Things to Know Before Going Through with Labradoodle Adoption
Although labradoodles are ideal family pets, labradoodle adoption is a decision that affects the whole family and should therefore not be taken lightly. This article serves to provide prospective labradoodle owners with pertinent information regarding the breed and what types of behavior can be expected.
Labradoodle Overview
Although not technically recognized as a full-fledged dog breed, the labradoodle is quickly gaining popularity across the globe, and for good reason. A cross between a poodle and Labrador retriever, the labradoodle is a pleasant mix of two of the world’s most beloved dog breeds.
Like their parent breeds, labradoodles are generally very friendly and exceedingly intelligent dogs that are quick to learn and eager to please their owners. In addition to this, they tend to have an affinity for water, and are among the best swimmers of the dog world.
Since the breed is still technically developing, the appearance and behavior of the puppies can be varied from dog to dog. The hair, for instance, can come out looking any number of ways. Your dog’s hair may be wiry or even soft, and it can be curly, wavy, or simply straight. Although some labradoodles do shed one of the breed highlights is that they shed less, or not at all, and there is a markedly lower amount of “dog smell” in the coat. As such, this type of dog is a popular choice among people with dog allergies.
Because they are so intelligent, they tend to be very easy to train. Although it will still require a good effort on your part, your labradoodle can be taught to obey many different styles of commands, including verbal, hand signals, and combinations of both.
Considerations in Labradoodle Adoption
Assuming that your family is in agreement, and you all have a good idea of what to expect from your new pet, you have another important decision to make. Because most people are eager to adopt freshly weaned puppies, adult aged labradoodles (and any other dog breed) are often left un-adopted and in need of families.
It is up to you to decide whether you would like to choose an adult dog or a puppy, but there are some things you may want to know before making your decision. Puppies will be able to bond the best right from the start of your relationship, and this is a very attractive trait to most people. That is not to say, that you cannot bond with an adult. As a matter of fact people that have chosen adult dogs during labradoodle adoption have discovered that this crossbreed is easily bonded and acclimated with new families, regardless of prior experiences and training.
Adult dogs also tend to be better with families that have children, and puppies may take some getting used to before they learn to treat young children gently. Puppies also require a lot of initial care that many families do not have the time or patience to give. Consider all of these options before rushing off to a dog breeder to purchase a new pet.
Health Concerns
With proper care, your new labradoodle will enjoy a long and healthy life, full of happiness and good memories. But, like most dogs, this particular type has higher risks of developing certain conditions, just like their parent breeds.
Healthy in general, labradoodles may eventually develop and suffer from hip dysplasia. Because of this, a good breeder will have likely checked the original parents and made sure that through radiology tests, neither of the parents had this problem. This will ensure that your labradoodle is likely to be problem free in this area. Ask your breeder, should you choose to adopt through this way.
Labradoodles can also be susceptible to PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) which can eventually lead to blindness. This is an inherited disease, and occurs in miniature poodle breeds and in cocker spaniels. Again, a breeder should have had the parent breeds checked by a vet for signs of this problem before breeding any puppies.
Australian labradoodles seem to have a propensity for Addison’s Disease, and although not a great deal is known about the cause or the spreading of the disease, researchers are currently looking into it.
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