Last Updated on September 20, 2023
*. The Labrador Retriever and Labradoodle are both the original and remix versions of the dog world. The Labrador Retriever is America’s number one dog lover. The Labradoodle is a favorite doodle dog and perhaps the most beloved designer doggo.
Although they look very similar, there are some differences between them that everyone should be aware of. This is especially important for those trying to choose between these adorable dogs.
The Labrador is a purebred dog that is friendly, outgoing, and active. The Labrador is an excellent choice for families who are looking for a playful pet for their children. The Labradoodle, a designer breed of dog, is known for its silly and funny and curly teddy bear coat which sheds less than the Lab. There’s more, so let’s have a closer look.
Breed History
Understanding the history of these dogs will help you to distinguish between them. Understanding a dog’s past will enable you to determine its breed purpose . This will usually determine its personality as well as whether or not it will be a good fit for your family and lifestyle. The history of a dog is an important part of research that all dog owners should do. Let’s find out how these guys are related.
Labrador
The Labrador, the most loved dog in America is also popular in other parts of the globe. For three decades !, he has been consistently ranked the American Kennel Club’s number-one breed. This is an impressive feat in and of itself. It’s clear that he is a wonderful companion dog for most families. Purebred, he is an excellent choice for therapy dogs and assistance dogs.
He is Newfoundland’s traditional waterdog. His specialty is retrieving ducks from the water. Labs are the canine of choice for fisherman to catch escaped fishnets and other stray fish. He is a relatively old breed that dates back to the 1700s, and it is thought that he descends from the now-extinct St John’s water dog. He is a great breed for creating designer dog mixes because of his intelligence and obedience.
Over the past few decades, Labs have further diverged in genetic appearances. There are two different versions of the same breed ,, one for display and the other for hunting or field activities. They are identical dogs, but have different behavior traits.
Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a recent doggy creation, and he is a mix of the Lab and the Poodle. In 1989, the Royal Guide Dog Association in Australia sought to create a guide dog for a blind woman with allergies. To create an allergy-friendly guide dog friendly for those suffering from allergies ., they chose the Labrador Retriever to combine with the hypoallergenic Poodle.
The Labradoodle’s Poodle parent comes in three different sizes; toy, miniature, and standard-sized. This will impact the size and energy level of your Labradoodle. Designer dogs inherit the best traits of both breeds. There are three types of Labradoodle mixes: the F1, F1B and F2:
F1: 50% Lab, and 50% Poodle
F1B: 75% poodle and 25% Labrador (One poodle parent and one F1 Labradoodle parent)
F2: 87% Poodle, and 13% Lab (One poodle parent and one F1B Labradoodle parent)
F2 Labradoodles
are better for allergy sufferers than Labradoodles (Lab). Labradoodle is not a registered breed for the AKC , but the Lab can. The Lab is the only option if you’re interested in showing your dog or participating in AKC competitions.
Appearance
Both of these dogs look similar because they share Labrador genes. However, the Labradoodle influence means that they are easy to distinguish .
The best way to distinguish these men is by their coats. The thick, straight coat of Lave is coarse and has a texture that is both and . Labradoodles have a slightly longer, softer, curlier, or more wavy coat. They also often gets mistaken for a Goldendoodle!
Labradors
have only three AKC-recognized coat colors: yellow, brown, or black. They can have silver coats, and red coats, but these coats are not “officially” recognized by the AKC or most breeders. This has caused some controversy among breeders and breed lovers.
Labradoodles have a larger selection of colors to choose from thanks to the Poodle rainbow. He can also be a yellow, brown, or black dog. You have the option of multi-colored coats in different colors or one solid color, such as the Lab.
Labradors and Labradoodles are very similar in size. These medium-to large-size dogs both measure up to approximately 24 inches in height. Labs are the thicker of the two dog breeds, and he weighs up to 80 pounds. Compared to the more slender Labradoodle, who weighs up to 60 pounds. Labradors have an average larger than Labradoodles. Labradoodles also have a miniature version, whereas Labs do not.
Temperament
Both dogs share a similar personality, but they have subtle differences. Stability is the most attractive characteristic of the Labrador’s personality. His temperament is almost guaranteed to be friendly , outgoing, purebred dog. His environment and training will play a major role in his personality.
A Labradoodle’s personality can be less stable as it is a mixture between the Labrador temperament and Poodle. It is impossible to predict which parent your Labradoodle will choose, as with all designer breeds. F1 Labradoodles are a mixed breed. A breeder who has been breeding Labradoodles for many generations will be able to provide you with a Labradoodle that is more likely to have a variety of personality traits.
The main difference between the Labradoodles and the Lab is that the Lab is more social and friendly. Sometimes Labradoodles inherit an more reserved temperament and can be suspicious of strangers. This can make him a more vocal pooch, so be aware if you live in an apartment with noise restrictions.
Both dogs are active and need lots of exercise. This makes them a lot of fun. They are both a great choice for many families around the world because of their affectionate, friendly, and biddable personalities. As long as they have basic needs met, they can be adapted to your family and fit in seamlessly.
Exercise
There is very little between the dogs in terms of their exercise requirements. Both dogs are very active and have work genes. They are not couch potatoes. They both need around 60 minutes of exercise every day to remain healthy and happy.
They are both intelligent canines and require a lot mental stimulation. You’ll need to be there for them every day. Make sure they have toys and other dog toys. They will be unhappy and destructive if they don’t get sufficient stimulation ,.
They are both extremely intelligent but the Poodle is frequently cited as being the second-most intelligent dog breed . The Lab is ranked seventh. This means that Labradoodles will solve puzzles faster in competitions.
Both dogs love water , so your dog will be a water baby no matter which one you choose. Make sure they are both involved in water sports as part of their exercise routine to keep them happy. Be aware that ducks and other aquatic creatures can excite them both.
Training
Both Labradoodles and Labradoodles are regularly chosen to be therapy and assistance dogs. Although the Labradoodle is the original assistance dog (and they are still very obedient and capable), Labradoodles can be just as useful. They are willing to learn, willing to do their best, and both are willing to follow instructions. They are the perfect dogs and great choices for new owners.
Both dogs and puppies need to be socialized at an early age in order to become the polite pups that we all love and know. Labradoodles are more likely than Labs to be suspicious and aloof. You will need to work hard to ensure that a top-quality breed starts the socialization process early.
Positive reinforcement is the best way for both of them to be trained. The Labradoodle will be more motivated by food than the Labradoodle. Labradoodles will love anything that is exciting, including yummy treats, toys and squeaky items. Labradoodles have a huge appetite so don’t overindulge in the scooby snacks.
Health
Both are healthy dogs. However, the Labradoodle is the more durable of the two. The Labrador has an expected lifespan of 10 to 12 years. And Labradoodles have an averagely longer lifespan of 12 to 16 years. It doesn’t matter what pooch you choose to bring into your home, it is important to only work with breeders who are committed to healthy dogs.
Labs are susceptible to hip or elbow dysplasia ,, which is a joint condition caused by poor bone growth and gene inheritance. Labs are also susceptible to eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
Exercise-induced collapse should also be checked. Obesity is also more common in Labs. Keep an eye on his waistline. These conditions are common in Labradoodles, as well as other issues that may affect their parent. Sebaceous Adenitis, thyroid issues, and von Willebrand’s disease are all important health conditions for Poodles. The Labradoodle is generally more healthy than its Lab.
Nutrition
Both dogs are active and need the right fuel to keep their bodies healthy. Labs will consume between two and four cups of Labrador breed-friendly dog food per day.
The Labradoodle eats slightly less dog food, at around two to three cups per day. This is dependent on how big your dog is .. You should also consider their energy level, age and other factors.
The Labrador will need a large breed kibble, whereas Labradoodles will only need a large breed kibble if he is expected to be greater than 50 pounds at maturity. While this may not affect the brand of food you choose to feed your Labrador, it is wise to choose high-quality kibble.
Both of these dogs are at risk of gastric torsion. It is caused by poor feeding habits and excessive exercise. This can be life-threatening. Do not feed your dog immediately after or before exercise. Split their food intake several meals to reduce the chance of them becoming bloated.
Grooming
Both dogs have different coats. The biggest factor determining between them is their grooming routine or coat type. The Labrador has a dense, thick coat that sheds moderately throughout each year. During the shedding season, in the spring and fall, the Labrador sheds profusely. The Labrador isn’t the right breed for you if you don’t like doggy hair hurricanes.
Labradoodles, who are part Lab and part Poodle, sheds much less than the Lab. The Poodle is a hypoallergenic breed, meaning Labradoodles are much easier on allergy sufferers. He will shed some throughout the year but it is not noticeable. It is not true that all dogs are hypoallergenic. The Labradoodle is a mixed breed pup so you can’t guarantee that a Labradoodle won’t be hypoallergenic .
Despite their different coats, both require lots of grooming. However, for different reasons. Both need to brush several times per week. Labs require it to manage their hair, and Labradoodles need to have it to keep their long hair and wavy hair tangled. Labradors will prefer to use de-shedding brushes while Labradoodles can do better with a slicker.
Do not bathe your dogs too often when it comes to bathing. one . bathe each month A concentrated, natural doggy shampoo would be beneficial for the Labrador’s thick hair. The Labradoodle and his sensitive skin would much prefer a gentler formula made from soothing ingredients such as oatmeal.
Puppy Prices
The Labrador’s price for a puppy is slightly less than that of a Labradoodle. However, it can vary depending upon many factors. The price of a puppy will depend on where you live, how much they are wanted, and who the breeder is.
The average price of a Lab starts from approximately $800, and the average price of a Labradoodle starts at around $1,000. You can expect to spend several thousand if you want an AKC-registered Lab, particularly a puppy of an award-winning lineage.
The Labrador is the most beloved dog breed. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a quality breeder . Labradoodles are a popular designer breed. Being popular comes with the heightened risk of backstreet breeders and puppy mills. Make sure to do your research before you buy a puppy. Only work with a recommended breeder.
Final Thoughts
Both of these family-friendly dogs are very similar. This is because they are blood related. The Labrador is pure Labrador and the Labradoodle is half Labrador and half Poodle. Both , loving, family-friendly dogs who provide lots of love and entertainment. They are loved by many people because of this. Both need to be active and engaged in stimulating activities during the day in order to stay healthy and happy. They are not couch potatoes.
The main differences between these two dogs are in their appearances and coat. The Lab is a larger, more stocky dog with a thicker, straighter coat. The Labradoodle, on the other hand, is a smaller dog with curly or wavy hairs. Labradoodles shed more than Labradoodles , so Labradoodles are often the best option for mild allergy sufferers.
Purebred dogs are preferred by many dog owners because they can be more certain of the characteristics that you will get. Some owners prefer the idea of playing the genetic lottery. However, when it comes down to the question which one is the best family pet?, there is no correct answer . It all depends on what pooch is best for your family and lifestyle. Regardless of whether you Labradoodle or Labrador, both these dogs make great canine companions.