Dare to Dream Labradoodles

There are many different "types" of labradoodles. All labradoodles are unique in their own special way.

A first generation labradoodle (F1) is a cross between a labrador retriever and a poodle. F1 labradoodles are definitely not recommended for those with allergies, or for people who want a non-shedding dog.

A backcross labradoodle (F1B) is a cross between a first generation labradoodle (F1) and a poodle. Typically I have found that there is still not a consistent look in the F1B generation (coat types still vary tremendously), and sometimes the lab-like stocky structure is sacrificed.

An Australian Multigenerational Labradoodle has ancestors that go back to the foundation breeders in Australia. Mickey is a true Australian Labradoodle. The australian labradoodle has been bred to have a non-shedding coat. I have chosen to focus specifically on the australian labradoodle in order to have a greater consistency in my litters. The consistency that I am referring to is temperment, coat type, and body structure. I am not closed off to bringing in earlier generation dogs to further the gene pool, but my ultimate goal is a family-oriented, non-shedding labradoodle. For this reason, I am focusing on the australian labradoodle.

 

There is a place in this world for all types of labradoodles, as everyone has a different preference. I urge you to look at different pictures and decide for yourself the 'look' that you want for your dog.

The labradoodle comes in 3 different sizes.

A MINI sized Labradoodle ranges from 14-16 inches. They are typically 15-25 lbs.

A MEDIUM sized Labradoodle ranges from 17-20 inches tall. Medium labradoodles weigh 30-45 lbs.

A STANDARD sized Labradoodle ranges from 21-25 inches tall. They range in weight from 50-65 lbs.

There are many different coat types that are unique to the labradoodle. These are the most general descriptions.

 

 

A fleece/borderline coat boasts long loose curls. This coat can be very soft, but might change during the puppy-adult transition stage. Fleece coats are generally non-shedding and easier maintenance than wool coats. A fleece coat is free flowing. It blows in the wind and falls down on their back when long.

 

To the right is a fleece coated adult labradoodle. This is Missy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wool coat is a tight poodle curl. This type of coat is very thick and does not generally 'blow in the wind.' The wool coat reminds me very much of a berber carpet. The wool coat is non-shedding and great for people with allergies. If you have major allergies, the wool coat is the way to go.

 

To the left is Blaze. Blaze has a wool coat. Her coat is kept shorter in this picture.

 

 

 

 

A hair coat is most commonly associated with the F1 labradoodles, although it is just as possible to obtain a hair coat with a multigen labradoodle. These coats are considered "throwbacks". There may be minimal to heavy shedding associated with the hair coat, although it is possible to have a dog with a non-shedding hair coat.

 

To the right is Jersey. Jersey is an F1 labradoodle. She has a shedding hair coat. Jersey's coat is much thinner than a fleece coat, and the coat itself is course. This type of hair is not recommended for anyone with allergies.

Black
A black dog does not have lighter patches, such as large silvering patches on the back and legs. Usually, black dogs do get brown muzzles or brown hughes. A few silvering hairs is also common.

Silver
Silver dogs have the "greying" look. They are born black, but a true silver, will show signs of silvering on the face as they get a bit older.

 

Chocolate
A chocolate dog has a rich true chocolate coat as a puppy, but will often fade as they get older due to sun. However, an indicator of a true chocolate is the base of the coat. The base of the coat should not be faded, but remain a deep chocolate. Mabel is pictured below and you can see the uniformity in her coat. She is a deep chocolate coloring!

 

Cafe
Cafe is faded chocolate throughout the entire body. Even the base of the coat will be light. Lewis is pictured below and he has a much lighter coat than Mabel (chocolate pictured above). Lewis has a lighter undercoat as well, which is consistent with the cafe coloring.

 

Parchment
A parchment is born a lighter chocolate color and begins to fade early on. The body of a parchment dog will appear greyish. Full color is not reached until the dog is between 2 and 3 years old. Madelyn is a parchment color.

 

Red
True red is very similar to rich true chocolate because red dogs often fade in the sun. Again, a true red will have dark roots. Lello pictured below is a true red. She will not fade as she ages either.
 

 

Apricot
An apricot dog has shading from cream-red on body, and usually darker ears. There are many variations of apricot (light apricot to dark apricot). Here are a few pictures to show the differences in the apricot coloring.

 

Cream
A cream dog is very similar to a white color just a few shades darker. They do not have any darker colors on the ears or tail. Sadie is a gorgeous cream colored doodle. Her color is very uniform throughout her entire body.

 

White
A white dog does not have darker ears. They are a solid white color. The picture below is a white standard poodle named Joey. As you can see, he has no highlights to his fur, and the ears are not a different color from the rest of the body.

 

Pictures courtesy of DoodleLane and Dare to Dream Labradoodles.