Mini Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle

Are you trying to decide between the standard labradoodle and the mini labradoodle? Owning a dog is one of the greatest joys in life. However, the size of your future pooch can ultimately impact how they fit into your lifestyle and family. It’s super important to consider the size of your dog when contemplating whether it’ll fit in well. For example, if you’re incredibly active, then a smaller dog may not be able to keep up. In our guide, we’ll go over the biggest differences when weighing between the mini labradoodle vs. the labradoodle. 

So if you’ve been interested in learning more about the different sizes of the labradoodle and how they differ, keep on reading!

Comparing a Mini Labradoodle and a Labradoodle

History of the Mini Labradoodle and Labradoodle

So how much do you know about the labradoodle dog breed? For starters, it’s important to know that the labradoodle is a hybrid dog breed that comes in four different sizes. The sizes are standard, medium, large mini/small medium, and miniature. The labradoodle itself is a mix between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. This hybrid breed first developed back in the late 1980s thanks to Wally Conron. Conron was a dog breeder at the time and was tasked with finding a solution to an incredibly specific problem. A blind woman had written to him about needing a guide dog that was hypoallergenic. 

As a result, Conron came up with the idea to crossbreed a Labrador retriever with a poodle in order to develop a dog that could be trained to guide without shedding so much. This is how the labradoodle came to be! Over time, the hybrid breed has also been developed into different sizes such as the mini labradoodle. This is done by cross-breeding a miniature poodle with Labrador. Today, these dogs are some of the most popular hybrid breeds available. This intuitive breeding resulted in a breed of dog that is highly intelligent, doesn’t shed that much, and is also incredibly friendly.

Mini Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle: Appearance

As we mentioned above, there are different sizes to the labradoodle. However, each of these labradoodles will resemble one another except for in size. Let’s start by describing the appearance of the standard labradoodle. The appearance of your labradoodle with depend on the generation that they are. For example, an F1 generation labradoodle will be 50% poodle and 50% Labrador. The appearance of an F1 generation dog will vary from the F2 generation which will have 87% poodle genes and 13% labradoodle. This will all have an impact on the appearance of the labradoodle. 

F1 generation breeds will have longer and wavier hair. They will also shed more than F2 generations. F2 generations, since they have more poodle genes, will have tighter curls that look more like poodle hair. They will also shed less. Standard-sized labradoodles will weigh between 50-100 pounds and will be between 20-26 inches tall. Mini labradoodles are mixed with a Labrador retriever and a miniature poodle. They are considered the mini version of the standard labradoodle. These cute little pups will usually grow to be 14-16 inches tall and weigh only 15-25 pounds. 

One of the biggest commonalities between these two dogs is that they are both often described as having a teddy bear look about them. Both sizes are very cute and adorable — so you need to prepare for non-stop cuddles. You’ll also find these dogs in a variety of colors including cream, white, black, chocolate, or even a mix of colors.

Mini Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle: Temperament

So how do the mini labradoodle and the standard labradoodle vary in terms of temperament? Well, since they share a lot of the same genetics, you’ll find that they also share a similar temperament. Labradoodles are known for being an incredibly intelligent breed as they were developed to be a hypoallergenic guide dog. As companion dogs, they are incredibly playful, full of energy, and love being around people! They are the perfect dog for families or for someone who is interested in a dog that loves to play and have fun. 

Since they’re so smart, they can also be used as service dogs. They are even used as therapy dogs because they’re incredibly intuitive and love to be around humans. Labradoodles also love to be outside in nature, so if you love going out, this is the dog for you. Still, this is where the difference in size between a standard and a mini labradoodle does come into play. A mini labradoodle may not be able to run and keep up as quickly as a larger one. They have smaller legs and will tire out more easily. Mini labradoodles may be great for older individuals who want a sweet dog that can sit in their lap that they can take out for simple everyday walks.

Mini Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle: Health and Wellness

When it comes to the difference in health and lifespan between these two breeds, they are definitely not the same. It’s important to keep in mind that bigger dogs often have a shorter lifespan than smaller dog breeds. This is because their larger sizes impact their bodies more, which means they age faster. When you compare the lifespan of a standard labradoodle to the mini, you’ll find that the standard lives about two years less than the mini. The average lifespan for a mini labradoodle is between 12-18 years, while the standard has an average lifespan of 12-15 years. 

Larger dog breeds also tend to have shorter lives because they also have more health problems over time that impact their bodies. Larger labradoodles will more likely suffer from osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia than mini labradoodles. However, mini labradoodles will still be susceptible to common breed problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), hip dysplasia, and bloat. In order to keep your labradoodle healthy, it’s important to provide them with adequate amounts of exercise and good food. It is also important to bring them to regular vet checkups.

Which Dog Size Is the Right One for You?

When it comes down to choosing between a standard-size labradoodle and a mini labradoodle it really comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. This means that you’re going to have to take an objective look at your lifestyle and family to see which dog will fit in best. If you have a very active lifestyle and want a dog that will be able to keep up then a standard-sized labradoodle will be your best bet! If you have kids that you want to play safely with their dog and you have plenty of space, then you can feel comfortable moving forward with a standard labradoodle. 

However, a mini labradoodle may be better for you if you have a less active lifestyle. While this dog will still need exercise every day, they will definitely be more content hanging out on your lap. It may also be dangerous for your mini labradoodle if you have larger pets around or kids who may not know how to play softly with a miniature-sized dog. Overall, it helps to pick a dog that will fit into your home so that you’re more compatible with one another!

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