Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answer to your specific question, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the contact form or send an email to info@labradoodle.nu
Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
Research into hypoallergenic breeds has shown that there is significantly more variation between individuals than between breeds. We have tested entire litters of puppies, and even between full siblings, the allergen levels vary greatly. Therefore, meeting one or more labradoodles without allergic symptoms is no indication that you will tolerate the labradoodle you acquire in the future. The reason they still suit many allergy sufferers is partly because most do not shed, but largely because their coat is well-suited for regular bathing, thus reducing allergens in the coat. This applies to all non-shedding breeds, such as poodles, and is not unique to Labradoodles. I (Thilde Höök) am myself allergic to furry animals but have so far managed all the family’s labradoodles without any problems. However, if you get a puppy as an allergy sufferer, you should be aware that it can vary between different individuals and that it often takes up to six months for the dog to get its adult coat. We cannot sell the puppies on approval but apply the Swedish Kennel Club’s rules on repurchase. If you are curious to read more about hypoallergenic dogs, click HERE (where I guest blog about the topic at Allergenius, which performs allergen tests on dogs).
What breed-specific defects can occur?
Both Labrador and Poodle need to undergo X-rays of hips and elbows to be approved for breeding. To minimize the risk of puppies from us suffering from hip problems in the future, we always X-ray our breeding dogs’ hips and elbows. Many of our breeding dogs are imported, and we have then chosen to only buy from kennels that have always only used dogs with the best results on all health tests. We encourage all our puppy buyers to X-ray their dog’s hips and, of course, only use dogs with flawless hips and elbows as well as approved eye examination in our own breeding. To continue breeding as healthy dogs as possible, we naturally want puppy buyers to contact us if the dog shows any type of health problem during its life. By getting that feedback, we can evaluate what might be genetic and thus adapt the breeding
What requirements do you have for puppy buyers?
We do not have any special requirements for what you should use/train the dog for, but we are very keen that our dogs come to committed and loving homes. On the About Labradoodles page, you can read a little more about the breed’s mentality and what needs they have for activation.
How much does a Labradoodle cost?
A puppy from us costs 35,000-50,000 SEK incl. VAT. Generally, those of smaller size cost more, and the same applies to puppies that have come about through the import of frozen semen. The price does not differ between males and females.
What kind of coat is typical for a Labradoodle?
The goal in our breeding has always been to breed dogs that do not shed and that have velvety coats with more or less curls. Thanks to the fact that our breeding dogs have been tested for the so-called “improper coat” which can give a shedding coat, we now only have dogs with so-called fleece coats in breeding and can guarantee that the puppies born with us will not shed hair. A dog that does not shed must instead be clipped, and what length and style you choose for your dog is entirely up to the dog owner.
In the pictures of our dogs, you see large variations in the coats, but in reality, there is not so much difference in structure and curls, but mostly it depends on how short we have chosen to clip them. The longer coat you choose to have on your dog, the more time you should be prepared to spend on coat care. If you want a dog with a slightly longer coat, most people usually clip the dog about every 3 months.
How big is a Labradoodle?
The size of Labradoodles varies, but the largest are slightly taller than a labrador but significantly lighter in the body. Generally, the males are slightly larger than the females. There are three size divisions:
Standard: 18 – 25 kilos and are between 53 – 60 cm tall
Medium: approx. 43 – 53 cm tall and weighs between 13 – 18kg
Miniature: 35 – 43 cm and weighs between 6 – 13kg.
We breed labradoodles of size mini and medium.
How much exercise and training does a Labradoodle need?
Regular exercise and activation are necessary to get as harmonious and pleasant a dog as possible. Regular exercise should not be interpreted as “lots of exercise” especially not for the young dog. Play with children, other dogs and toys must be limited as the puppy does not always feel when they get tired (just like with small children). It is also good to avoid too much climbing, stairs and the like. which puts a heavy load on the rapidly growing skeleton.
Taking the dog on a bike ride or jogging trip should be waited with until the dog is fully grown. They are often very athletic dogs and are well suited for agility but also freestyle, obedience, tracking and trick training. Most of them like water and are good swimmers.
We recommend all puppy buyers to participate in puppy class with their dog to get help to set up the first training and also get the dog used to meeting other dogs. It is the first time’s training that lays the foundation for a compliant and harmonious dog and from the puppy course you can get many tips on how to train yourself at home.
Participating in puppy class has another great advantage for you who bought a labradoodle, you will most likely get even more proof of what an incredibly pleasant and easy-to-learn dog you have acquired.
What colors can a Labradoodle have?
All colors that exist in poodle and labrador exist in the doodles and we breed them all. Puppies from here can be black, brown, red, caramel, apricot, cream-colored and two-colored dogs. For the most part, there are many different colors in each litter and it is not uncommon for it to be something completely different than the parents so it is always exciting to see what colors they get.
Can they be registered in the SKK (Swedish Kennel Club)?
Yes, but they are then registered as mixed breeds and not in any breed register. Registering your dog is completely optional. They are not an approved breed in Sweden, which we currently see as an advantage so we do not close the gene pool for Labradoodles. Since the breeding dogs are selected solely based on coat quality, temperament, intelligence and health, the dogs do not risk being bred too hard in a specific direction. Should a breed standard be designed, the hunt for trophies at exhibitions could get breeders to compromise on these criteria just to breed a dog that is as perfect in appearance as possible. That development exists within so many other breeds and we hope to be spared this.
Now it is well on its way to Labradoodle becoming just as recognized as a “breed” as all other breeds (which is the case in, among other places, England, USA and Australia), but for us the recognition that they are approved by SKK is not required for us to feel pride in our dogs.
How do I buy a puppy from you?
To get on our waiting list, you must send an expression of interest via e-mail or the website’s contact page. We need to know when it suits you best to receive a puppy, whether you prefer a female or male (or are open to suggestions) and we would also like you to tell us a little about what type of home you can offer a puppy from us. You will then be added to the waiting list. You must then choose to subscribe to our newsletter via the same page as the expression of interest to receive information about our planned litters and can, after a mailing, register interest in just the litter that best matches your wishes.
When the puppies are born, you as a buyer, based on your purchase location, have the opportunity to book a specific puppy against a deposit. At 8 weeks of age, the puppies are ready to move to their new homes and in order not to miss the important attachment, the puppy can only stay a few days after the 8-week day. When you say yes to a puppy, then expect to take it home in close connection to it turning 8 weeks. As a buyer, you get a compendium with everything you need to know for the first time with the new dog. We also send some things that facilitate the move and the first time in the new home (toy, security blanket, food, etc.). We would like you as puppy buyers to then keep in touch and nothing makes us so happy as pictures and updates on how everything is going.
I have never met a Labradoodle. Can I come home to you?
Unfortunately, there is not always time to receive everyone who wishes to visit, even though we do our best to make room in the schedule for those of you who want to meet us and our dogs. If you want to visit, you are welcome to contact us with suggestions for a day that suits you and I will check the calendar.
In order for everyone who wants to have the opportunity to visit us, we organize open house/family days every spring and at each such open house several of our foster dogs and their families are invited. Then, as a curious speculator, you get the opportunity to meet several dogs of different ages and talk to their owners. We believe that this gives a better picture of what Labradoodles are like than visiting us at home and meeting individual individuals. All these meetings will take place at our home in Pomonadalen, which is located in Österlen in Skåne, and information about when the next meeting will take place is published on our Facebook page.
