Labradoodle insurance
Is the Labradoodle the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Labradoodle
The Labradoodle, a cross between a Labrador Retriever and either a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. This curly surprise comes in various sizes and energy levels.
Labradoodle quick facts
- Origin: Australia
- Lifespan: 12–14 years
- Height: Standard: 53–61cm, Medium: 43–52cm, Miniature: 35–42cm
- Weight: Standard: 23–30kg, Medium: 13–23kg, Miniature: 7–13kg
- Colour: Labradoodles come in many shades, including black, chocolate, apricot, cream, red, silver, blue, and multi-coloured.
Where does the Labradoodle come from?
The Labradoodle was first bred in the late 1980s by Australian breeder Wally Conron, who worked for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. His goal was to create a hypoallergenic service dog for a client whose husband was allergic to dog hair.
By crossing a Poodle with a Labrador Retriever, Conron hoped to combine the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat with the Labrador’s excellent qualities as a service dog. The result was the Labradoodle, which quickly gained popularity and paved the way for many other “doodle” crossbreeds in the following decades.
Labradoodle temperament
Sociable
Labradoodles are known for their friendly, social, and affectionate nature. However, larger Labradoodles can be quite boisterous when playing with other dogs.
Family-friendly
They make excellent family pets, love being around their owners, and can generally adapt well to living with other animals. However, as with any dog, temperament is influenced by upbringing and the environment you provide.
Eager
Most Labradoodles inherit the Labrador’s eagerness to please, resulting in a playful, entertaining companion who loves learning new tricks.
Energetic
Once they’ve matured, Labradoodles become energetic but also enjoy relaxing with their family. They are generally good with children and thrive on being at the heart of family life. Let’s be honest—they quickly become the centre of attention, soaking up love and playful antics.
Intelligent
Thanks to their intelligence, Labradoodles are relatively easy to train. Poodles are among the smartest dog breeds, and that intelligence often shines through in Labradoodles. If you’re lucky enough to get a pup with strong Poodle traits, you might have your own little circus dog in the making!
Something to remember
Mixing an active breed (Poodle) with a calmer breed (Labrador) doesn’t always result in a perfectly balanced dog. Your Labradoodle might take after either parent more strongly. Since every litter varies, it’s important to appreciate both breeds - because you never know exactly what traits your pup will inherit!
Labradoodle size & appearance
Labradoodles vary in size depending on their parent breeds. Labrador Retrievers typically stand 54–57cm tall, while Poodles come in four size variations: Standard, Medium, Miniature, and Toy. This means Labradoodles can range significantly in size depending on the Poodle parent.
Their coat can be wavy, curly, or even slightly wiry. It’s often hard to predict a puppy’s final coat type, making them full of little surprises!
When do Labradoodles stop growing?
Labradoodles typically stop growing between 12 and 18 months, depending on their size. Miniature Labradoodles usually reach full size by 10-12 months, while medium Labradoodles stop growing around 12-14 months. Standard Labradoodles, the largest variety, can continue growing until 16-18 months, with some not filling out until they’re two years old. Factors like genetics, diet, and exercise also play a role in their overall growth and development.
Thinking of getting a Labradoodle puppy?
What to expect week-by-week from your first year
We've laid out what to expect from your first year with your new puppy with a series of videos and helpful guides, so you can stay on top of your training, keep your pup healthy, and help them settle in to their new life.
Labradoodle grooming
Crossing a low-shedding Poodle with a high-shedding Labrador results in unpredictable coat maintenance. Some Labradoodles inherit coats that require frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Groomers often report seeing Labradoodles with coats so matted they need to be shaved down completely. To avoid this, regular brushing several times a week is essential.
If your Labradoodle has a curly or wavy coat, it will need regular trims. Rougher coats require hand-stripping. Proper coat care is vital, as tangled fur can become painful and lead to skin problems.
Choose a breeder who can guide you on coat maintenance. If you’re not comfortable with grooming, expect to take your Labradoodle to a professional groomer 3–4 times a year.
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You can trust us with your Labradoodle
Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products. **
** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Labradoodle training
- 1
Train leash walking
Labradoodles are intelligent and generally easy to train, but they can be strong pullers on the lead. Early leash training is important.
- 2
Keep them stimulated
Poodles are known for their quick minds and can get bored without mental stimulation. Labradoodles love learning, so regular training sessions keep them engaged.
- 3
Teach calmness
Because they’re highly social, some Labradoodles can be overly boisterous when playing with other dogs. This may stem from the Poodle’s athleticism combined with the Labrador’s solid build.
- 4
Involve lots of walks
Energy levels vary - some Labradoodles are lively, while others are more relaxed. Regardless, expect to take them on multiple daily walks, including at least one off-lead session in varied terrain with playtime.
- 5
Play games
Labradoodles thrive on scent work and retrieving games, both on land and in water. If you’re wondering why they love fetching so much - it’s in their genes! Both Poodles and Labradors were originally bred as water retrievers, so your Labradoodle will likely enjoy fetching toys and playing in the water.
- 6
Involve mental stimulation
For more information about mental stimulation, read our guide 4 ways to boost your dog’s brain power.
Labradoodle health issues
There’s a common belief that mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs, but this isn’t always the case. Labradoodles can inherit health problems from both Poodles and Labradors.
Like all dogs, they require regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and plenty of exercise to ensure a long and happy life.
For more information, read about common health issues in dogs.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Eye problems
Allergies
Something to remember
When buying a Labradoodle, it's important to choose a responsible breeder who has ensured that both parents are healthy and free from disease.
What we love most about Labradoodles
Great for families
They are social, happy and love to be around people. They adore being the centre of attention and enjoy all the company they can get.
Easy to train
If you put in the effort, there is almost no limit to what your Labradoodle can learn. They are quick-witted and super easy to teach.
Cute & adaptable
Although they come in many varieties, they are simply so beautiful to look at, and if you make sure they get enough entertainment, they are easy to take with you everywhere.
Things to consider before getting a Labradoodle
Labradoodles have many qualities, but of course there are also some things you need to be aware of with this type of dog.
- 1
The coat is demanding
There is no way to know what type of coat your Labradoodle will have. What we do know is that it will definitely require a lot of work in terms of brushing and trimming or clipping.
- 2
They're smart & active
This is a smart dog that has lots of energy. Therefore, this type of dog also needs daily exercise and brain training. If it is not stimulated in both parameters, it can start to come up with its own pranks.
- 3
It's a mixed breed
A Labradoodle is actually a bit like a mixed breed. You'll definitely get a sweet and charming exterior and a lot of qualities, but you also don't know exactly what it's going to look like or be like. Big or small? Curly or wire-haired? Really active or more calm? That's part of the charm of mixes.
Labradoodle insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Labradoodle's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Labradoodle FAQs
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