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Mini Labradoodle Care Guide: The Adorable Teddy Bear Family Dog
This dog is a mix between the Miniature Poodle and the Labrador.
If you have always wanted a Doodle but have been too intimidated by their size, then the Mini Labradoodle is the perfect solution.
They have all of the Labradoodle personality, only they come in a smaller package.
These pups are bouncy, playful and friendly – great for a big family looking for a small dog. They need lots of exercise and grooming, but it won’t take much to care for this little one.
Do you think the Mini Labradoodle is for you and want to find out more? Keep reading to discover what makes this cross breed so adorable…
Contents and Quick Navigation
- Mini Labradoodle Pictures
- What is a Mini Labradoodle? (Breed Profile)
- Mini Labradoodle Appearance
- Temperament
- Training Guide
- Caring for a Mini Labradoodle
- Quick Breed Summary Table
- Summary
Mini Labradoodle Pictures
What is a Mini Labradoodle? (Breed Profile)
The Mini Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature Poodle.
This makes for a very special teddy bear looking pooch.
Both the Poodle and the Labrador are waterfowl retrievers:
- The Poodle originated in Germany around 400 years ago, but became popular with English nobles in 1800s.
- The Lab comes from Newfoundland, and was first recognized in 1917 as part of the sporting group.
The Mini Labradoodle however is a new breed, and is not recognized by the AKC as they are a cross breed.
You can expect to pay between $1,500 to $5,000, with the most expensive pups coming from breeders who are raising healthy pups and caring for their parents.
With their popularity, puppy mills are more likely to breed them as well.
To avoid puppy mills you should research the breeder with a fine-tooth comb. Ask them if you can visit the litter with the pup’s mom. If they refuse, you can be sure they are untrustworthy.
Mini Labradoodle Appearance
The Miniature Labradoodle looks very similar to a standard sized Labradoodle except only smaller.
They are famous for their teddy bear looks and overall adorable appearance.
Mini Labradoodles can vary within a single litter, and have different colors, sizes and coats. These pups will have floppy ears and either hazel or brown eyes, they have round faces and a mid-to-long muzzle with a defined end.
Mini Labradoodle Size
Even though the breed is called a Miniature Labradoodle, their height and weight can range between a Miniature Poodle and a Labrador.
- The size of a Mini Poodle is around 10-15lb and it stands up to 10-15 inches.
- The Labrador can weigh around 55-80lb and it stands up to around 23 inches.
Depending on genetics and environmental factors, the Mini Labradoodle can weigh anywhere between 20-50lb and stands between 12-20 inches.
The average Mini will weigh around 15-30lb.
Colors
There are many possible color combinations.
According to the AKC, the Miniature Poodle has 10 official colors, while the Labrador only has 3.
The most common colors are: cream, black, red, sable, blue, silver and brindle.
Coat
Their coat is usually medium to long in length, and it can be one of three types:
- A wooly coat with tight curls (like the Poodle).
- A fleece coat that is soft and free-flowing that hangs in loose curls.
- Or they could have a Labrador-like coat.
Shedding will vary with this breed.
The Mini Labradoodles that have the Poodle coats will most likely be hypoallergenic, meaning they will shed very little.
Temperament
The Labradoodle is famous for their sweet nature and happy-go-lucky attitude – they are great companions and are common family dogs.
They are often used as therapy dogs, thanks to their gentle and positive natures.
As a mixed breed, it is difficult to predict their exact temperament, but you can get an idea by looking at their parent’s personalities.
- Labradors are very people orientated, and quick to make friends with anyone they meet.
- Whereas Poodles can be a bit stubborn and reserved when meeting new people.
Labradoodles are prone to loneliness and boredom, so they should not be left alone for too long. If you are away from them for too long, then they will chew a lot.
They are very clever dogs and know when something is amiss. They are emotionally sensitive and can read body language.
This is what makes them great therapy dogs – they are empathetic and have great people skills!
This pup is full of energy and will need to be kept occupied with playtime, daily walks and exercise.
They are good with other dogs and pets and are not territorial.
Labradoodles are often easy going and are very rarely aggressive.
Is A Mini Labradoodle A Good Family Dog?
Mini Labradoodles make fantastic family dogs. They are gentle, patient and affectionate.
These pups are fun-loving and kids will enjoy playtime with them.
Training Guide
This cross breed is very smart – they are easy to train but will need a consistent trainer who won’t give up too easily.
Mini Labradoodles will respond best to positive reinforcement. So give them treats and praise when they follow your command, or when they stop an unwanted behavior.
Avoid using punishment as this can lead to more unwanted behaviors, like aggression. It can also cause your dog to continue the behavior as they are getting a lot of attention from you, which is what they want.
Training from an early age is vital, as they pick up more behavioral habits when they are around 6 months old. So it’s best to teach them training commands and routines around this age.
Socialization is also important for this breed (as the Poodle can be a little bit shy). You should make sure your Mini Labradoodle is confident around strangers by making introductions to other people a positive experience.
Introduce them to new dogs, people, and places. Make sure they know it’s a good thing by giving them encouragement, treats and praise.
As Mini Labradoodles can get bored pretty quickly, you should keep their mind occupied with toys and games. Since retrieving things is in their DNA, you can play fetch with them till their hearts content.
Caring for a Mini Labradoodle
The Mini Labradoodle needs a house with a big fenced backyard, so they can run and play games.
They will thrive in any loving family, but they especially love a family with children.
Even though this cross breed is miniature, they are still very energetic. They will bounce off the walls if not given the proper amount of exercise and play each day.
Their type of coat will impact how much grooming is needed.
Exercise Requirements
Mini Labradoodles will need lots of exercise and activity to burn off their energy.
They need at least 60 minutes of activity each day. This can be by taking long walks or jogging.
Labradoodles are natural swimmers so you could take them swimming to burn off some of their energy. You can also take them to local dog parks, where they can socialize with other dogs and people. Keep your Labradoodle on a leash until you are completely confident they will return to you.
Grooming and Shedding
The Mini Labradoodle can inherit 3 types of coats: a wooly coat, a fleece coat or a straight and wavy coat.
If they inherit the Poodle coat, shedding won’t be too much of a problem, whereas the Labrador-like coat will shed often.
The Labrador coat will need to be brushed twice a week when shedding. The Poodle type coat needs more brushing (they are more high maintenance and can get dirty quickly).
The longer their coat is the more chance it will become matted and tangled, so regular brushing is needed.
Feeding and Diet
The amount of food you will feed your Mini Labradoodle depends on how much they weigh.
- If they weigh around 15lb, they will need around 1 cup of kibble a day.
- If they weigh around 30lb they will need around 2 cups a day.
Divide their food into 2 equal meals, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Dry food will also be fine, just make sure to read the label and feed your pooch the right type of dry food.
Find a brand that has high-quality natural dry food with good nutritional (protein, dietary fats, vitamins and minerals).
You could also add fruit and veg to your dog’s meal, as it gives them the minerals and vitamins that might be missing from their kibble.
Known Health Problems
The Mini Labradoodle has more genetic variance than purebreds, which means they are less likely to inherit genetic disorders.
However, this does not mean they are immune. There are genetic disorders that both the Labrador and Poodle can carry that can pass down to their offspring.
Some health issues include:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: This is most common in Labradors, and is caused by malformation of the joints, causing arthritis and lameness.
- Gastric Torsion: Commonly known as bloat, this is where the stomach becomes twisted and air is trapped. To avoid bloat, don’t exercise your dog immediately after they have eaten and let them eat out of their bowl on the ground.
- Eye Disorders: Common in Poodles, some include Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Cataracts.
- Addison’s Disease: This is more prevalent in Poodles, and is caused by a lack of adrenal hormones, causing lethargy, poor appetite and gastrointestinal issues.
- Hypothyroidism: This is the underproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland, causing rapid change in weight and lethargy.
How Long Does A Mini Labradoodle Live?
A healthy Mini Labradoodle will live between 10-18 years.
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Size: | 12-20 inches. |
| Weight: | 20-50lb. |
| Lifespan: | 10-18 years |
| Coat: | Wooly with tight curls, fleece coats that are free-flowing, or straight and wavy. |
| Color: | Cream, black, red, sable, blue, silver and brindle. |
| Do They Shed: | Low-moderate, depending on the coat type. |
| Temperament: | Playful, affectionate, gentle and sweet. |
| Intelligence: | Very smart. |
| Socialization: | Good with other dogs and pets. |
| Destructive Behavior: | Will chew when bored, lonely or frustrated. |
| People Skills: | Can be shy around strangers. |
| Good with Children: | Great with kids. |
| Activity Levels: | Very energetic, around 60 minutes of activity a day is needed. |
Summary
Do you enjoy long walks on the beach and love a goofy smile? Then the Mini Labradoodle could be the perfect dog for you!
They need lots of exercise (around 60 minutes each day), with long walks and swimming being a favorite.
Their grooming requirements depend on the type of coat they have, but you won’t find this out until they are fully grown.
But what we do know is that this Mini Doodle will light up any room they wander into and will be irresistible to cuddle.
There is no doubt you will fall in love with this little mischief maker – let us know in the comments section below…
