dogs to achieve certain desirable traits, like a curly, low shedding coat.

Though Labradoodles were originally bred to be a low-shedding assistance dog, they quickly claimed the world by storm. Modern Labradoodles are popular as a companion pet, though many suit working roles like therapy dogs. And, they set a trend for Doodle dogs and mixed breeds in general.

The term “tan” simply refers to the color of your Labradoodle’s fur. Tan Labradoodles are solid in color. They are a light brown shade all over their bodies, though some patches may be slightly lighter in pigment. And, some Labradoodles have tan coloring combined with another shade, like white or black.

Is Tan a Recognized Labradoodle Color?

The Labradoodle is a mixed breed, so it is currently not recognized by any major associations, including the American Kennel Club. However, Australian Labradoodle breeders are working hard to standardise the breed. The Australian Labradoodle Association of America was created in 2004 to support this goal. And, this is a great source of information for the Labradoodle mix.

According to the ALAA, tan is not an official color for the Labradoodle breed. But, there are plenty of shades that are very similar, and may well be described as tan by someone who doesn’t know the official color names. Official Labradoodle colors that are close to, or could be misinterpreted as tan include:

• Cream
• Apricot
• Gold
• Caramel cream
• Caramel
• Parchment

In fact, some breeders may use the term ‘tan’ in their descriptions of these shades to widen their reach.

How Do Tan Labradoodles Get Their Color?

Canine color genetics can seem complex if you’re new to the topic, so we’ll keep things simple here. It might surprise you to learn that all dog colors come from two standard pigments: black (eumelanin) and red (pheomelanin).

The shades that are closest to tan in Labradoodles and other dogs usually emerge from the red pigment. Recessive red pigment can vary from the lightest creams and golds to deep oranges and reds. The genes that influence the intensity of red pigment are still being researched and identified. But, one identified locus is the I (Intensity) locus.

A first generation Labradoodle mix can get tan coloring (or very similar shades) from both parents. Yellow is an official Labrador shade, which can vary from a light cream to a deep fox red. And, Poodles have several official shades that are similar to tan, including apricot and cream. Breeding a yellow Lab with an apricot or cream Poodle will likely result in puppies with similar coloring.

Tan Labradoodles With A Second Color

The term ‘tan Labradoodle’ usually refers to a Labradoodle with solid coloring. But, it’s also possible to find Labradoodles with tan colored fur and another color mixed in. Parti Labradoodles can have white and tan fur. The exact placement of their coloring will vary from one dog to the next.

Another potential for bi-colored Labradoodles is the phantom Labradoodle. These Labradoodles can have any two accepted colors, but one of the most popular combinations is tan and black. They have markings on their muzzle, above each eye, below the tail, on their chest and throat, and on all legs and feet.

Are Tan Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

Australian Labradoodles can have one of three coat types: hair, fleece, or wool. Wool coats have tight curls, hair coats have straight hairs, and fleece falls somewhere in between the two. Ideally, all coat types should be single layer. The ALAA breed standards also describe all coat types as no-shedding, but this doesn’t mean that Labradoodles are hypoallergenic.

Many studies attribute allergies to the allergens in a dog’s saliva and dander. Hypoallergenic breeds can be perfect for some people – some studies support the idea that dogs in this group have lower levels of the Can f 1 allergen. However, other people find no difference between these dogs and higher shedding breeds when it comes to their symptoms being triggered. Many studies support this idea that Can f 1 allergen levels are not significantly reduced in homes with hypoallergenic dogs like the Labradoodle.

This doesn’t mean that a Labradoodle will trigger your allergies. And, many studies also suggest that a good cleaning regime and regular grooming can help to control allergies. But, it’s worth spending some time with the dog you’re hoping to bring home before committing if you suffer from allergies. This way, you can ensure that your symptoms don’t flare in the dog’s presence.

Grooming a Tan Labradoodle

Your Labradoodle’s grooming needs will depend on the type of fur it has. Hair coat Labradoodles will have straight fur. This fur type is usually the easiest to maintain, as any shedding hairs fall straight out, rather than getting tangled in the coat. In general, they need regular trims and brushing a few times a week, particularly as their fur grows longer.

Fleece and wool type Labradoodles will need more frequent grooming. This is because the curls and waves in their fur can catch dirt, debris, and any shedding fur or dander. These will cause tangles and knots in your dog’s fur, which will become painful and matted if not brushed out carefully.

Tan Labradoodles have lighter fur than many other shades. So, dirt can show up a little more easily in their coats. Because of this, you may need to pay more attention when keeping them clean. This can also involve wiping tear stains away with a damp cloth, on top of regular duties like brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and checking ears.

Finding a Light Brown Labradoodle Puppy

Since tan is not an official Labradoodle color, it’s potentially going to be hard to find puppies being sold as tan Doodles. Instead, you should use terms that describe the similar, but official, shades. This includes apricot, cream, gold, and so on. But, it’s worth bearing in mind the popularity of these shades, particularly apricot! Since they’re so sought after, you may need to go on a waiting list for puppies from a reputable breeder.

Choosing a reputable breeder is vital. Doing so will ensure you’re bringing home the healthiest possible puppy. Puppy mills and backyard breeders tend to jump on trends for certain breeds. Given the Labradoodle’s popularity, puppy mills are a real risk. But, puppies from these places are often not bred from healthy parents, not well-cared for, and can grow up to have severe behavioral problems.

Another alternative is to look at Labradoodles up for adoption in rescue centers. Labradoodles are often given up if people have misunderstood their high energy needs, or necessary lifestyle. However, many of these dogs will still make great family companions and will be ever grateful for a second chance in a loving home. Rescue dogs are also usually cheaper than puppies from a breeder, so adoption is a great option for many.

Tan Labradoodle – A Summary

Tan coloring on a Labradoodle mix usually goes under other names, such as gold or cream. But, no matter what term you use to describe them, a tan Labradoodle can make a great companion. These dogs are friendly, affectionate, and energetic. They have high social and exercise needs, but will suit a loving and active home.

Do you have a tan Labradoodle at home?

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References and Resources

• Ali, M. (et al), ‘Genetic Analysis of the Modern Australian Labradoodle Breed Reveals an Excess of the Poodle Genome’, Plos Genetics (2020)
• Brancalion, L. (et al), ‘Canine Coat Pigmentation Genetics: A Review’, Animal Genetics (2021)
• ‘Dog Coat Color Genetics’, Accessed 2022
• Vredegoor, D. (et al), ‘Can f 1 Levels in Hair and Homes of Different Dog Breeds: Lack of Evidence to Describe Any Dog Breed as Hypoallergenic’, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2012)
• Nicholas, C. (et al), ‘Dog Allergen Levels in Homes with Hypoallergenic Compared with NonHypoalergenic Dogs’, American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy (2011)
• Chan, S. & Yeung, D. ‘Dog and Cat Allergies: Current State of Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges’, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research (2018)
• Miller, R. ‘Differentiation of the Can f 1 Allergen in Hypoallergenic Dog Saliva Compared to Shedding Dog Saliva’, Murray State’s Digital Commons (2021)
• Australian Labradoodle Association of America