The Labrador Retriever and Poodle are two of the most popular dogs in the United States, and as you may have guessed, the Chocolate Labradoodle is a combination of these two wonderful breeds with a rich chocolate coat.
The result is a gorgeous-looking dog with a dark wavy coat that is intelligent, playful, and friendly. The Chocolate Labradoodle, initially developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog, later demonstrated their versatility as an adored and popular family pet. Read on to find out more about this well-loved designer hybrid.
Breed Overview
Height:
21.5–24.5 inches
Weight:
55–80 pounds
Lifespan:
12–14 years
Colors:
Chocolate, brown, black, yellow
Suitable for:
Active families with large yards, children
Temperament:
Energetic, playful, intelligent
The chocolate coat color of the Chocolate Labradoodle is the only difference from other types of Labradoodle. They share the same characteristics and traits, such as size, behavior, health, and temperament. However, there have been claims that the Chocolate Labradoodle may be linked to specific personality traits.
Chocolate Labradoodle Characteristics
Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.
The Earliest Records of Chocolate Labradoodles in History
Image By: sophiecat, Shutterstock
The Chocolate Labradoodle is a relatively new breed. The Poodle and Labrador Retriever mix were successfully bred in 1989 by Wally Conron, who was, at the time, the head of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program. The lengthy process of creating the ideal Labradoodle started when the Australian Royal Guide Dog Association set out to breed a non-allergenic guide dog.
The objective was to create an intelligent, non-shedding, allergy-friendly dog representing the best genetically sound lines of the English Labrador and Swedish Poodle breeds. The first Labradoodle was known as Sultan.
Many people later began to understand the value of this hybrid dog after Sultan was chosen to serve as a guide dog for a blind woman in Hawaii.
How the Chocolate Labradoodle Gained Popularity
People were immediately taken aback by the dog’s wonderful temperament, intelligence, gentle nature, loyalty, beauty, and value as a guide dog. Like its popular parents, the Chocolate Labradoodle grew in popularity for its versatility as a beloved companion and became one of the most in-demand dog breeds in the world. The chocolate coat is just one of the many color varieties it comes in.
The breed has evolved, giving rise to the Miniature Labradoodle, the Medium Labradoodle, and the Standard Labradoodle, among other varieties. The Chocolate Labradoodle has remained a favorite among people seeking a hypoallergenic dog and a sociable and smart companion.
Formal Recognition of the Chocolate Labradoodle
The Chocolate Labradoodle is not yet considered a recognized breed. However, the International Australian Labradoodle Association and the Australian Labradoodle Association are moving in that direction and expect to register the designer breed eventually. These organizations have worked hard to unite breeders to work toward the same standards through intergenerational breeding.
Image By: Fabian Kleinke, Shutterstock
Top 3 Unique Facts About the Chocolate Labradoodle
1. The Chocolate Labradoodle Has Three Coat Types
A Labradoodle’s coat can be divided into three texture types: flat, fleece, and wool, and three wave levels: straight, wavy, and curly. Many fleece and wool coats differ slightly, and a fleece coat may have a fleece patch, while a wool coat may have a wool patch. A wool or fleece coat is rarely 100% of one or the other, but instead 80–90% of each. You can expect your Chocolate Labradoodle to be an average or minimal shedder, depending on its coat type.
2. The Labradoodle Come in Three Sizes
Depending on the size of the Poodle used for breeding, there are three sizes of Labradoodle: small, medium, and standard.
3. Labradoodles Love to Swim
One of the pet parents, the Poodle, naturally loves to swim as it was bred to be a water retriever. This trait is very likely to carry over to Chocolate Labradoodle. It will love spending time in the water in the hot summer and will make a great swimming companion.
Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock
Does Chocolate Labradoodle Make a Good Pet?
Like their parent breeds, Chocolate Labradoodles are very popular pets because of their friendly, playful, intelligent, and easy-going nature. A Chocolate Labradoodle is happiest when they are with the people they care about and are devoted to their family. Generally speaking, they get along well with other dogs, small pets, and kids. However, they can sometimes be boisterous and may accidentally hurt a young child. Overall, however, they make an excellent pet for someone who has never owned a dog.
They thrive with an active family that can provide adequate mental and physical stimulation and an owner that is home more than not. However, like all dogs, they require early socializing and training.
Their coat is partially hypoallergenic and may suit owners with mild allergies. They only require moderate grooming, including a regular coat and tooth brushing, baths as needed, and nail trims. A high-quality diet, regular exercise, and annual vet visits will help keep your Labradoodle happy and healthy.
Conclusion
The Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia coordinated the first deliberate crosses of Poodles and Labrador Retrievers to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. The result was a gregarious, intelligent dog with an average shedding coat and a temperament suitable for guide dogs and companions. The Labradoodles quickly grew in popularity, and they are incredibly lovable dogs.
Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
Top 3 Unique Facts About the Chocolate Labradoodle
