Labradoodle Characteristics
Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Adult weight: 50 – 60 lbs.
Adult height: 21 – 24 in.
Origin – Australia
As the name suggests, a Labradoodle is a mix between a Labrador and a Poodle. One main goal in designing these dogs was to make the Labradors hypoallergenic, like a Poodle. This is not the first time a Poodle has been mixed with another breed. There is Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle), Golden Doodle (Golden retriever x Poodle), and Pyredoodle (Pyrenean Mountain dog x Poodle), just to name a few. You may also be interested in Schnoodle, Tibetan Spaniel..
The nature of cross-breeds is such that having consistency is difficult. The coats of these cross-breed dogs can be wiry, soft, wavy, or curly. Some lab doodles can even shed a little. This breed shares a love for swimming and is generally friendly, energetic, and good with families and children. One of the best traits that this breed gets from its parents is its intelligence. Both Labradors and Poodles are highly intelligent breeds and occupy a space in the top 10 smartest dog breeds, with Poodles being at #2 on most of the lists.
For people who love options and especially in coat colors, a Labradoodle won’t disappoint. It comes in a variety of colors, including chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, lavender, and blueish gray.
What is the price of a Labradoodle?
Before buying a Labradoodle, it is important to understand the various sizes and variations it can come in so you can get one that best fits your needs. We will break down the price by categorizing it by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, grooming, and miscellaneous expenses.
Labradoodle Adoption: $100 – $300
If you are going the buying route, make sure you find and research a reputable breeder. The price range to buy a Labradoodle can be around $1500-$2500. Some factors that can affect this price include age, gender, health papers, breeder’s reputation, and coat color. Basic coat colors like white, brown, golden, etc. can be bought in the same price range. If the Labradoodle is a puppy, you may pay upwards of $2000. When you pick more exotic colors like red, lavender, and blueish grey, you could pay more due to the rarity of these colors. Talking about size, a miniature or small labradoodle can also cost around, $2000. Blue-eyed ones can be among the most expensive ones to buy.
If you are looking for Labradoodle puppies for under $1000, you may find them on some online sites but make sure you have reliable information about the health of the pup. You may save some bucks, but the later health costs could be much higher. Another option is adoption. You can even find Labradoodle puppies to adopt for under $500 from your local shelter. There are several rescue shelters across the US that can offer a labradoodle for around $100-$300. Adult Labradoodles can be even cheaper.
Monthly costs for a Labradoodle
Labradoodle Diets Costs: $35-$60
Small dogs typically require smaller portions of food when compared to larger breeds. This is true in the case of these mixed breeds. All labradoodle sizes are comparatively small for a large dog like a Labrador or a Great Dane. Although the food intake requirements will be less, that doesn’t mean you should compromise on the quality. The food expenses can range from $400-$700 per year, or $35-$60 per month.
Labradoodle Grooming Costs: $60-$80
The grooming requirements will depend on the type of coat and the size of the lab doodle you get as there can be multiple variations. They don’t shed much, but regular routine brushing can help maintain the health of these dogs, especially curly-coated Labradoodles. Annual professional grooming costs, including nail trimming, brushing the body, and teeth and ear cleaning could cost up to around $70-$100 per session. If you decide to groom your dog at home, a grooming kit could cost around $60-$80.
Labradoodle Medical Costs: $700-$1200
During the first years, you must take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300, and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.
Like all breeds, Labradoodles are at risk for developing health conditions over its lifetime. Some conditions this breed may experience include ear infections, epilepsy, and allergies. Treatment costs for these could be:
Ear Infections – $400-$600
Epilepsy – $500-$800 per year (can be higher depending on the medication)
Allergies – $300-$1000 (depending on the severity)
One-time costs for a Labradoodle
Labradoodle Initial Costs: $400-$500
You will have to set up your house before welcoming any dog in your house, especially if it’s the first dog of the family. Initial setup should include a dog bed, crate, food and water bowls, leashes and collars, toys, and chewies, to name a few. You can expect these costs to be around $400-$500.
Labradoodle Microchipping Costs: $50-$70
A lost pet can find a way back home with the help of a microchip. We highly recommend every pet parent get their pets microchipped. It would cost an average of $50 + registration of $20.
Labradoodle Vaccinations Costs: $280-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that a Labradoodle would need. The initial core vaccines could cost around $100-$120, and then for additional ones, like for Leptospirosis, Lyme disease, etc., you would have to pay around $20-$25 each.
Labradoodle Miscellaneous Costs: $200-$250
There will be times when you need a dog sitter or walker. You may even have to get your pet spayed or neutered. It’s better to keep a small amount of money aside for these misc. Expenses. In a year, they can cost you around $200-$250 for sitters and walkers. Spaying or neutering can be from $100-$600.
Lifetime Australian Labradoodle Cost
The buying cost, initial setup, food, grooming, medical and other recurring costs, could cost you around $18,000-$20,000 in your Labradoodle’s lifetime. This estimated cost does not include the cost of medical emergencies, should they happen to your pet.
How can Spot Pet Insurance help?
Spot pet insurance understands pet parents and Spot accident & illness plans offer a wide variety of coverages from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). Get in touch with us to know more!
Conclusion
Designer dogs from Australia, Labradoodles can be an apple to the eyes but a weight on the pockets. However, with their energy, liveliness, intelligence, affection, love, and loyalty, they will make it feel worth it. Anyways, Spot plans are here to help cover your pet’s eligible vet bills for their covered conditions, so you can worry less about the costs. Now, go ahead and get your Lab-O-doodle home!
Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!
