black labradoodles

Black Labradoodles – Complete Guide to an Adorable Dog

A black Labradoodle is the perfect companion. It’s both a very loving and extremely intelligent breed.

Originally bred as guide dogs, Black Labradoodles have since their creation only gotten more and more popular with many different families from all around the world.

Black Labradoodles love to please their owner and to be a part of the family. And that’s also the reason why they are a breed that demands an owner will allow this dog to become a close family member.

Black Labradoodles – A Quick Summary

  • Black Labradoodles are companion dogs
  • They require quite a bit of training and stimulation
  • Doodles are also highly intelligent dogs
  • Works well in a family with kids and other pets
  • They can shed quite a bit
  • Black Labradoodles lifespan is typically between 12-15 years
  • Weight is around 55 – 65 lbs
  • Size is around 20-24 inches for a standard Black Labradoodle

Where Do Black Labradoodles Come From

The Black Labradoodle was originally created in Australia as a hypoallergenic guide dog. In 1989, Wally Conron, who was responsible for the breeding program at Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, completed the first cross between a Labrador Retriever, and a standard Poodle.

This first hybrid created by Conron resulted in a dog called Sultan, which not only had a hypoallergenic coat, but also the skills, intelligence, and personality to be an efficient guide dog. Sultan worked with a woman in Hawaii and experienced a lot of success in his work.

At this point, a lot of other breeders started noticing this amazing dog and decided that they would also start mixing these two breeds. And as with Labrador Retrievers, Labradoodles’ popularity quickly increased, and it has ended up as one of the most sought after Doodle dogs.

The Black Labradoodle is commonly produced by mixing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, but lately, multi-gen breeding has been gaining a lot of traction, in an attempt to produce a sustainable and identifiable race.

Both the Australian Labradoodle Association and The Australian Labradoodle Association of America has been taking steps in that direction, with the goal of changing this designer dog to be recognized as a registered race within the next couple of years.

These groups have been doing a tremendous amount of work to bring breeders closer together, and help them achieve a common standard of Labradoodles through multi-gen breeding.

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Origin of the Black Labradoodle

The black Labradoodle is a hybrid or crossbreed between a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever.

Poodle

Even though the Poodle is the national dog of France and the French love it, it doesn’t actually originate from there.

It is one of the oldest known breeds, that in the early years were originally used for bird hunting in Germany.

For that purpose, the Poodle was especially exceptional at moving through the water, where it could move fast and without much hassle and locate the bird downed by the hunter. The English name Poodle actually originates from the German word pudel or pudelin, which translates to splashing in the water.

It wasn’t until many years later that the race evolved into its own specific race in France. But even back then in Germany, Poodle-owners would typically shave their dogs’ legs, necks, and tails as we see to this day.

The reason for that was purely practical: They would trim those areas that would lighten the dogs’ weight, while leaving the dense coat that would protect the dog around its’ joints and organs, towards the cold water.

It wasn’t until the early 14th century that breeders started to create smaller versions of the Poodle.

At this point, the French were still using the large Poodle, also known as the original/standard Poodle, for bird hunting.

The medium Poodle would get tasks such as searching for truffles in the woods, and the miniature version of the Poodle was usually used as more of a decorative dog by the rich.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever originates from the island Newfoundland outside the northeastern coast of Canada.

Originally called St. Johns’ dogs, after the capital Newfoundland, the Labrador worked as a companion and helper for the local fishermen in the early 17th century.

The dogs would spend their days working together with their owners, pick up fish, and then return home to spend the evening with the fishermen’s families.

Even though their heritage is unknown, a lot of people believe that the St. John dogs were mixed with the Newfoundland breed and other smaller local dogs.

In the 1880s the race was nearly extinct, and the Malmesbury family and other English supporters of the race, are credited with the honor of having saved the breed.

The breed slowly disappeared from Newfoundland due to limitations set by the government and certain tax rules.

Families were only allowed to keep one dog, and owning a female dog was highly taxed, so the female puppies were usually disposed of at birth.

These days, Labrador Retrievers are often working in the field of drugs and explosives-detection, search and rescue, therapy, as service dogs to disabled and as hunting dogs.

They typically also excel in all forms of dog competitions: show, field, agility, and obedience.

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Black Labradoodle Size

The size of a black Labradoodle can vary quite a lot, due to the fact that Labradors are bred with Poodles of all shapes and sizes.

But when speaking of the Australian Labradoodle, we’re usually dealing with three different types: miniature, medium, and standard.

A miniature Black Labradoodle is normally around 12 to 16 inches. And their weight is around 15 to 25 pounds.

A medium Black Labradoodle is typically around 16 to 20 inches, weighing in at 30 to 45 pounds.

And a standard Black Labradoodle usually is 20 to 24 inches with a weight of 55 to 65 pounds.

Black Labradoodle Temperament

Due to the fact that a black Labradoodle is a hybrid dog, the only thing you can really be sure about is what color your black Labradoodle will become.

Everything from size, weight type of coat and so on, will be impossible to predict. And even though Labradors and Poodles are somewhat similar when it comes to their temperamental trains, they are quite different dogs otherwise.

The Poodle is a hypoallergenic dog with a coat that barely sheds even the least bit, whereas a Labrador is known for having a thick, sleek coat that will shed.

Both breeds are found in three different colors. The Poodle is found in apricot, black and brown, and the Labrador is either black, chocolate or yellow.

Both the Labrador and the Poodle are water dogs with an athletic build, so as a possible future owner of black Labradoodle you can expect this hybrid to have a similar build, including floppy ears, a long tail, and a wonderful and adorable face.

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Black Labradoodles With Kids and Other Pets

Black Labradoodles are generally excellent with kids, as they are a loving and careful companion. But they are very energetic dogs, so they might knock over smaller toddlers by accident, but this breed will most likely adore your kids with all of its’ heart.

But as with every other dog breed, you should also teach kids how to behave around a dog, and you should always have a watchful eye on any interactions between a dog and toddlers, to make sure that neither your dog nor kids, does something that would upset or hurt the counterpart.

You should teach all kids around your dog, that they shouldn’t approach it while it’s eating or sleeping, and not to try and take away the dogs’ food. No dog, no matter how kind and friendly it is, should ever be left alone with a toddler.

This breed is especially great around other dogs or pets in a home. But this fuzzy friend does require some training and socialization, like every other dog, to get the best possible experience out of being with other animals.

Care and Grooming of the Black Labradoodle

The demand for care and grooming can vary quite a bit, depending on the length and type of coat in your dog.

Generally speaking, you should expect to brush your Black Labradoodle a handful of times every week, and trimming around once a month to keep the coat easy to handle.

They should really only be bathed when necessary, which isn’t all that often, seeing as their fur coat often doesn’t have a bad odor.

As with a lot of other breeds, the black Labradoodle is prone to ear infections, so make sure that you pay close attention to caring for their ears. You should always dry and clean them after you’ve gone swimming with them and also check them once a week for any dirt or strong odor that would indicate an infection. You should dry them with a cotton pad once a week, using a mild form of ear cleaner, to avoid any problems.

Brush your dogs’ teeth at least two to three times a week to remove any bacteria. Daily brushing is even better if you want to make sure to avoid any bad breath.

Trim your Doodles nails once or twice a month, if your dog isn’t able to trim them naturally by themselves. This is very important, as it can be very painful for a dog to run around with nails that are far too long. If you can hear your dog “clicking” when walking around the floor, they are getting too long.

A dogs’ nails have blood vessels in them, and if you trim them too far down, you might cause bleeding, and your dog will probably be less willing to cooperate the next time they spot the nail trimmer. So if you’re not comfortable by trimming your black Doodles nails, you should visit a vet or groomer and have them do the job.

You should start training your dog to be brushed and examined when it’s still just a puppy. Study his/her paws often, but remember that a dog can be quite sensitive around its’ feet.

That’s why you should make sure that general care will be a positive experience for the dog, full of praising and treats, and it will be a lot easier for you, but also for situations where the dog has to visit the vet or any other examination when it’s getting older.

When checking your dog, you should make sure to look out any bruising, rashes or signs of infections, such as soreness or inflammations on the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. The eyes should be clear without any redness. Your careful weekly check of your black Labradoodle will help you catch any potential health issues as early as possible.

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Black Labradoodle Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy for a black Labradoodle is 12 to 15 years, with genetics and ancestry, and your general lifestyle choices all having a major effect.

The mains problem with averages is that they are just that, an average. So where some owners might see their dogs live to be 20, others won’t make it to 5.

But if you’re doing all you can when it comes to great nutrition and exercise, and with a dash of luck, any black Labradoodle could live a long life well in their late teens.

Health Issues of the Black Labradoodle

Generally speaking, the black Doodle is a healthy breed, but as with every other breed, the Doodle is more at risk toward certain issues.

Common Genetic Issues With the Black Labradoodle:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hypothyroidism

Responsible breeders are focusing on keeping the breed as free as possible of these genetically related health issues, by genetically screening the breeding material.

You should be aware that a black Labradoodle is a hybrid dog, so you should also try and get a general understanding of both Poodles and Labrador Retrievers.

Black Labradoodle Temperament

The black Labradoodle is a highly intelligent dog, that can if trained properly, turn into the perfect member of your family. They are very mild-mannered dogs, that accept and treat all of those around them as their best friend.

The black Labradoodle is a proper family dog, that wants nothing more than to be around their people, and truly enjoy life as an energetic companion.

They can quite a careful breed, but definitely also happy and full of life, and they will typically show that through excessive jumping and roughhousing. This playful dog is easy to be around as it was originally bred to not be aggressive unlike what’s seen in other races, and this breeds’ temperament is characterized by being full of joy.

The temperament is influenced though different factors, such as hereditary, training and socializing. Puppies with a good temper are curious, playful and willing to get close to people and be held by them.

You should make sure to always meet at least one of the parents of the puppy, it’s usually the female that is the one available, to ensure that it has a good temper, one that you’re comfortable with. If you have a chance to meet any siblings or other dogs related to your Doodle, this would also help to evaluate how the puppy will be as it matures.

Like every other dog, a black Labradoodle needs socialization as early as possible, which is why they should experience as many different people, sights, sounds and smells when they are young. Socialization helps to ensure that your puppy will grow up and become a well-balanced dog.

Consider inviting guests over regularly, taking your pup for walks in parks, shops, cafés and relaxing walks around your neighborhood. These different situations will help strengthen your Doodles social skills.

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Training a Black Labradoodle

Any experience in the first 4 months of a puppy’s life, will greatly influence how the puppy will look at the world as it grows older. As a puppy-owner, the main goal is to create as many positive meetings and situations with other animals and humans as possible, to end up with a well-balanced adult dog.

Most dog trainers would refer to this process as socialization.

Taking puppy training lessons with your Doodle would be a great start.

Even though Labradoodles are used for many different working roles, it is primarily a companion dog, which is why it should also live inside your home, and not outside in a dog house or pen. Labradoodles are at their best when they are in the home with you, where it’s possible for it to sleep at the end of your bed, or right beside you.

Many dog trainers believe that a dog house or pen could be beneficial for both you and your dog, as it’s a good method to ensure that your dog won’t cause any troubles in your home, but a house/pen is also a place your Doodle will be able to retreat to and relax, knowing it won’t be bothered in that location.

If a dog house/pen is the right solution in your home, you should start training the dog at a young age, as it will help your Doodle to better accept being cloistered. This will also prove beneficial for you if your dog ever has to board a plane or go to the hospital.

But remember that you shouldn’t leave your dog in a dog house/pen all day. It’s not a prison, and a Doodle shouldn’t spend more than a couple of hours there every day. Black Labradoodles are people dogs, and they are not supposed to spend their lives locked in a cage.

Exercise Needs

A black Labradoodle is capable of adapting for pretty much every environment, and they are able to live in an apartment, as long as you are able to give them at least 1 hour of exercise every day, and that might be hard if you don’t have a backyard for them to fool around in and use some of its’ energy.

Some Doodles, especially first-generation doodles, could require even more exercise, up to 1½ hours every day. Black Labradoodles make for excellent running partners, but every once in a while they need to get the leash off to be able to really spend some of those massive amounts of energy they have stored up.

On top of the physical needs, it’s also vital that you stimulate your Doodles’ mental needs. Due to their intelligence and energy, they can have a tendency to turn into a machine of destruction if they get bored.

A black Labradoodle is an intelligent dog that’s eager to please their owner, so as long as you are being consistent and using positive and modern training methods, the training won’t become a problem, and together you and your dog will find a good common ground to end up on.

Doodles are also perfect companions for first-time dog owners, as they generally don’t require that firm of a hand.

Socialize it right from the start, as it might otherwise have a tendency to throw itself head-on towards other dogs, and this can lead to problems if this unknown dog is aggressive, or perhaps just very timid, which can result in it attempting to bite your Doodle.

In spite of the high level of activity in a Doodle, they are easily adjustable to living in the suburbs or urban environments, but they will absolutely thrive in rural areas with a lot of open spaces for it to run around and go nuts in.

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Should You Get a Black Labradoodle?

A black Labradoodle is highly recommended for owners who are able to really invest their time and love into this dog.

3 Questions You Should Ask Yourself, Before Getting a Black Labradoodle:

  1. Do you live in a home with a decent backyard?
  2. Are you able to really commit the required time to train your Labradoodle?
  3. Do you want an exceptional family dog?

If you’re able to answer yes to all of the above, then you are more than likely able to create a great life for this wonderful breed.

Finding a Black Labradoodle Puppy

If you’ve set your sight on a black Labradoodle puppy, and I can understand why you would want one of these adorable little things, here is what I would suggest that you do:

It’s very important that you thoroughly research the breeder when looking for a black Labradoodle to purchase. Make sure they are a responsible and experienced breeder.

If the breeder is a high-quality professional, they are aware of the possible health issues with the breed, and will typically screen their litters for those issues, and that can make a world of difference when it comes to the general health of your black Labradoodle hybrid.

You should ask the breeder for any certificates that prove that their health has been screened and cleared, and are ready to join you in a new home. If the breeder isn’t able to show such a certificate, you should find another, as there are plenty of high-quality breeders that will be able to provide it.

The price of a black Labradoodle puppy can vary quite a lot from breeder to breeder, but expect to pay within the range of $1000 to more than $3000.

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