Labradoodles are slowly but surely becoming one of the most popular dog breeds. Most of the time, when the name “Labradoodle” comes up, you think of a curly-haired cutie.
Thus, it might be a surprise to know that Labradoodles can come with wavy or straight hair too. This phenomenon can be seen in F1 Labradoodles.
F1 Labradoodles are 50% Poodles and 50% Labrador Retrievers. When the Labradoodle has a straight coat, then they have inherited the stronger genes of the Labrador Retriever parent.
F1 Labradoodles are adorable but they may not be suitable for families with allergies. Unlike curly-haired Labradoodles, F1 straight-haired Labradoodles are prone to shedding.
To make a long story short, F1 Labradoodles may not look like your typical Labradoodle, but they surely have a lot of good qualities. Let’s explore them together!
Let’s start with a quick overview of the F1 Labradoodle and their characteristics:
| Other Names | None |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15-65 Pounds |
| Height | 21-24 inches |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Colors | Black, white, caramel, apricot, chocolate, blue/brown, parti, parchment, phantom. |
| Health | 8/10 |
| Grooming Needs | 7/10 |
| Exercise Needs | 10/10 |
| Shedding | 8/10 |
| Kid Friendliness | 9/10 |
| Pet-friendliness | 9/10 |
| Protectiveness | 5/10 |
| Good for apartments | Maybe-No |
| Average puppy cost | 1000 USD |
The F1 Labradoodle Mix Characteristics
Size: 21-24 inches
Weight: 15-65 pounds
Colors: caramel, chocolate, white, red, cream, black, blue/brown, apricot, parti, parchment, phantom
Coat Type: coarse wiry coat, straight/wavy/curly coat, single-coat/ double-coat
Generally, there are 3 sizes of Labradoodles; Standard, miniature, and medium. Of course, the sizes may vary from one dog to the other, and they are all unique in their own way.
That being said, female Labradoodles are always smaller in size than male Labradoodles. For instance, a standard-sized male labradoodle is 22-24 inches in height, while the female standard labradoodle is 21-23 inches in height.
Female and male Labradoodles can range in weight as well; a standard-sized Labradoodle weighs from 50 to 65 pounds, a medium-sized from 30 to 45 pounds, and a miniature-sized from 15-25 pounds.
Here is the fun part, Labradoodles can vary in colors and coat types significantly. The 4 most common colors are black, caramel, chocolate, and white. However, they can also be found in red, cream, apricot, parti, red, parchment, and phantom.
Their coat can also be quite surprising; they can have either a coarse wiry coat, a straight coat, or a wavy/curly coat. Labradoodles can either have a double-coat like the Labrador Retriever or a single-coat like a Poodle.
Parent Breeds
As previously discussed, the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle are parents to F1 Labradoodles. F1 Labradoodles are 50% Labrador Retriever and 50% poodle.
So, let’s take a closer look at the parent breeds to be able to understand Labradoodles better.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are most loved in America. They are considered to be medium to large dogs and are great for families that enjoy a little love and affection.
Labs are also very energetic and friendly. They enjoy hanging out with their friends and their family. They also need a lot of exercises (minimum 30 mins a day) to put their energy to good use.
These energetic and adorable Labrador retrievers have a double coat that sheds and needs to be brushed a minimum of once a week.
Labrador Retrievers are relatively easy to train.
Poodle
Poodles are the creme de la creme of dog breeds. They are elegant, intelligent, and affectionate dogs.
Poodles that get daily exercise can be quite calm and can live destruction-free in an apartment. An added bonus is that they are great with other pets and children.
They are single-coated and non-shedding, which is great for families with allergies. They are generally low-maintenance. However, their coat needs to be trimmed every 3-6 months.
Like Labs, poodles are very trainable.
In short, Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are a match made in heaven.
Temperament
Labradoodles in general have excellent temperament; they are quite playful, excited, and fun-loving.
If your Labradoodle has been socialized, cared for, and well-trained from puppyhood, you should expect to have an affectionate, caring, and loving dog at home.
They are super-friendly, they love people of any age, and are quite easy to be around. They are always ready to go outside and play.
You need to match their energy and be as energetic as they are quite outdoorsy and require around an hour of exercise per day.
They are also highly curious and intelligent. You will find them exploring everything and excited to meet new people and pets. Generally, Labradoodles can happily coexist with children, adults, and pets.
Luckily, they are always eager to please. Hence, they are really easy to train, especially if they are still puppies.
Health and lifespan
Of course, predicting any dog’s health and lifespan is tricky. Just like humans, it varies from one dog to the other.
As a general rule, Labradoodles are more prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy and hip and elbow dysplasia, just like Labs and poodles. It is almost inevitable.
Another health concern that Labradoodles inherited from their parents is their overweight. Both Labs and Poodles have the tendency to be overweight.
Thankfully you can avoid that by feeding your Labradoodle healthy amounts and ensuring they get 30-60 mins of exercise daily.
Make sure that your puppy’s parents have been thoroughly examined before breeding to increase the possibility of owning a beautiful and healthy Labradoodle.
Studies have proven that mixed breeds have a long lifespan. In theory, your Labradoodle will bless your life for 12 years. Sometimes even more.
Nutritional Needs
As said, Labradoodles can easily become overweight. Thus, you need to make sure you are providing them with healthy foods that are rich in protein and other crucial nutrients.
You should also watch out for the quantity; give them 1 to 1.25 cups of dry food and feed them twice a day.
The food quantity can differ based on your Labradoodle’s age, size, exercise level, and metabolism.
Labradoodles need high-quality dry food and foods that contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to keep their beautiful coat shiny, healthy, and beautiful.
High-quality food will be especially beneficial to F1 Labradoodles because it may reduce shedding.
Grooming Needs & Shedding
Unlike other Labradoodle generations, F1 Labradoodles shed. However, in comparison with other dogs, F1 Labradoodles are still not considered among the most shedding dogs.
F1 Labradoodles need brushing once or twice a week. The more you brush your dog, the less they shed.
If your F1 Labradoodle has straight hair, it can grow quite long, which means you need to take them for a haircut approximately once a month.
As a rule of thumb, Labradoodles should be bathed every 2 to 5 weeks. You definitely should not bathe your Labradoodle weekly, as it can dry out their coat.
If your Labradoodle is highly energetic and gets to roll in dirt a lot, you might need to bathe them every 2-3 weeks.
Exercise Needs
As we already discussed, Labradoodles are highly energetic. This trait can also be found in both Poodles and Labs.
If your Labradoodle is still a puppy, you will need to give them at least 30 mins of exercise every day. An adult Labradoodle will need at least an hour of exercise. This might also not be enough, you can add some light exercise at home.
Please note that exercise will benefit your dog both physically and mentally.
Physically, it will keep your doodle’s joints and muscles moving, which can prevent hip and elbow dysplasia.
Mentally, your dog will have put their energy to good use and will not take it out on you or your home.
Training
Labradoodles are easy to train; they are intelligent, eager to please, and quite obedient.
Your Labradoodle wants you to be proud of them. So, they will be more than willing to listen to your commands.
However, you need to show them that you are in charge because if you don’t, they will claim dominance. The best time to train your doodle is while they are still puppies.
Early socialization is essential to any dog, even those who are so eager to please like Labradoodles. Poodles tend to be a bit aloof, which is a trait your Labradoodle can inherit.
If you welcome an adult Labradoodle into your home and you find some behavioral issues, don’t hesitate to start training them. Remember, they are quite easy to train.
As Family Dogs
F1 Labradoodles make excellent family dogs. They are very energetic and playful, and thus, they need a home with the same amount of energy and playtime.
Families with kids are most suitable for Labradoodles because kids enjoy playtime and have a lot of energy to burn too.
If your heart is set on owning a Labradoodle, you need to consider whether or not you have enough time and space for a dog with so much energy.
If you or any member of your family has an allergy to dog hair, you might want to reconsider owning an F1 Labradoodle, as they shed more than other generations of Labradoodles. Or you can learn how to manage your dog’s shedding here.
As Guard Dogs
If you are looking for a guard dog, a Labradoodle is not your go-to. Labradoodles are more down to play and have fun.
Labradoodles love people; they will not be able to pinpoint whether the person is an intruder or not. They will most likely consider them a new friend they can play with.
That being said, they will still be alert if there is any danger, but you should not depend on it.
Their alert will be in the form of bark.
Where to find them?
If you are looking to invite a new four-legged best friend into your life, it is always a better idea to check the local shelter before checking breeders.
It is always a better idea to rescue a dog rather than buy them from a breeder. If you can’t find a Labradoodle-specific shelter, try checking Poodle or Labrador Retriever shelters.
If you do choose to purchase from a breeder, you need to be very careful and ask the right questions.
You need to find a responsible breeder that cares for the health of their dogs, not just money.
After all, dogs are living souls, not business deals.
All About the F1 Labradoodle Mix in a nutshell
F1 Labradoodles are energetic, fun-loving, medium-maintenance dogs that require a lot of exercise (30-60 mins per day). Their sizes vary from 21 to 24 inches, and they can either have a straight, wavy, or curly coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the F1 Labradoodle Mix A Good Family Dog?
Yes, F1 Labradoodles are great family dogs. They love children and can happily coexist with other pets. They are really active and will likely play with your kids. They offer a lot of love and affection and need some in return.
Is the F1 Labradoodle Mix easy to train?
Yes, F1 Labradoodles are relatively easy to train. They are people-pleasers. They want their family to be proud of them. If you get a Labradoodle puppy, training and socialization will be even easier.
Is the F1 Labradoodle Mix good with kids?
Yes, F1 Labradoodles are great with kids. They are not aggressive and they generally don’t bite. Labradoodles and kids have the same energy; they both love to run around and be energetic, which makes them a great match.
How much is the F1 Labradoodle Mix?
F1 Labradoodles are the least popular among Labradoodles because of their coat. Most people want a curly coat, which is not common in F1 Labradoodles. Hence, an F1 Labradoodle will cost approximately $1000.
Is the F1 Labradoodle Mix smart?
F1 Labradoodles are highly intelligent, which is why they are so easy to train and be around. The intelligence trait is inherited from their Labrador Retriever and Poodle Parents.
Helpful Resources
Living with a Retriever: Recommendations and Sources
- Want the best diet for your dog? Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here – Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats!
- Looking for new toys? These toys will prove to be fun, engaging, and will stand their heavy chewing.
- Make them look GLAMOROUS with the best shampoos and conditioners and the best brushes here.
- Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find.
- Find my list of recommendations here.
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