The Best of Man's Best Friends: The Labradoodle

Most will agree that no one dog breed is perfect. In fact, many breeds are very far from that. However, the recent rise in popularity of "designer dogs" has produced several breeds which in fact come close to being the "perfect dog", one of them being the Labradoodle.

First bred in Australia in the 1980's as a guide dog for those allergic to canines, the Labradoodle is a blend of the Labrador Retriever and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. Several unique generations of Labradoodle are bred today. F1, or first generation dogs are the original Labradoodle; they are bred from a Labrador and a Poodle. A variation of the F1 type, F1B Labradoodles is parented by a Standard Poodle and an F1. F2, or second generation Labradoodles are generally bred from two F1 Labradoodles. Finally, multi-generation Labradoodles are reared from two F2 or other multi-generation Labradoodles.

Labradoodles rarely shed, hence their use as guide dogs for people with allergies. The coat is similar to that of a poodle-hair that otherwise would be shed stays hooked in the coat, and must be brushed out regularly. However, due to the young age of the breed, there are inconsistencies, with some dogs being completely non-shedding, while others shed almost as much as a regular, short-haired dog.

Most dogs' personalities are amazingly pleasant. Picture a dog with the best qualities of both the Lab and Poodle. Labradoodles are almost never aggressive, and many are always calm. Chewing and barking are also less of a problem with these dogs, although it can vary from dog to dog. Combining the playfulness of a Poodle with the calmness and gentleness of a Lab, Labradoodles make perfect family dogs. Unlike breeds such as the German Shepherd, Labradoodles will love and respect several people-an entire household or even neighborhood. These dogs are always willing to please, whether to lick your face or to comfort you in times of despair, the Labradoodle is literally always "there for anyone."

The Labradoodle is easily trainable. Obedient and as a Lab and smart as a Poodle, Labradoodles are fast learners and never stubborn. Combining their will to please with an excellent brain, Labradoodles also excel at dog sports. Many behavioral problems found in other dogs have disappeared in Labradoodles, and even the drive to run away seems to be nonexistent.

However, the breed can be inconsistent. Because Labradoodles are a young breed, the individual specimens are still very different, even within the same litter. Personalities and looks can vary from one breeder to another-three different coat types exist, and the breed standards are vague. Faults are also not uncommon-some puppies will be excessively hyper and some will be overly large or small.

Labradoodles are more expensive than 90% of all other breeds. Prices range from $1,000 for an F1 to almost $4,000 for a well bred multi-generation puppy. Labradoodle breeders, while ever increasing in number, are still few and far between.

Labradoodles are not considered purebred by the American Kennel Club (AKC). At first glance, this would not seem to be a problem. However, they cannot be registered with the AKC, and are prohibited from participating in the Club's events. 90% of dog shows, agility trials, obedience trials, and other dog sports are sanctioned by the AKC; therefore, a Labradoodle is not recommended for anyone wanting to seriously participate in such a sport.

Labradoodles are time-consuming dogs. All dogs need at least one walk per day, with some Labradoodles requiring up to three. Due to their intelligent nature, Labradoodles need to be entertained for some time each day. No Labradoodle is content to sit in the yard all day long or crammed into a crate for extended periods. In fact, treating your dog in this manner could result in behavioral problems or worse.

The Labradoodle could be called one of the greatest breeding innovations of the 20^th century. Today, millions are flocking to Labradoodle breeders across the globe to bring home man's best friend.