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Tips On Choosing A Labradoodle In Chicago Area

By Daphne Bowen


Choosing a compatible pet should be a matter of study and care, regardless of the type of animal which is ultimately selected. Far too many people simply choose a puppy based on the appearance alone, and what puppy isn't cute. It is important to learn more about the characteristics of various dogs before choosing a pet. One of the more popular dog breeds is the mix of Labrador and Poodle, known as a Labradoodle. Here are some facts about the Labradoodle Chicago area residents can use in deciding whether the breed fits the personality of the family.

A Labradoodle is a crossbreed. The first deliberate cross was done by Wally Conran in 1989. Conran was in charge of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. His cross produced Sultan, who was a Labrador and Standard Poodle offspring. The purpose of the cross was to obtain a guide dog with a hypoallergenic coat. Sultan was noted for his intelligence, aptitude and personality. As a service dog in Hawaii, he was so successful that other breeders were anxious to try replicating the cross.

The difficulties with crossing the Lab and Poodle breeds is the lack of consistency in the results. Even different dogs from the same litter may have different characteristics. Some people choose the Doodles with the expectation that they won't have problems with shedding, but may not enjoy the extra time spent in brushing and trimming. Other owners are actually allergic to the dander. It's important to check out the features of the specific animal before taking it home.

Training with these intelligent and eager-to-please animals is usually easy, although the natural exuberance may lead to unintentional injuries, particularly with young children. Because of the intelligence, however, this crossbreed is a great pet for a first-time dog owner.

There are many color options available to Labradoodle dog owners. You can also select from one of three coat textures: Hair, Wool and Fleece. The shedding levels vary as well as the density and care levels of the various coats. Some are curly, some are wavy and some are straight. Generally speaking, the coat should be brushed at least once or twice each week. Those coats which do not shed will need to be trimmed regularly.

Ear infections are not unusual in this breed. It is important for owners to ensure the ears are clean and dry. Prevention of infection will be the preferred course of action.

There are several crossbreeds in the "Doodle" family. Breeders in two Australian associations are trying to standardize the characteristics so that the designer breed can be recognized as a registered breed. Much multi-generational breeding must be done to ensure that the characteristics are standardized and breed true. The popularity of the breed is likely to continue growing, so long as healthy animals are selected from responsible breeders.

The choice of a Labradoodle as a family pet is one which most people find satisfactory. Be sure to work with a reputable breeder to select a pet. Take time to interact with the pet early to ensure that they are socialized appropriately.




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