When you think of the perfect family dog, chances are that two breeds will cross your mind: The Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. By crossing these two different types of dogs, you get the Labradoodle. Knowing what we know about the parent breeds, their hybrid dog can’t help but be an amazing companion dog as well. However, Labradoodles come in a variety of colors, cream, white, black, brown, red, chocolate, and more. Black Labradoodles are absolutely stunning appearance-wise, but are black Labradoodles good dogs for families as well?
You might be a bit surprised why we would even ask that question, right? Well, some people still believe that black dogs are more aggressive than other coat hues. But is there any truth to that? Does a black coat make dogs more dangerous? We will go over all of those questions in this article, and we will try to determine if the black Labradoodle would make a good fit for you and your family.
Are black dogs more aggressive?
Have you heard about black dog syndrome? It is a term used by animal shelters and basically refers to the fact that black dogs are often left behind by their owners who wanted to trade them for a more “friendly” looking, lighter-colored dog. Most commonly, these dogs are black, large, and mixed-breed. Sadly, black cats are reported to go through the same.
We know that many people associate black with something vicious, evil, dark, or sinister. However, we couldn’t disagree more. For me, black is the color of elegance, simplicity, and style. Everything looks so much better in black, even the fluffy coat of many different animals. But many people still believe to this day that all black dogs have a dangerous and aggressive side to them.
However, there is absolutely no truth to that! Believing in that is equal to believing that black cats bring bad luck. It just doesn’t make any sense, and there isn’t any science to back it up. Black animals are in no way more aggressive than other colored animals. When you are adopting a dog, it’s just up to your personal preference what color you are going for.
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Do black Labradoodles have the same temperament as different colored Labradoodles?
Yes, they absolutely do! It’s silly to think that a black Labradoodle could be aggressive or dangerous. These dogs look pretty much like stuffed teddy bears. So if you want to get a Labradoodle, and you are a huge fan of black, don’t even think twice before adopting a black Labradoodle. They are just as sweet as any other Labradoodle color would be. In addition to that, we know that everything looks better in black, so they have their good looks going on for them as well.
Overall, the black Labradoodle is an amazing dog and has the sharp mind of any other Doodle mix. Because they are so smart, thanks to both their Labrador and Poodle parents, these dogs need mental stimulation. The only time when your black Labradoodle (or any other color of the crossbreed) could show some problematic behaviors is when he or she is feeling bored. That’s why you should always have some toys on hand that they could play with.
Labradoodles as family dogs: All there is to know
Now that you know that the black Labradoodle temperament is as sweet as the temperament of all the other different colors, you might still be wondering if they make good family dogs. Long story short, they are absolutely amazing family dogs. But not for everyone. That’s why we will go over all of the basic things of this breed, the training, their hypoallergenic coat, potty training, and more. But the best way to be certain if this would be a good choice for you and your family is to ask other Labradoodle owners about their experience and consider if the requirements are realistic for you and your lifestyle.
Are Labradoodles smart?
Yes, they are. And how could they not be? This is the crossbreed between a Poodle and Labrador, which means that a high IQ is in his genes. But as great as it is to have a smart dog, they are also prone to becoming stubborn. Stubbornness can be challenging in many different aspects of your dog’s life, but the single most important one is training. If your dog thinks that he is smarter than you, he won’t be eager to please you. Because frankly, he doesn’t think that you are worth pleasing.
That’s why you have to start training right away and let your dog know who the boss is. Hint: The boss should be you. You have to position yourself as the pack leader in order for your dog to actually listen to you. If you still have some trouble with the training process, you can hire a professional dog trainer to help you out.
Are Labradoodles easy to potty train?
Even though it seems like it will last forever, your dog will be completely housetrained in about 4 to 6 months. But it will take some patience and time. Don’t forget that small puppies can’t hold it for a long time, so you will have to go out with them to go potty frequently during the day. As a general rule of thumb, a puppy can hold his bladder for the number of hours that match his age in months. That means that a 3-month-old puppy can hold his pee for three hours. So you have to take him to potty every three hours. You will also have to wake up during the night to make sure that he doesn’t pee on your carpet while you are sleeping. However, even with all that, accidents can still happen. However, you should never punish your puppy for that.
Do Labradoodles make good house pets?
Yes, they could make great house and apartment pets. The black Labradoodle size is considered medium to large. But these dogs are pretty chill, so they can live in apartments with no problems as long as they get the exercise that they need. You just have to make sure to take general care of your puppy, and he will be fine anywhere. General care includes exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and a healthy and balanced diet. This requires time, patience, and money. So make sure you can handle it.
Labradoodles are also cool with kids, as long as they are at least a little older. But these energetic dogs could easily knock over toddlers, and both parties could get hurt if you leave them without any supervision. Also, make sure they have enough toys to keep them busy during the day. These dogs love to chew, so make sure that their favorite products to kill some time aren’t too expensive.
At what age do Labradoodles calm down?
Although they can take up to 18 months to fully develop, most Labradoodles hit adolescence at 6 to 8 months of age and reach their full mental maturity by 12 months. But some Labradoodles could stick on to that puppy behavior for much longer than that because they are so playful at heart.
But if your Labradoodle isn’t calm even after he reached the age of 3, something else could be the reason. Labradoodles are active, high-energy dogs by nature. They are a cross between the clever Poodle breed and the highly active Labrador Retriever breed. Because they are so smart, they will need a lot of mental stimulation in order to not fall into destructive behaviors.
If you don’t give your dog enough exercise, and mental stimulation, he could start acting up. You will notice behaviors such as unnecessary barking, pacing, jumping, chewing, and more. But if your dog lives an active life, with lots of things to do, he will have a better way to get rid of his excess energy.
How long can a Labradoodle be left alone?
Labradoodles are known for being family dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals. That means that they love to be around people, and don’t do too well on their own. To be a good therapy dog, you have to feel deeply connected to humans, which this breed definitely is. But all of that means that you won’t be able to leave them alone for longer periods of time.
To be clear, you shouldn’t leave any dog alone for longer periods of time. Even the most independent dog breeds prefer to be around people, and if your dog is feeling bored or develops separation anxiety, anything could happen while you are gone. This isn’t just a decorative dog, they have certain needs that have to be met. So if you are spending more than 3-4 hours away from home, make sure you find a reliable dog sitter.
Puppies can’t be left alone for that long though. Remember that they are still developing, and they aren’t really too sure about what they are doing. They could easily hurt themselves while you aren’t around, and because of their small bladders, they also have to go potty every couple of hours.
Do Labradoodles bark a lot?
They shouldn’t! Neither one of the parent breeds are particularly vocal, sp their crossbreed shouldn’t be either. However, barking can occur if your dog is trying to tell you something. First of all, sometimes dogs bark because they hear or see things that we don’t. So if you notice your dog barking at the window or door, chances are that someone is outside. Additionally, dogs sometimes also bark when they are trying to tell you something. For example, their water bowl is empty, or they are hurt. So before you ignore your dog’s excessive barking, make sure you check that everything is alright with him.
Do Labradoodles like to cuddle?
This will depend from dog to dog. Some will enjoy it, while others won’t. Cuddling isn’t as enjoyable for dogs as you might think. While you may see it as a great way to show your love and affection, your dog could feel a bit attached while you squeeze him in your arms. This isn’t a comfortable place for our dogs to be in, and most of them would rather lay on your lap while you pet them.
Never forget to be as gentle as possible when dealing with a dog. Labradoodles are gentle puppies, and they don’t enjoy a rough play or aggressive displays of affection. That’s why they can have a hard time around kids, and do much better in families with older children. If your dog likes cuddling will also depend on his age, and if he grew up used to such things.
Are Labradoodles high-maintenance dogs?
Let’s be real, what dog breed isn’t high-maintenance? Getting a dog is a huge responsibility, and your life will be completely flipped-turned upside down. There is no such thing as a low-maintenance dog breed, but truth be told some dogs are easier to care for than others. However, the Labradoodle definitely does need some extra care, but nothing too crazy. That’s why I believe that they could also be a great choice for first-time dog owners.
Training shouldn’t be too demanding, as they are the offspring of two incredibly clever breeds. But that also means that some of them can become stubborn. However, in most cases, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem, especially if you make sure that your dog attends puppy school. When it comes to exercising, they have moderate physical needs. Yes, they do need daily activity, but nothing crazy. But that doesn’t mean that they are couch potatoes. They will be perfectly content with about 50 to 60 minutes of activity a day. You can split that time up into 2 or 3 daily walks.
The hardest part about caring for a Labradoodle will be the grooming and diet. These dogs need daily brushing and regular visits to the groomer. In addition to that, you also have to brush their teeth, trim their nails, and clean their ears from time to time. When it comes to diet and nutrition, they can be picky eaters. They only want the best food, which could get pretty expensive.
Are black Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
I know I sound like a broken record saying this, but NO dog breed is completely hypoallergenic. Allergies are so tricky, and it’s hard to predict what someone could be allergic to. While most people are allergic to dog hair, and low-shedding coats like the one of a Poodle shouldn’t trigger any allergies, that won’t be the case for everyone.
Dogs also produce saliva and dandruff, which some people can be allergic to. In that case, no, the Labradoodle won’t be a good fit. In fact, no dog will be. That’s why I would suggest talking to your doctor before getting a dog. Try to find out what it is that you are allergic to. If it’s dog hair, you should be safe. But just in case make sure you spend some time around other Labradoodle dogs and see if you will develop any symptoms.
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How often should the Labradoodle be bathed?
Not too much and not too little. Yes, you want to give your dog a bath on a regular basis, but if you do it too often, his skin could suffer. Even the best shampoo will strip the coat of your dog of its natural oils, which isn’t good either. Try not to bathe your dog more often than once a month. But if you do notice some visible dirt on his coat, and he has a funky smell, you can do it more often than that.
Why does my Labradoodle stink?
Sorry, I have to ask, but did you bathe him? If the answer is no, then… Maybe you should? I know I said previously that you shouldn’t bathe dogs too often as that could dry out their skin and strip their coat of its natural oils. But you still have to bathe your dog from time to time… If you did wash him, and your dog still stinks, then something else could be up.
Dogs love to roll around in the mud. I know it sounds gross to us, but dogs just love to do that. If you notice that your dog is all brown, dirty, and smelling awful, he enjoyed a nice and relaxing mud bath. Another reason why a dog could smell bad is if he came across a skunk. Dogs don’t understand what skunks are, and they try to chase them the same way they chase squirrels. If they get sprayed by a skunk, they will smell absolutely awful.
How long do black Labradoodles live?
The Labradoodle is a very healthy breed, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Which is pretty long, right? That means if you decide to call one of these puppies your own and provide him with a healthy lifestyle and regular vet visits, he could be by your side for a long time. However, that is only true for puppies that are coming from reputable breeders who have done health tests.
If you buy from a backyard breeder, who doesn’t screen his puppies for the most common genetic issues, the average black Labradoodle life expectancy could be much shorter. These dogs are prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypoglycemia, and epilepsy. All of these conditions can have an impact on how long your dog lives, but also on his overall quality of life.
While treatment is possible, no one can guarantee that there will be a lot of success with it. Prevention is always the best option, and that means that you should always insist that the breeder you are buying from has the necessary papers and documents to prove that your future puppy is as healthy as it gets.
Conclusion: Are black Labradoodles good dogs?
Just like any other Labradoodle color variation, the black Labradoodle would make a great addition to many different families. This designer dog is the offspring of two very intelligent dogs, which you will be able to train them without much hassle. They have the sweetest personalities, and chances are that they will turn into your best friend in no time at all. However, not everyone would make a good Labradoodle owner.
Labradoodles are Doodle dogs, which means that they have very high standards when it comes to living conditions. Poodles are known as France’s National dog, and these canines are as bougie as they look. They only want the best, when it comes to toys, food, or anything else. As the Labradoodle is half Poodle, he will have pretty high standards as well. That means that in addition to being a pretty expensive breed when buying, maintaining these dogs will be very costly too.
But even if money is no problem at all for you, another source that these dogs can’t get enough of is time spent with their owners. Just like Poodles or Labradors, they are very social too. They love to be in the company of their owners, and if you live a super busy life and are gone for most of the day, then these dogs definitely aren’t the right fit for you.