FAQs

Overview of Labradoodle Generations / What does F1, F2, F1B mean?

F1 Labradoodle = Labrador Retriever X Poodle (50% Poodle / 50% Labrador Retriever) = Some will shed a little to none, others a bit more, but nothing like a Labrador. Allergy Friendly. Often referred to as a first generation Labradoodle.

F1B Labradoodle = F1 Labradoodle X Poodle (75% Poodle / 25% Labrador Retriever) = Most F1B's Are Non-Shedders. Most Allergy Friendly.

F2 Labradoodle = F1 Labradoodle X F1 Labradoodle (50% Labrador Retriever / 50% Poodle) = Some will shed a little to none, others a bit more, but nothing like a pure Labrador Retriever.  Often referred to as a second generation Labradoodle.

F3 / Multi-Gen Labradoodle =  F2 X F2 = F3  Unless either or both are F1B, the puppies will be 50% Lab and 50% Poodle.

Bathing?

We bathe our dogs monthly, unless they get into the mud, but they can go unwashed longer because of the Labradoodles amazing quality of little to no odor. We recommend using a tearless baby or dog shampoo. Be careful not to get soap in their eyes.  

Can I overbathe my dog?

There is a myth that overbathing your dog can lead to dry skin. Most of the time it is dry soap that people see and not dry skin. If your dog's skin is flakey, it could be a sign of another issue and a trip to the vet is warranted. 

What grooming is needed for your Labradoodle?

Another great quality of the Labradoodle is that little to no grooming is needed. Some people choose to have their dogs shaved while others don’t. An occasional trim of the hair above the eyes, sometimes referred to as their visor, is all we do. We love the soft wavy teddy bear hair. A dog’s coat both keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you choose to have your dog shaved take extra care to protect them from the sun, a dog can get sunburned just as people can.

Is it ok to dress up your dog?

Yes and No is the answer. Your dog is an individual. First of all, if your dog doesn’t want to be dressed it will cause unnecessary stress for the dog as well as their human companions. If your dog will tolerate the clothing, then go for it. There are several reasons why dressing up your dog could be a plus. Click here to read more.

Do Labradoodles shed?

Many people gravitate to a Poodle cross dog for their low-shedding and hypoallergenic qualities. Labradoodles are known to be a very low shedding dog. Depending on the coat type, some Labradoodles will shed slightly more than others. The coat is considered hair, and just like a human, occasionally some hair will fall out.

How big will Labradoodles get?

Labradoodles are available in different sizes. Standard size can be expected to range from 50-70 pounds with a large male occasionally reaching 80 pounds. Medium sized are around 30-40 pounds. Mini are 10-20 pounds. 

Will the puppies have their shots when they go home?

Puppies visit the Veterinarian at one week old. At six weeks old they return for a visit. At that time they receive their first shots and deworming. They return again every 3 weeks after that for more shots and deworming. Depending on the age of your puppy at the time you take them home, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines.

Will my puppy be house trained?

House training consists of several things, potty training and chewing are the most commonly asked about. Puppies start going to their forever homes at around 8 weeks of age.  No puppy at that age will be completely potty trained. However, our puppies will have access to their fenced in backyard and often use that grassy area to potty. Once they get to their new homes it will be up to you to get them outside often enough to go potty. Labradoodles are smart dogs and can be quickly trained to ring a bell when they want to go outside. Chewing should be expected from puppies. Just as humans have baby and adult teeth, so do puppies. The chewing / teething is normal and most likely will continue until about one year of age. Your puppy will lose their puppy teeth at about 6 months of age. Having chew toys for them to play with isn’t usually a problem, but having too many could be. Too many chew toys could be confusing for a puppy and they might mistake one of your shoes or socks as one of their toys. Try to limit the number of toys you give until they are out of the chewing stage. Bitter tasting sprays are commercially available but I’ve yet to find one that really detours my puppies from chewing on the wood furniture. 

What will I need when I bring our new puppy home?

We will send you home with everything you'll need to get started. Food, bowls, toys, collar and leash, puppy blanket with the scent of the littermates and parents, medical records, and most importantly, our phone number for any questions and support 24/7. You might choose to use a crate for nighttime or when you can’t be home to supervise. Some people prefer to snuggle in bed with their puppy at night. Whatever you decide, you need to protect your puppy from things that are dangerous. Electric cords, fabric they can chew and swallow, children's toys that can be chewed and swallowed. Soft and fluffy pet beds look so comfy, but often get chewed, keep an eye on them. We like to use elevated cot type beds, they don’t chew them as much. You can purchase our recommended cot on Amazon or Chewy. Additionally, this article contains items that we recommend.

Will my puppy miss their litter and parents?

While we give all the puppies here tons of attention and love, once they are with you and your family, your puppy will be the center of attention. Sometimes people adopt two puppies and report that they never hear a peep out of them, even on their first night in a new home. 

What do I do for the first night?

Don’t worry if your puppy doesn’t eat the first night they go to their forever home. They are overwhelmed with all kinds of new sights, sounds, smells, and people. If you plan to crate your new family member, we recommend placing the crate in your bedroom so they won’t be alone. Remember, this is the first time they are away from their parents and littermates. You can't over hold or over cuddle a puppy. Give your puppy love and they will give it back. 

Do we offer boarding services?

Yes, we love having our puppies back for a visit. We often board puppies / dogs of ours in our home. We have no kennels so your 4 legged family member will be treated like one of our own.

Phil Rotstein