If you are a fan of the different doodle breeds, you have likely heard of a Labradoodle. They are a popular choice as a family pet, and are fun and loving companions.
In recent years, this breed has been extended to mini Labradoodles. As mini Labradoodles are becoming increasingly popular, you may be wondering what this breed is and if they are worth the hype.
In this article, we will talk you through a mini Labradoodle, its characteristics, and whether they are worth purchasing.
It is important to remember that you will need to consider all aspects of a breed before deciding to purchase one. You will want to purchase the breed based on it being the correct fit for you, and you them, rather than purchasing based on hype alone.
What Are Mini Labradoodles?
Mini Labradoodle are, as their name suggests, a small version of a Labradoodle. A Labradoodle is a mixed breed dog that is achieved by mating a Labrador, and a poodle.
Typically, a standard poodle is used, and the Labradoodle will be a size that is somewhere between a Labrador and a poodle.
However, as you may be aware, you can purchase toy and mini poodles, which are smaller than their standard poodle counterparts. When you breed a toy or miniature poodle with a Labrador, mini Labradoodles are created.
Mini Labradoodles are a great option if you are a fan of a Labradoodle, but you are looking for a smaller dog. They are better suited for smaller houses, and are still very similar to a standard Labradoodle
How Large Are Mini Labradoodles?
When it comes to the size of mini Labradoodles, they are a lot smaller than standard Labradoodles. However, the size is relevant to the size of both parents. Even mini Labradoodles can vary, especially as they are being bred with a large breed.
Typically, a mini Labradoodle will be around 10 to 15 inches in height, though some can be slightly smaller or larger. When it comes to the weight, again this can vary slightly depending on the size of the individual mini Labradoodle, and its parents.
On average, mini Labradoodles will be around 10 to 40 pounds. As they are a smaller breed, you will want to ensure to keep an eye on their weight, so they do not become too heavy.
What Are Mini Labradoodles Physical characteristics?
The physical characteristics of mini Labradoodles are very similar to standard Labradoodles. As mini Labradoodles are a mixed breed, their coat and coloring will vary slightly.
Some may have woollier fur like a poodle, others will have straighter fur like a Labrador.
The coloring of the fur will vary depending on the parents. The types of colors can include red, golden, black, chocolate, and even blue. The rarer the color, the more expensive the mini Labradoodle will be.
Are Mini Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
Whether a mini Labradoodle will be hypoallergenic, all depends on the type of fur that it has.
If the fur resembles a poodle, it will have the best chance at preventing allergic reactions. If the fur is similar to a Labrador, it will not be the best for those with dog allergies. This will all depend on the amount the dog sheds.
Do Mini Labradoodles Have A Good Temperament?
Yes, on the whole, mini Labradoodles have a great temperament. This is due to them being a mixture of a Labrador and a poodle, both of which are friendly and approachable dogs.
As they are both intelligent breeds, mini Labradoodles are fairly easy to train, and enjoy this. They are fairly high energy, and will require a good amount of walking. Mini Labradoodles are great with children, and are a good all round family pet.
What Are Mini Labradoodle Exercise Requirements?
As they are an active and playful breed, you will need to ensure that you are exercising them daily, through walks and play. Ideally, you will want to walk them for at least an hour or two a day to get the required exercise.
Given this, you will need to ensure you are committed to providing this amount of exercise before purchasing.
Can Mini Labradoodles Be Trained?
Yes, a mini Labradoodle can be trained easily. However, the response to training does depend on the training you provide.
While they are intelligent and quick to learn, you will need to ensure you are making an effort to train them daily, especially as a pup.
Is It Easy To Groom A Mini Labradoodle?
Mini Labradoodles grooming requirements vary depending on the type of fur they have.
If they have a woolly coat like a poodle, this will need to be brushed and maintained often. You will likely want to have them groomed professionally around every 8 weeks to ensure they are free of matting, and to keep their coat healthy.
If your mini Labradoodle has fur similar to a Labrador, in general, this is easier to maintain. They will require bathing and brushing regularly. As Labrador’s shed, you will need to take this into consideration to ensure you keep on top of this too.
In addition, you will want to ensure that their eyes, ears, and teeth are cleaned regularly to maintain them.
Do Mini Labradoodles Have Any Health Conditions?
When owning a mini Labradoodle, you will need to take into account the costs of caring for the dog.
These costs include yearly vaccinations, health checks, vet visits, and flea and worming treatments.
In addition to this, it can include paying for monthly insurance too, which is recommended.
If your mini Labradoodle becomes ill, you will also need to factor in these additional costs, and be willing to pay for this too.
While mixed breed dogs are less likely to have hereditary health problems, this is not eradicated completely.
Here are some potential health problems that you will want to be aware of as a precautionary measure:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Joint problems
- Arthritis
- Gastric dilation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Cataracts
- Exercise Induced Collapse
- Addison’s Disease
- Chronic Active Hepatitis
- Cushing’s Disease
These are a number of health issues that can affect Labradors and poodles. While this may seem quite frightening, not all dogs will suffer from these illnesses.
To help prevent underlying health issues, while it is not a guarantee, you will want to ensure you are choosing a reputable breeder.
They will provide you with both parents’ background information and a health certificate. This will allow you to learn if there are any concerning health conditions you will need to be aware of.
Their average lifespan is around 12 years.
Purchasing A Mini Labradoodle And The Costs
As we have already touched upon, when purchasing a mini Labradoodle, you will want to choose a reputable breeder. The better the breeder, the more expensive their puppies will be.
The price of a mini Labradoodle varies, but on average, they cost around $1500 to $4000. However, they can be more expensive than this in some instances.
Alternatively, you can choose to adopt from a local shelter if you are a suitable fit for their mini Labradoodle.
In addition to purchasing costs, you will also want to factor in general upkeep costs such as food, bedding and toys, as well as veterinary costs.
Are They Worth The Hype?
To conclude, you should always carefully consider all aspects of owning a particular breed before deciding to purchase them. While mini Labradoodles are a hyped breed at the moment, this is not a reason to purchase them.
You will want to purchase a mini Labradoodle because they are the right fit for your family, and if you are willing to put the time and effort into training and exercising them.
When looking at mini Labradoodles as a whole, they are brilliant dogs to own, especially if you are looking for a smaller breed that is good with children.
They are easy to train, and are loving animals. Being playful and energetic, they make great pets overall.
They are such a rewarding breed to own, and will make great companions. As with all breeds, you will get out as much as you put in when it comes to training.
Given this, you should be willing to take time out and train and care for your mini Labradoodle correctly.
