Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Is a Labradoodle a Mutt or a Designer Dog? Vet-Verified Differences

woman-with-his-Golden-Labradoodle-dog-reading-at-home

While you might not care much about definitions of designer dogs and mutts when you are looking for your ideal pup, the price tag is less impartial! Designer dogs come with premium price tags that can even exceed those of purebreds, but what makes a dog a designer dog?

The Labradoodle is the classic example of a designer dog, but the reason for this might surprise you!

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

What Is a Purebred Dog?

Before we can discuss designer dogs and mutts, it’s helpful to understand what a purebred is! Breeders who raise purebred dogs should be able to produce their registration papers.

Each puppy’s parents must come from the same breed, and although breeder associations have various regulations, most require that the dog’s bloodline is at least 87.5% pure. Generally, purebred dogs should have ancestors of the same breed from at least five generations.

chocolate-australian-labradoodle-dog_Jne-Valokuvaus_Shutterstock-scaled-1
Image by:Jne-Valokuvaus_Shutterstock

What Is a Designer Dog?

A designer dog is intentionally crossbred with different breeds to achieve a specific result. Unlike unintentional breeding, like when your dog mates with a neighbor’s dog of a different breed, designer dogs have two purebred parents in a breeding program.

Of course, this definition opens up the possibility for a wide range of designer dogs that many breeders would want to classify as “mutts,” but as long as the intent is there, they’re technically designer dogs!

What Is a Mutt?

A mutt can have a similar ancestry to a designer dog, but mutts are not usually produced by intentional breeding. However, if you have two intact purebred pups that mate, do they produce mutts or designer dogs? Technically, the offspring are mutts because they weren’t produced in a “controlled” breeding program.

mutt-dog-in-the-autumn-time
Image by: 12photography, Shutterstock

Is a Labradoodle a Mutt or a Designer Dog?

When you look at the definition of designer dogs and mutts, it’s clear that Labradoodles are designer dogs. Breeders now intentionally breed Labradoodles with other Labradoodles, and originally, they intentionally bred Labrador Retrievers with Poodles. The goal was a dog with the Poodle’s low-shedding, hypoallergenic qualities and the amazing service dog characteristics of the Labrador Retriever.

Since there was a clear intent to create a new breed with specific traits, the Labradoodle is a clear-cut example of a highly successful endeavor. However, the fur type and size of the Labradoodle are still not standardized, so you will see a great deal of variation among individuals, with some dogs having curly hair and others having shaggy or straight hair.

When Does a Designer Dog Become Purebred?

If every purebred dog started as a designer dog at some point, that raises the question, when do modern designer dogs become “purebred”? The truth is that it comes down to the seemingly arbitrary requirements set by each kennel club.

That said, the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club are two of the largest kennel clubs in the world, and they don’t even agree on when a dog goes from designer breed to purebred!

The AKC states that a breed must have 300 dogs distributed across 20 states, they must have a National Breed Club demonstrating interest, and there must be a three-generation pedigree.

That means that Labradoodles must breed with other Labradoodles for at least three generations. Many modern Labradoodles meet all these requirements, but it can take several years before they can be recognized as purebred dogs. Therefore, officially recognizing the Labradoodle is still a work in progress.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Whether a designer dog, a purebred, or a mutt, a dog can make a great companion, so don’t judge a pup by their label! Get to know each dog, and recognize they all come with their own personalities and quirks, and a label will only take them so far.

In the end, it doesn’t matter if your Labradoodle is a designer dog or a mutt; they will bring joy into your life and will always be by your side.


Featured Image Credit: Lopolo, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

My Dog’s Bark Is Hoarse, What’s Wrong? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Has your canine pal’s bark been sounding a bit off lately? Does it seem as if your dog’s voice has changed? Then, their...

What Is Dog Food Made Of? Vet-Reviewed Ingredient Guide

Buying dog food is so commonplace. We do it all the time without a second thought. If your dog is running low on...

How to Train a Weimaraner: 10 Expert Tips & Common Mistakes

Are you a proud owner of a Weimaraner dog, but struggling with training them to be their best selves? If so, look no...

24 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Vet-Approved)

Small dog breeds are very popular because they take up less room, can comfortably sit on your lap without crushing you, and they...

More related

8 Different Types of Mastiff (With Info & Pictures)

With their muscular, majestic looks and reputation as a loyal guardian, the legendary Mastiff has been a companion to mankind for more than...

How to Remove a Tick From a Dog: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

If your dog has a tick on them, it’s easy to panic. These parasites can carry diseases and are simply unpleasant creatures to...

What’s the Fastest a Corgi Can Run? Surprising Facts & FAQ

Corgis are high-energy dogs, but their short and stout bodies are not built for speed. It is no wonder that Corgis are not...

16 Pet Ownership Statistics in Texas: Updated in 2025

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. Approximately two-thirds of all households in...

Keep reading

11 Best Dog Foods for Dobermans in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

We all know how essential finding the right food for your dog is. You have to take into account their age, activity level, and of course, size. If you’re reading this, chances are that you are the proud owner of...

doberman-sitting-next-to-a-bucket-full-of-food

Purina Bella Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Purina Bella is a unique brand for small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas. This food is low-calorie, low-carb, and above average for protein and fat. Here’s the downside: it’s not the healthiest dog food you can find....

Dogster_Purina Bella Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Watermelon is synonymous with summer. People certainly love it, with the per capita consumption in 2022 at 14.12 pounds.1 It’s an ancient fruit, with archaeological evidence going back 5,000 years. Its name describes its outstanding feature of being thirst-quenching. While...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Watermelon Seeds

Gentle Giants Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary What do Robin, the Boy Wonder, and Gentle Giants dog food have in common? Burt Ward, the actor who portrayed Robin in the Batman TV show in the 1960s, is the founder of the highly rated dog food...

Dogster_Gentle Giants Dog Food Review

Abound Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary Abound is a relatively new dog food brand that was launched in 2014. This company is owned by Kroger and is marketed as their newest store brand of dog food. Their recipes offer natural ingredients with no corn,...

Dogster_Abound Dog Food Review

What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Eat: Possible Causes & Solutions (Vet Reviewed)

It can be stressful if your dog suddenly stops eating, especially if they’re typically a big eater. There are a few reasons that some dogs stop eating, and sometimes, it can be difficult to identify the cause, so it’s always...

white dog refuses to eat his food in the bowl

5 Herbs That Are Good for Dogs: Vet-Verified Safety & Benefits

Adding herbs and spices to our meals not only enhances the flavor, but many of them also have various health advantages. So, if we can benefit from specific herbs, maybe our dogs can too? This is broadly true, but it’s...

Bowl of basil on wooden background

Can Dogs Eat Spring Mix? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Spring mix is typically a mixture of different greens, such as romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, bibb lettuce, spinach, arugula, and mustard greens. If you have a dog that eyeballs you longingly when you eat spring mix, you may wonder if...

Can Dogs Eat Spring Mix