Labradoodles are among the most popular dog breeds in the world. As the name indicates, the breed is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and Poodle. Both Labradors and Poodles are famed for their work ethics and ability to bond with humans. But do Labradoodles coats change?
Labradoodles change their coats just once between the ages of 6 to 11 months. This is just a process as it is a cross-breed that has both features of Labrador and Poodle. You do not need to worry as it is a natural process. You would, however, need to take some extra care when your Labradoodle changes its coat.
The Labradoodle combines the Labrador’s playfulness and Poodle’s intelligence, making it both the perfect service and family dog.
How do Labradoodles Coats Change?
Remember, Labradoodles are closest to the hypoallergenic dogs. One more thing to keep in mind is that “changing coats” and “shedding” are not the same. Changing coat is when a puppy loses its baby fur to allow the adult coats to grow.
The process of shedding is natural in many dog breeds. In the case of Labradoodles, the shedding happens when you brush them. This “shedding” helps eliminate the old coat for a new one to take its place.
On the other hand, shedding is losing fur that happens quite regularly with many furry dog breeds. Labradoodles shed fur but to a minimal extent, unlike other dog breeds. It is not the typical shedding where you will find clumps of hair everywhere.
The First Labradoodle
Wally Conron, who was in charge of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia’s breeding program, developed the first Labradoodle called Sultan, who was deputed to work for a woman in Hawaii and proved to be efficient in his duties. This was when it was observed that the cross-breed is useful, and the trend caught on.
What are Hypoallergenic dogs?
Hypoallergenic dogs are a breed with a relatively less thick coat that does not shed excessively and thereby limits the chances of causing allergies to humans. It is important to note that no dogs are 100 percent hypoallergenic. Some popular hypoallergenic dogs are Afghan Hound, Basenji, American Hairless Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Chinese Crested, etc.
When do Labradoodle puppies lose their puppy coat?
Labradoodles do not keep the coats they are born with into adulthood. The average life span of a Labradoodle is 11 to 14 years.
The coat they are born with are baby coats, and they will eventually shed them at some stage. This usually happens between 6 to 12 months. While it can be earlier for some, it may be later for others.
When changing coats happen, both the color and texture of the coat of the Labradoodle will vary. The coat of a Labradoodle puppy appears thicker can come in varying shades depending on the cross-breeding. Some misunderstand this for normal shedding. It is, however, just a process of the Labradoodle growing into its new coat.
When the process of changing the coat is completed, you would be surprised to find that your puppy has put on a coat of an entirely different color and texture.
Take special care while brushing
It is essential to take extra care when the process of shedding of coat happens. In the case of the Labradoodle pup, when you brush its coat, you are not only taking out the old fur but giving space for new ones to make it look clean, healthy and prevent further mess.
It is important to use the right kind of brush and brush it down right to the skin. This will take off the old fur and prevent it from tangling with the new fur. Brushing right down to the skin also removes the old or dead skin. If they are allowed to remain on the puppy, the dead skin can accumulate to form a mat and create an ugly mess. In case you don’t want to take any chances or find it difficult to groom your puppy, you may consider taking the help of a professional pet groomer.
What kind of allergies do dog furs cause?
The sight of a dog with a thick coat makes you want to hug it and play with it. They are, however, known to cause allergies. More than the fur, the skin is attached to the end of the fur called dander that causes allergies. The urine and saliva of dogs are also known to cause allergies.
The fur of dogs can cause the following kind of allergies: sneezing, running nose, cough, nasal congestion, itching, and red eyes, itching nose, and roof of mouth or throat, etc.
Different generations of Labradoodles?
The amount of hair your Labradoodle will lose can vary from puppy to puppy, and it depends on the generation of the puppy.
The first generational Labradoodle (F1) will shed a little more hair than the second generation ( F1b), third-generation ( F3b), and multigenerational Labradoodles. If you want to buy a Labradoodle but have allergies to hair, you should consider the second and third generational Labradoodles.
Types of Labradoodle coats?
There are three types of Labradoodle coats:
Hair: This coat resembles the coat of a Labrador and sheds the most. The texture can range from feathery, wavy, or scruffy. You would need to brush it at least once a week and may occasionally need trimming.
Fleece: There are two types of fleece: normal and microfine. Normal fleece is wavy and has a loose spiral. Microfine is supple and superfine and tends to get matted very easily. The fleece texture of fur should be brushed and combed at least once a week and trimmed at least thrice a year. They are also asthma and allergy-friendly.
Wool: There are three types of wool: original, cotton, and new style. The original is dense and curly and has the texture of a lamb’s wool.
Cotton is the softest of the three types of wool. It is incredibly dense and can be straight or curly. It needs high maintenance as it needs to be brushed and combed at least once a week.
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If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
