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View 8 More +The Miniature Labradoodle is a popular mixed breed. It combines two of the most popular breeds: the Labrador Retriever and the Miniature Poodle. The standard Labradoodle (Lab and Standard Poodle) has been around since 1988. They originated in Australia when a breeder needed to develop a gentle, smart, and hypoallergenic dog for a client. Variations of the Labradoodle, like the Miniature Labradoodle, were eventually created over the years.
Breed Overview
Height:
14 – 17 inches
Weight:
25 – 45 pounds
Lifespan:
10 – 14 years
Colors:
Black, white, apricot, chocolate, yellow, cream, silver, gray, red, caramel
Suitable for:
Active families, beginners, houses with yards
Temperament:
Sweet, smart, active, loving, devoted
The Mini Labradoodle’s appearance will depend on which parent they take after the most. They tend to look like smaller versions of the Labrador Retriever, with a curly or wavy coat from their Poodle parent. They can be a range of colors, again depending on which parent they take after most, but the colors can be bi-color or solid and in black, white, apricot, chocolate, yellow, cream, silver, gray, red, or caramel.
Miniature Labradoodle Characteristics
Miniature Labradoodle Puppies
Miniature Labradoodles puppies are energetic dogs that are quite healthy and have a good lifespan, particularly for dogs of their size. They are typically easy to train and are quite friendly. In terms of temperament, Miniature Labradoodles are known for being friendly and playful.
They are great with children and other pets, and they are typically good-natured and easy-going. They are also highly trainable and intelligent, which makes them a great choice for families who want a dog that is easy to train and live with. Miniature Labradoodles are also highly active, and they need plenty of opportunities to run, play, and explore in order to stay happy and healthy.
If you are getting your puppy from a breeder you should meet the parents. This usually happens during your physical (or virtual) visit, but be sure to ask to see the puppies’ parents. It will give you the opportunity to check the health and cleanliness of their living quarters, but it can also give you an idea of how your puppy might turn out as they mature (temperament and appearance). Also ask tons of questions! A good breeder will not only answer your questions but also welcome them! Any breeder who is evasive or seems defensive when you ask questions should be avoided!
Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature Labradoodle
Miniature Labradoodles are sweet and intelligent dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They do well as watchdogs because they will alert you to any unusual goings-on by barking, but guard dogs, they are not. They are social and friendly and tend to greet everyone with enthusiasm and are too gentle for guard dog duty.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Mini Labradoodles are fantastic family dogs! Their gentleness and tolerance mean they do well with children, and their energetic and playful natures make them fun to be around. However, remember that just because a dog is tolerant of how children act around them, you need to always teach your children to be respectful of all dogs.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Their gentle and sweet yet tolerant nature means they also get along quite well with other pets. However, the most important factor here is that they still need plenty of training and socialization to be truly successful.
Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Labradoodle
Food & Diet Requirements
How much you feed Miniature Labradoodles completely depends on their size. The larger they are, the more they need to eat. Start by buying high-quality dog food that is meant for your dog’s current age, weight, and activity level, and follow the feeding guidelines on the bag. Talk to your vet if you’re unsure how much you should be feeding your dog.
Exercise
These dogs are energetic, so they need plenty of physical activity. They require an average of 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise and mental exercises because of their intelligence, or else they can become destructive. They do well with swimming and going with you on a long walk or jog.
Training
Training Miniature Labradoodles is quite easy because they are smart and eager to please. They are known to make excellent service dogs, particularly therapy and guide dogs. They are exceptional dogs for people with autism or depression.
Grooming ✂️
Grooming the Mini Labradoodle will depend on their coat, which tends to be about medium in length. It can be a little coarser and thicker in texture if it takes after their Lab parent or silky and curly if there’s more Poodle in their genes. They are usually hypoallergenic and are low shedding.
Regardless, they typically need to be brushed every day, and bathing should only be with a good dog shampoo and only when necessary.
You should clean the Mini Labradoodle’s floppy ears at least once a week, trim their nails every 3 to 4 weeks, and brush their teeth usually two to three times a week.
Health and Conditions
The Miniature Labradoodle is a healthy breed and less likely to inherit most of the genetic conditions that their purebred parents are prone to. But it’s still a good idea to be aware of the health conditions of the Miniature Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. The vet will check the dog’s elbows and hips and might run both blood and urinalysis tests. They will also check the Mini Labradoodle’s skin and eyes to help rule out any issues.
Male vs Female
Male dogs tend to be slightly larger and heavier than females. Mini Labradoodle males might weigh about 35 to 45 pounds, whereas females can weigh 25 to 40 pounds. However, due to the big difference in size between the two parent breeds, there’s no telling what exact size the puppies will be. It all ultimately depends on which parent they take after the most.
Another obvious difference between males and females is the surgery. Getting a female dog spayed means a more complicated and expensive operation than when a male dog is neutered. However, having your dog neutered or spayed will ensure that they will lose a few of the more undesirable behaviors and prevent pregnancies (which contributes to the homelessness of so many dogs).
Finally, it is thought that there are behavioral differences between males and females, but for the most part, a dog’s temperament is formed through how they were raised and socialized while puppies and as they mature.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature Labradoodle
1. The Mini Labradoodle is great for beginners.
These dogs are friendly, easygoing dogs that are easy to train, so they do quite well with novice dog owners.
2. Miniature Labradoodles are like snowflakes.
Every Mini Labradoodle is unique and beautiful in appearance. There’s such a range in sizes, coat colors, and textures that almost no two breeds are alike.
3. The Mini Labradoodle goes by a variety of names.
While Miniature Labradoodle is the most common and recognizable name, this dog has other names: Mini Labrapoo, Mini Labradordoodle, and Mini Labradorpoo.
Final Thoughts
Finding a Miniature Labradoodle might be a bit more of a challenge than the standard Labradoodle. But there are many Labradoodle breeders out there, so speak to these breeders to help locate a Mini dog. You can also consider posting your intent to find one on social media.
Don’t forget about adoption! Since Labradoodles are among the more popular mixed breeds, you might be able to find one through your local animal shelter or rescue group. There are also breed-specific rescue groups that specialize in Labradoodle rescues.
These dogs can make a perfect family pet, and as long as you spend time with them and give them plenty of love, the Mini Labradoodle could be the best companion that you’ve ever had.
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Featured Image Credit: Ellie Batey, Shutterstock
