10 Common Labradoodle Personality Traits

The Labradoodle is a designer dog breed that is a cross between a poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Labradoodles resemble stuffed animals with their sweet, fluffy faces and their curly or wavy coats. Their friendly temperaments make them popular pets. Below, we look at 10 common labradoodle personality traits.

But first, we begin with the history. Wally Conron created the Labradoodle in Australia in 1989. He crossbred the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever to create a service dog for a woman whose husband was allergic to the standard Labrador Retriever, which is commonly used as a guide dog. Today, Labradoodles are highly sought-after pets, especially for people with allergies or families with young children. In 2019, Conron said he regretted having created the Labradoodle.

“I find that the biggest majority are either crazy or have a hereditary problem,” he said. But many Labradoodle owners, breeders, and supporters beg to differ.

Labradoodles are known to have incredible temperaments. They are affectionate and generally do very well with children. It is true that Labradoodles, like many dog breeds, can be very excitable. They jump and have zoomies very often. They require lots of exercise. Labradoodles tend to shed much less than their Retriever lineage, so they can be a great choice for people with allergies. Generally, Labradoodles are easy to train because they are very intelligent, but that also means they can exert independence and stubbornness while training.

Read on to find out 10 common Labradoodle personality traits.

1. Attention-Seeking

Labradoodles thrive on attention. They may become anxious or exhibit undesirable behavior if left alone for extended periods. They are happiest in homes where they receive regular interaction and companionship.

One funny Labradoodle personality trait, of these 10 common Labradoodle personality traits, with regard to their attention-seeking nature, is the Labradoodle’s neediness for scratches, pets, and belly rubs. For example, if you are petting a Labradoodle and then you take a break, a Labradoodle is known to push its head underneath your hand to convince you to continue petting it. It’s cute and funny!

2. Friendly and Social

Labradoodles are known for their friendly and social personalities. They tend to be very outgoing. This trait makes them wonderful companions in various social settings, whether at home, in the dog park, or in the company of other pets. They enjoy interacting with other animals, especially with other Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Aussiedoodles, or other doodle mixes. When you take a Labradoodle out for a walk, you can expect it to find the nearest doodle to say hello!

Labradoodles tend to greet both familiar faces and strangers with enthusiasm and a wagging tail, making them excellent candidates for therapy work or for simply spreading joy. This sociable nature also means Labradoodles often thrive in families and are great with children. Their friendliness and sociability can truly make them a beloved addition to any home.

3. Smart

The Poodle and the Labrador Retriever are both highly intelligent breeds, so Labradoodles inherited this trait. They are quick learners and often excel in training, obedience, agility, and service dog work. Labradoodles are also good at problem-solving and they have an eagerness to please. They have a natural curiosity and are good at understanding and responding to commands. Of course, some Labradoodles are smarter than others, but intelligence is one of the 10 most common Labradoodle personality traits.

4. Protective

Even though Labradoodles are gentle creatures, they are typically very protective of their families. They can make good watchdogs, barking to alert their owners to any unusual activity. Their downside with regard to their protectiveness, however, is their friendliness. They love to greet people and get attention, so they might not recognize an intruder, for example.

5. Gentle

Labradoodles typically have low aggression levels. These dogs usually get along well with children and other pets. They are not known to bite, scratch, or do anything in anger. They are usually very gentle, give licks and kisses, and like to snuggle with their owners. Their gentleness is one of the 10 most common Labradoodle personality traits

6. Affectionate

Labradoodles are known for their affectionate nature. Of course, all Labradoodles have different personalities, and some like to cuddle more than others. However, in general, they tend to form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being close to them.

7. Energetic

Labradoodles are an extremely high-energy breed. They require a lot of regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They need several daily walks, playtime, and activities like playing with puzzles or playing fetch. These activities can help them stay physically and mentally engaged.

8. Playful

Labradoodles like to play. It is a common Labradoodle personality trait. Their playfulness relates to their energy levels. Labradoodles often maintain a playful and puppy-like demeanor throughout their lives. Anyone who has had an elder Labradoodle knows that even a 10-year-old Labradoodle likes to play. Labradoodles of almost all ages enjoy games and interactive toys such as puzzles, snuffle mats, lick mats, and slow feeders to keep them entertained.

9. Allergies

Labradoodles were bred to be hypoallergenic, so while some labradoodles might still shed, and thus, not be hypoallergenic, many are allergy-friendly. Their low-shedding coats are often agreeable to people who suffer from mild dog allergies.

On the flip side, Labradoodles tend to suffer from allergies. Most commonly, Labradoodles are prone to skin allergies that can appear from allergies to food or the environment. Labradoodles sometimes suffer from food allergies that can result in irritated and itchy skin, gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, ear infections, poor or smelly skin coats, paw infections, or eye infections. Like humans, Labradoodles can suffer from environmental allergies to pollen, mold, or dust. These allergens can cause topical skin allergies, sneezing, red eyes, or eye discharge in a Labradoodle. Typically, these allergies are seasonal, but they are pretty common in labradoodles.

10. Adaptable

Labradoodles are usually pretty easygoing and adaptable. It is one of their 10 most common labradoodle personality traits. They can live in a variety of situations and are happy to travel. They enjoy living with families, single owners, seniors, or with lots of roommates.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Samara Abramson – License / Original