The Labradoodle is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador retriever. The goal of breeding this crossbreed is to have a low-shedding guide dog that wouldbe compatible as a companion dog. If your first choice for coat color is brown, read on to get to know more about the chocolate Labradoodles.
Breeding Labradoodles
Many breeders use the Standard Poodle in developing the Labradoodle. However,for thosepet parents who prefer a much smaller dog, breeders usually develop the breed using the miniature Poodle.
While the Labradoodles are often labeled as hypoallergenic, it is still normal for them to shed toa certain degree. So, if you have a history of allergy to dogs, there is no guarantee you got a perfect match with the Labradoodle.
Labradoodle Colors
Like many Doodle dogs,Labradoodles come in many stunning colors. In addition to chocolate, which is similar to brown, there’s caramel, cream, gold, red, chalk, and a few more patterns.
However, the coat color of adog will depend on the more dominant gene. If you have a first generation or F1 dog, there is a possibility it could have a great balance of both parents’ colors.
When two F1 dogs are paired, the result is an F2. An F1B, on the other hand, is the product of breeding back an F1 to either parent.
All about the Chocolate Labradoodle
Many people have a special preference for chocolate-colored dogs. But did you know that developing chocolate-colored Labradoodles is not that easy, because brown is considered a recessive color? The chocolate Labrador only appears occasionally in a litter.
Both the Standard Poodle and the Labrador may have a solid brown color. However, some Poodle pups are actually a dilute brown or silver coat. They are born with a brown coat and their color will eventually become lighter over time.
The true brown Poodles actually come in a darker shade that it is closer to red than brown. Breeders should be able to differentiate them from silver beige Poodles prior to developing the Labradoodle. You will know a Poodle is a pure brown dog if has liver points across the body and if it has amber eyes.
Meanwhile, it will take two chocolate Labs to be able to develop a Chocolate Labrador. This, in turn, can be used when breeding a Chocolate Labradoodle. It is possible for two black Labs to produce chocolate colored pups if both of them are carrying the brown (Bb) gene.
Brown is also referred to as liver and chocolate, and even red in certain breeds. When there is a mutation in the TYRP1 or tyrosinase-related protein 1, the black pigment becomes diluted and results inbrown coat color. A DNA testing for dominant B allele can confirm if there is the presence of a mutation in a dog’s gene.
If you just got a Labradoodle puppy and want to confirm if it hasa true chocolate color, submit a sample for testing at canine testing sites. All you have to do is collect a swab or dewclaw sample from your pet.
Appearance
Atfirst glance, it is a bit difficult to differentiate a chocolate Labrador from a chocolate Poodle because they may look exactly the same. But if you take a closer look at their furnishings, you can tell they are two different dogs.
Although the coat texture is not always easy to determine, experienced breeders should at least have an idea of the litter’s outcome. Don’t believe in breeders that sayyou should get a Labradoodle because it does not shed. There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog because it will still go through minimal shedding.
Chocolate Labradoodles usually have the same eyes as the Labrador Retrievers. Like Labs, they have large and expressive eyes. Their eye color may be hazel or brown. Their coat texture is usually dictated by their Doodle generation number.
In general, Labradoodles appear larger than other Doodle dogs. They usually weigh around 30-45 kilos so if you prefer a smaller pet, consider other crossbreeds or other types of Doodle.
Personality
You might have heard about studies suggesting coat color has something to do with a dog’s trait. But just like humans, a dog’s personality has nothing to do with their facade. We have to remember that dogs are still a result of individual genetics and training.
Hence, it is important to provide Labradoodles with consistent training in order to manage their natural enthusiasm in life. But in general, these dogs are known for their level-headed temperament, comical personality, and outgoing nature.
Many Labradoodles, regardless of their color, inherit the gentleness and eager to please characteristics of the Labs. Just like Poodles, these dogs are smart, making them highly trainable.
While this crossbreed is a very intelligent one, you cannot expect it to be independent. It thrives on human companionship so if you cannot manage to be with your petmost of the time or don’t have someone to look after him, give it a second thought.
Likea dog that needs lots of time being with their owners, it may help if you have a busy household. Your new buddy will be at risk for separation anxiety if he is always left at home alone for hours. Besides, this dog gets bored easily so he needs to be entertained before he creates his own games or developsa destructive behavior.
Hundreds of Doodle dogs go to shelters every year just because of wrong decisions taken by owners. Sometimes, pet parents cannot handle the Labradoodle’s energy or they cannot manage to spend time and money ontraining, which is very important whenraising this type of dog.
Grooming
Maintaining a dark-colored Labradoodle is easier than caring for a light-colored one. In most cases, you will only need to brush twice a week to maintain the coat’s health but that will still depend on your pet’s coat texture.
Do note that Labradoodles have three different types of coat texture. You can see some of them sporting a straight, wavy, or curly coat. The straight type is the least desired of them all because it is prone to shedding, although it is the easiest to groom.
A wavy coat is also calledfleece. It is a bit straight but it does not shedlike a true straight coat. It is also considered hypoallergenic and easy to groom. If you want to prevent mats and tangles, you have to brush the coat regularly. You also need to clip the pet’s coat every eight weeks to avoid mats that damage it.
The curly coat is the most hypoallergenic of all. The only drawback about this texture is it is the most challenging to groom because it is prone to mats and tangles. When you touch it, it has a dense wool feel and it appears to be in spirals.
This type of coat definitely needs to be clipped so you may need to visit the professional groomer once in a while. If you want to do it yourself, research how proper Poodle clipping is done. There are also YouTube tutorials showing step by step how to do it.
Maintaining the coat is essential to make grooming a less complicated task. Removing tangles and mats can be stressful and also painful foryour dogso you should definitely avoid themfrom happening. Clipping and brushing the coat are the most important parts of grooming Labradoodles, regardless of their coat color.
For dogs withcurly coats, the best types of brushes are the slicker brush and the boar bristle brush. A slicker brush is effective in detangling and getting rid of loose hairs while a boar bristle brush can help make thick coats smoother and shinier.
There are grooming products specially formulated for brown dogs but you don’t need to buy them. Any dog shampoo will be fine to use. What matters more is how the product is applied. You may need to lather them more to get through your pet’s coat and skin.
Health
As a mixed breed, the Labradoodle is considered heterotic or possessing a hybrid vigor. Crossbreeds have a reputation for having superior qualities, but that does not mean they are not at risk of having hereditary disorders related totheir breeds. These are the health issues often seen in both the Labs and Poodles:
- Bloat
- Cataracts
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Although some of the conditions are heritable, some health issues can be prevented through proper care. If taken care well, Labradoodles will live a long life just like their parents. Poodles can live up to 18 years while Labs have an average life expectancy of 12 years.
Exercise Needs
Regardless of theircolor, Labradoodlesareexpected to have high levels of energy. Besides, you have to be willing to set aside time for training. As a pet parent of a Doodle dog, it is a must that you spend your resources training your new pup.
These dogs are playful and energetic so if you prefer a low-energy dog that does not need too much exercise, a Labradoodle may not be the perfect option for you. Doodle dogs, especially Labradoodles, need a minimum of half an hour exercise per day.
When to Get a Chocolate Labradoodle
Assess first if your lifestyle and preferences match the Labradoodle’s personality and traits. If you are ready, look for a breeder who will provide a contract. The contractshould state that they will stay responsible with forfuture of the dog and will help you in case you have questions in raising one.
There are so many things to consider before buying or adopting a Labradoodle but it all just boils down to how much energy you can handle because this dog is best known for its playfulness.
As a buyer of a Labradoodle puppy, it helps to be able to clearly set apart a puppy mill from a reputable breeder. Puppy mills usually advertise the pups as home reared and do not adhere to breeding practices to ensure the litter is free from any health concerns.
Before dealing with a breeder, see first if they will be able to show you the parents of the litter. You may want to check if the litters are appropriate for the age of the bitch. The number of litter should not go beyond four. Breeding Doodles should only be done before the bitch reaches 7 years of age.
Both the Labrador and the Poodle should undergo testing to confirm they are healthy enough to produce an offspring. Some hereditary diseases can be toorisky fora dog to be still able to be bred without passing themon to its descendants.
It is important that the dogs were born in a clean and warm environment. You may want to check if the facility is comfortable enough to produce quality litters. Before handling the pup to you, a good breeder will provide it first with basic house training or will introduce socialization.
A reputable breeder will also be concerned about how you are going to raise the dog should you pursue to get it. They will ask about your family set-up, like if you have kids at home and if they were trained to handle puppies correctly.
Check if the Labradoodle was already de-wormed or was given the core vaccines for his age. A good breeder should give you a worming schedule in addition to the pup’s registration documents and pedigree information.
Conclusion
Chocolate Labradoodles do not only exhibit a luscious and beautiful color. Like other dogs, there is more to them than their appearance. They have a larger than life personality and thisis just one of the many things to love about them. Labradoodles are playful, energetic, and outgoing.
