Are you looking for a new pet to adopt? Then look no more. We have found the perfect family dog! With this mix breed you will get the best of everything — low shedding, intelligence and above all — the sweetest personality. If you are wondering who we are talking about, it’s the black Labradoodle.
The Black Labradoodle puppy is a cross between the purebred Labrador Retriever and Poodle. In addition to that, they also have a black coat. They will get along with your other dogs, but other people too.
The Labradoodle combines the best traits of both parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. On one hand, the intelligent canine has won over many people. But, on the other, there was also criticism from many people. Even the developer of the cross himself!
The Labradoodle is also often confused with the Goldendoodle. If you are still unsure who is who, read our article Labradoodle VS Goldendoodle.
Origin of a black Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is not an American Kennel Club recognized dog breed. At least not yet. Like we previously said, this is a mix. Their origins are in Australia in 1989.
The idea of combining certain traits of one breed with those of another also forms the starting point for other hybrid dogs. Such as the Maltipoo (Maltese and Poodle) or Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle). Of course, the process behind it is much more complex than is often assumed.
The Black Labradoodle shares the same history and origin as any other Labrador Poodle mix. The only difference is really just the color of his coat.
History
The Black Labradoodle was developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog in Australia. The first cross between a Labrador Retriever and a standard Poodle was completed in 1989 by Wally Conron, who was in charge of the breeding program at the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia.
Conron’s initial cross resulted in Sultan, a dog with a hypoallergenic coat as well as the abilities, intelligence, and disposition needed to be an effective guide dog. Sultan worked in Hawaii with a woman and had a lot of success in his career.
At this point, many other breeders became aware of this magnificent dog and chose to combine the two breeds as well. Labradoodles, like Labrador Retrievers, grew in popularity swiftly and are now one of the most sought-after Doodle dogs.
The Black Labradoodle is most usually created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, however multi-gen breeding has recently gained popularity in an attempt to create a sustainable and recognized race.
The Australian Labradoodle Association and the Australian Labradoodle Association of America have both taken measures in that way, with the intention of making this designer dog a registered race within the next several years.
These organizations have been working hard to bring breeders closer together and to assist them reach a single standard for Labradoodles through multi-generational breeding.
Parent breeds
Standard Poodle
Despite the fact that the purebred Poodle is France’s national dog and that the French adore it — he’s not a French dog!
This is one of the oldest known breeds, and it’s actually believed that they originated from Germany! There they were used for bird hunting and other such tasks.
Not many know that the Poodle is known for its unbelievable abilities to swim! The Poodle was particularly adept at navigating through water for this reason, where it could travel quickly and easily and locate the hunter’s dead bird. The German term pudel or pudelin, which means splashing in the water, is the source of the English name Poodle.
The event did not become its own distinct race in France until many years later. Poodle owners in Germany used to shave their dogs’ legs, necks, and tails, and this practice continues today.
The reason for this was simple: they would trim the sections of the dog’s coat that would lower its weight while leaving the dense hair that would protect the dog’s joints and organs from the cold water. Breeders didn’t start creating smaller versions of the Poodle until the early 14th century.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a breed of dog that originated on the island of Newfoundland off Canada’s northeast coast.
The Labrador was first known as St. John’s dogs, after the city of Newfoundland. He and served as a friend and helper to local fishermen in the early 17th century. The canines would work with their owners during the day, catching fish. And then returning home to spend the evening with the fishermen’s families.
Many people assume that the St. John dogs were mated with the Newfoundland breed and other smaller local canines. But their origins are unknown. The breed was on the verge of extinction in the 1880s. Thankfully, the Malmesbury family and other English supporters are credited with saving the breed.
Labrador Retrievers are frequently used in the fields of drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, support dogs for the disabled, and hunting dogs these days. They usually do well in all dog contests, including show, field, agility, and obedience.
Black Labradoodle Personality
Some people think that black Labradoodles are different from other Labradoodle colors in how they act. There is little to no evidence to back up these claims, though. You know what? A black Labradoodle is still a Labradoodle, no matter what color. What kind of temperament he has will be passed down to him by his purebred parents. The bad reputation black dogs have is absolutely silly.
As long as they get enough training, a black Labradoodle could be the best dog for your family. Their manners are good, and they treat everyone as if they were their best friend.
They are a cautious breed, but they are also cheerful and full of life, which is shown by how much they jump and play rough. Unlike many other dogs, this one is easy to get along with because it was designed to be non-aggressive. It also has a happy disposition, which makes it easy to be around.
Inheritance, training, and socialization all play a role in temperament. They are interested, lively, and eager to meet and be held by people who have good temperaments.
Check that the puppy has a good temperament that you’re comfortable with by meeting at least one of its parents. Usually, this is the female, but if she isn’t, you should meet the male.
They need to be socialized as soon as possible. This is why a black Labradoodle like any other dog should be exposed to a lot of different things and people when they are young so that they can learn how to be a dog. Socialization makes sure that your puppy grows up to be a well-balanced adult dog.
Are they good family dogs?
Children like black Labradoodles because they are kind and watchful, and this makes them good friends for them. They may, however, accidentally knock over small children because they are very energetic. This breed is most likely to love your kids with all of its heart, though.
With any dog, you should make sure that both the dog and the child are safe. You should teach your kids how to behave around dogs, and you should keep a close eye on any interactions between a child and a dog.
The kids who live near your dog should be told not to touch it when it is eating or sleeping, or try to steal its food. None of us should leave a child alone with any dog, even if it is sweet and friendly.
This dog breed gets along well with other dogs and other animals in the house, like cats. But, just like any other dog, this one needs to be trained and socialized to get the most out of being around other pets.
The appearance of the Black Labradoodle
The hue of your black Labradoodle is about the only thing you can count on when it comes to his appearance. This is due to the fact that he is a crossbreed. As a result, his coat texture, size, weight, and other characteristics will be left to chance.
The poodle and the Labrador are very different appearing dogs, despite possessing comparable temperamental features. The Labrador has a sleek, thick coat that sheds, whereas the poodle’s coat is considerably curlier, dense, and rarely sheds.
Both the Labrador and the poodle are available in three different color combinations. The Lab, for example, is available in three colors: chocolate, black, and yellow, while the poodle is available in three colors: black, brown, and apricot. We talk more about their colors in our article “What is the rarest Labradoodle color?”.
However, both breeds are athletically built water dogs. As a result, a potential black Labradoodle owner can anticipate a crossbreed with a long tail, floppy ears, and a charming, expressive face.
Because Labradors are bred with Poodles of all shapes and sizes, the size of a black Labradoodle can vary significantly. However, when it comes to Australian Labradoodles, there are three different types: miniature, medium, and standard.
The average size of a small Black Labradoodle is 12 to 16 inches. Their weight ranges from 15 to 25 pounds. A medium Black Labradoodle measures 16 to 20 inches tall and weighs 30 to 45 pounds. A normal Black Labradoodle is between 20 and 24 inches tall and weighs between 55 and 65 pounds.
Black Labradoodle grooming
Because the black Labradoodle is a crossbreed, the characteristics of his coat type will be left to chance and genetics. While the Poodle is a hypoallergenic dog that sheds very little and creates very few allergy-inducing particles in his coat. But the Labrador sheds more heavily twice a year during shedding season. As a result, the grooming requirements for your black Labradoodle mix may differ.
If your black Labradoodle crossbreed develops characteristics of the Labrador coat, brush him twice a week with a metal comb and slicker brush to keep loose hair under control. If the black Labradoodle’s hair is more like his Poodle parent’s, however, his fur may be more prone to matting and will require more frequent brushing.
Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week to keep bacteria at bay. Brushing their teeth on a daily basis is even preferable if you want to avoid foul breath and other possible dog dental problems.
You will also have to trim the nails of your dog once or twice a month. Because a dog’s nails include blood veins, trimming them too short might result in bleeding, and your dog will be less likely to cooperate the next time they see the nail trimmer. If you don’t feel comfortable clipping your black Doodles’ nails, you should take them to a vet or groomer.
Are black Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
There is no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog. On the other hand, your Labradoodle is more likely to be hypoallergenic than most other dogs, which is good news for you. But don’t forget that people can also be allergic to dog saliva or dandruff.
Whether your Labradoodle is black or a different color makes no difference when it comes to its coat. A black Labradoodle will be as hypoallergenic as a white Labradoodle. As a dog owner, you should pay attention to the coat types of your dog’s parents and grandparents. This can have a big impact on how his coat looks.
Is it normal for black Labradoodles to turn gray?
You may have bought a black Labradoodle puppy, but during the first year, he looks like he’s getting gray. The chances are that your dog was never black from the start. Dogs have a “dilute gene” that changes the color of the dog. Without being shown, this gene can be passed down. That means that kids with a “diluted” color can be born to parents who don’t look like they have one at all.
When puppies are born, they are usually black. Over the first year of their lives, they start to get lighter. This may look like your black Labradoodle is going gray, but he was always a grey Labradoodle who looked darker as a puppy. It’s possible for him to get gray and white hair around his muzzle in his later years, if he is a true black Labradoodle.
Do Black Labradoodles shed?
They don’t shed, or they shed very little. Labradoodles are a Doodle breed, so they most commonly have the coat of a Poodle. So if you don’t like having dog hair in your house, a black Labradoodle is a good choice. Many first-time Doodle owners, on the other hand, think that this means they won’t have to spend any time brushing or caring for their dog’s coat. But this is not true.
Health
As a young hybrid breed, there are only a few hereditary risk factors known. That’s why choosing a breeder is important. A reputable breeder will make sure that the parents are as healthy as possible. This will also make sure that your Black Labradoodle is healthy.
Even the “inventor” of the Labradoodle regretted his innovation of crossing the two dog breeds. But the reason wasn’t that the breed isn’t cute or their personality isn’t lovely. The reason was mainly irresponsible breeding. That led to many health problems. Here are the most common ones.
Hip dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not function properly. The thighbone does not fit tightly into the hip joint, and this is a hereditary problem. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness in one or both rear legs, while others show no signs of distress. Hip dysplasia can be fatal to a dog’s health, thus it’s best to avoid breeding them.
Elbow dysplasia
This is a degenerative condition similar to hip dysplasia. It’s thought to be caused by aberrant growth and development, which leads in a weaker and deformed joint. The severity of the condition varies: the dog may acquire arthritis or become lame as a result of it. Surgery, weight loss, medical care, and anti-inflammatory medication are all options for treatment.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Retinal Atrophy is a condition in which the retina gradually deteriorates. Affected dogs are night-blind early on in the condition, and as the disease develops, they lose their sight during the day. As long as their surroundings remain unchanged, many affected dogs adjust well to their reduced or impaired vision.
Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is affected by this condition. Epilepsy, alopecia (hair loss), obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin diseases are thought to be caused by this illness. Medication and a special diet are used to treat it.
Epilepsy
This is a neurological disorder that is frequently hereditary, but not always. It can produce minor or severe seizures. Seizures are scary to witness, but dogs with idiopathic epilepsy usually have a decent long-term prognosis. It’s critical to send your dog to the veterinarian for a correct diagnosis and treatment, especially because seizures can have a variety of reasons.
Allergies
Allergies are a prevalent problem in dogs, and allergies are no exception in the Labradoodle. Food allergies are addressed by removing specific items from the dog’s diet. Contact allergies are caused by a reaction to a topical substance such as bedding, flea treatments, dog shampoos, and other chemicals. Inhalant allergies are caused by allergens in the air such as pollen, dust, and mildew. Dietary restrictions, drugs, and environmental changes may be used to treat the condition.
Diabetes Mellitus
This is a condition where the body’s blood sugar levels are uncontrollably high. A diabetic dog will eat extra food to compensate for the fact that glucose (sugar) isn’t getting into the cells to be burned for energy due to low insulin levels. Because food isn’t being used efficiently, the dog will lose weight. Excessive thirst and urination, as well as an increase in hunger and weight loss, are all symptoms of diabetes. Diet and insulin treatment can both help to manage diabetes.
Black Labradoodle life span
A black Labradoodle’s average life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, depending on genetics, ancestry, and overall lifestyle choices.
The biggest issue with averages is that they are simply averages. As a result, while some owners expect their dogs to live to be 20. Others expect them to die before they reach the age of five. But, with good nutrition and exercise, and a little luck, any black Labradoodle can survive well into their late teens.
Exercising and Training a Black Labradoodle
Poodles and Labrador Retrievers are both lively, bright, and energetic canines. As a result, their black Labradoodle puppies will most likely be similar. A dog with a lot of intelligence and energy will need a lot of exercise. Anyone thinking about obtaining a black Labradoodle crossbreed should be prepared to devote enough time each day to give this dog with everything he requires to be happy and healthy.
Exercise
Some Doodles, particularly first-generation doodles, may need even more exercise, even up to one and a half hour each day. Black Labradoodles are fantastic jogging companions, but every now and then they need to let go of the leash in order to expend some of the tremendous quantities of energy they’ve accumulated.
Daily walks, jogs, hikes, and swimming are all good ways for your black Labradoodle crossbreed to get some exercise. In a big, fenced-in backyard, your black Labradoodle will enjoy fetch, chase, and Frisbee activities.
Keep in mind that the black Labradoodle is the result of a crossbreeding of two hunting dogs. Make sure you devote enough of time to practicing your recall. If he is untrained, he should be walked on a long leash whenever he is outside the house. Even if it leads him to a busy road, he’ll probably be unable to resist chasing after that squirrel or rabbit.
Doodles are also ideal partners for first-time dog owners because they don’t require such a strong grip.
Training
Both the Labrador and the Poodle are intelligent dogs, but with intellect comes the ability to think for themselves. The Lab and the Poodle, for the most part, are eager to please and make devoted, hardworking students. As long as the training sessions are kept lighthearted, upbeat, and enjoyable for them. This implies that training your black Labradoodle should be simple.
Make sure you’re using only modern positive reinforcement training methods and that you’re working with a competent trainer who isn’t using antiquated punishment.
Despite the fact that Labradoodles are employed for a variety of jobs, they are primarily companion dogs. This is why they should live inside your home rather than in a dog house or pen. Labradoodles are at their best when they are with you at home. There they can sleep at the foot of your bed or directly by you.
Many dog trainers believe that a dog crate benefits both you and your dog. It’s a good way to ensure that your dog doesn’t cause any problems in your home, but it’s also a place where your Doodle can retreat and relax, knowing it won’t be bothered there.
What does a black Labradoodle cost?
Black Labradoodles are priced similarly to brown or cream Labradoodles.
The majority of breeders charge roughly $1,000 for them. Yes, they are not inexpensive. When hunting for a puppy, however, it is critical that you do not look for a bargain!
Breeding and raising healthy, well-mannered puppies with a decent temperament for affordable prices is impossible. Labradoodles are susceptible to inheritable disorders like hip dysplasia, so be sure your breeder examined both parents for any problems.
Do not buy a $300 black Labradoodle puppy unless the parents have been health-tested and the puppy has been nurtured with care.
If black Labradoodle pups are calling your name, consider the following options: Always do your research and make sure that the black Labradoodle breeder you’re dealing with is reputable and responsible. When it comes to the health of your black Labradoodle crossbreed, good breeding techniques can make all the difference.
Most professional black Labradoodle breeders are aware of the health risks associated with the crossbreed. They’ll have already screened their litters for health issues. Ask for documentation demonstrating that your breeder’s dogs have been cleared and are healthy and ready to go home.
Is the back Labradoodle the right pet for me?
A black Labradoodle is ideal for dog lovers who can devote a lot of time and attention to this dog.
Although the black Labradoodle is a popular crossbreed these days, he is not the dog for everyone. Labradoodles in black are still Labradoodles. A potential owner should keep in mind that this crossbreed is both intelligent and lively.
For a new dog owner who isn’t used to having a dog around all of the time, he could be a lot to handle. If you lead an active lifestyle and can properly groom, exercise, and train your black Labradoodle, he could be the ideal pet for you.
He gets along with kids of all ages. He is not, however, advised for individuals wishing for a laid-back dog to spend their days with. To keep happy and healthy, the black Labradoodle will require doggie jobs and training.
If you want more info about what it takes to care for a black Labradoodle puppy, make sure you visit our homepage The Goldens Club.