Understanding Labradoodle Health Problems: Common Issues and How to Address Them

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD. It was last reviewed on September 23, 2024

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.

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The Origin of Labradoodle Health Problems

Wally Conron, the creator of the Labradoodle, once stated, “I opened a Pandora box and released a Frankenstein monster.” Although he wasn’t criticizing the Labradoodle itself, he regretted the craze for designer dogs that followed.

Conron initially bred Labradoodles in 1989 for a specific purpose: to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for a blind woman. However, Labradoodles turned out to be neither fully hypoallergenic nor exceptional guide dogs.

Despite this, they have become incredibly popular, particularly as family pets. Unfortunately, their rise in popularity has led to some significant Labradoodle health problems.

• Overbreeding and inbreeding are rampant, which increases the likelihood of genetic disorders.
• Unethical breeders often rush to meet demand, prioritizing profit over health.
• Backyard breeders and puppy mills have worsened the genetic health of these dogs.

While some believe crossbreeds like Labradoodles benefit from a mixed gene pool, Labradoodle health problems prove otherwise. Many suffer from genetic issues carried by both the Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever, such as joint problems and allergies.

Dog owners need to exercise caution when purchasing designer breeds like Labradoodles.

• Visit reputable breeders only. Learn about Standard Poodles.
• Understand Labrador Retrievers and their health risks.
• Be aware of the consequences of overbreeding.
• Avoid breeders associated with puppy mills.

Labradoodle health problems also serve as a warning for potential dog buyers who may be unaware of the risks. Make informed decisions to ensure you’re bringing home a healthy pet. Impulse buying a pet can lead to long-term issues.

Why Are Labradoodles and Doodles So Popular?

Since the first litter of Australian Labradoodles, the popularity of doodles has soared. Nancy Tanner, CPDT-KSA, explains: “Since the experiment in Australia, we now see ‘Poodling’ of pretty much everything. Bernedoodles, Borderdoodles, Cairndoodles, Dobedoodles… the list goes on.”

What makes doodles so popular?

• Adorable appearance: Mixing almost any breed with a Poodle results in an irresistibly cute dog.
• Friendly temperament: Doodles are typically fun-loving, gentle, and great with children, making them excellent family pets.
• Perceived hypoallergenic traits: While they are not fully hypoallergenic, many doodles have less dander, which may appeal to people with allergies. However, they still require regular grooming.

Despite these benefits, Australian Labradoodles are prone to health issues due to unethical breeding practices. The rise in popularity has come at a cost.

Overbreeding and Inbreeding

The Labradoodle craze has followed the unfortunate pattern of many breed fads: overbreeding and inbreeding. Without an American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, Labradoodles have been bred without regard for health or temperament, which has worsened health problems in Labradoodles.

• Overbreeding leads to a higher likelihood of genetic disorders.
• Inbreeding among doodles increases the risk of inherited health issues.

In many cases, popularity leads to problematic breeding, creating more health concerns for these dogs.

Unethical Breeding and Labradoodle Health Problems

Contrary to popular belief, Labradoodles, as a crossbreed, are not inherently healthier than purebred dogs. Labradoodles inherit genetic problems from both Poodles and Labrador Retrievers, including joint issues, allergies, and eye conditions.

• Crossbreeding doesn’t always result in healthier dogs, despite theories like hybrid vigor.
• Inbreeding between doodles has led to an increase in health issues, both physical and behavioral.

Many veterinarians report that Labradoodles show unusual behavior, often described as “off-the-wall crazy.” This is a result of inbreeding, which adds to the list of Labradoodle health problems. For more on the effects of crossbreeding, see the studies on hybrid vigor.

When considering a Labradoodle, always be aware of the risks of unethical breeding practices and how they can affect your pet’s health.

What Are the Major Health Problems in Labradoodles?

Labradoodles inherit health issues from their parent breeds—Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers. These Labradoodle health problems can affect their joints, eyes, and even behavior.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Large doodles often suffer from joint problems. While parents can be OFA certified to reduce the risk, this does not guarantee a puppy will be free of joint issues.
• Eye abnormalities: Labradoodles are prone to about 15 inherited eye disorders, including progressive retinal atrophy, which can be screened for early in life.

Poodle-Specific Health Issues

• Addison’s disease: This endocrine disorder affects both Poodles and Labradoodles, causing symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or collapse. It requires lifelong treatment but can be managed. Learn more about Addison’s disease.
• Sebaceous adenitis: A rare skin condition in Poodles that also affects Labradoodles, requiring ongoing care and treatment.
• Von Willebrand’s disease: A genetic bleeding disorder similar to hemophilia, this can manifest in Poodles and their doodle offspring.

Labrador and Golden Retriever Health Issues

• Allergies: Labradoodles often inherit severe skin allergies and ear infections from Labs and Goldens. Chronic ear infections are common due to their waxy, hair-filled ear canals. Learn how to treat dog ear infections.
• Lymphoma: A form of cancer that affects Labs and Goldens more than other breeds, lymphoma is also common in Labradoodles and Goldendoodles.

Other Labradoodle Health Problems

• Epilepsy: Labradoodles are overrepresented when it comes to idiopathic epilepsy, requiring lifelong medication and monitoring.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Common in many breeds, IBD is frequently seen in Labradoodles.
• Personality/behavioral problems: Some Labradoodles exhibit hyperactive or erratic behavior, which can be challenging for families.

If you’re thinking about getting a Labradoodle, it’s crucial to read between the lines of breed descriptions. When they say, “Doesn’t like to be left alone,” this may mean the dog has severe separation anxiety.

Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

The short answer is no. While Labradoodles may produce less dander than other dogs, they are not entirely hypoallergenic. Even in the early 1989 Australian Labradoodle litters, only 3 out of 10 puppies had nonallergenic coats.

Grooming is essential for all doodles, but it varies depending on coat type:

• Dogs with tighter, curly Poodle coats require scheduled clipping.
• Long-haired, shaggier doodles need more frequent attention to grooming to avoid matting and discomfort.

Look for a Healthy Dog, Not a Designer Label

Labradoodles, often considered the poster child of the “designer breed” trend, have been linked to the rise of crossbreeds such as Puggles, Shih-Poos, and Cavachons. Despite the high price tags associated with these dogs, many people are more focused on the “designer” label than on the potential Labradoodle health problems.

Designer breeds like the Bernedoodle, Goldendoodle, Cockapoo, and Schnoodle have become status symbols, much like luxury handbags. While they may be cute, these dogs often come with health and behavioral issues, such as:

• Increased risk of genetic disorders due to unethical breeding.
• Behavioral issues that are often overlooked when prioritizing appearance.
• High grooming requirements, especially for curly-coated doodles.

If you’re considering getting a doodle, it’s essential to:

• Do thorough research to avoid Labradoodle health problems caused by unethical breeding.
• Avoid breeders who cut corners to meet the demand for designer dogs.
• Understand that crossbreeds are not immune to the health issues that affect purebreds.

Crossbreeds, though popular, can suffer from the same problems as purebreds, especially when bred irresponsibly.

Breeder Research Checklist

To ensure you’re getting a healthy dog, follow this checklist:

• Visit the breeder whenever possible.
• Ask to see the puppy’s parents to assess their health and temperament.
• Be wary of puppy mill puppies, which often come from unethical breeders.
• Look at vet records and paperwork of the puppy’s parents.
• Interview the breeder about Labradoodle health issues, and ask for OFA certification and Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) exams.
• Walk away if a breeder claims to have no problems but can’t provide paperwork to back it up.

For first-time pet owners, Labradoodles may seem like an attractive choice. However, they often come with high grooming needs and can be quite energetic. Make sure you are fully prepared for the responsibilities of owning a doodle. Be prepared and do your homework before bringing a new family member home.

In this video, Brian Ricks from Easy Retriever Training explains “everything a Labradoodle breeder might not tell you”:

References

• Rueb, Emily S., and Niraj Chokshi. “Labradoodle Creator Says the Breed Is His Life’s Regret.” New York Times. Sept. 25, 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/25/us/labradoodle-creator-regret.html.
• “Study Reveals Genetic Diseases of Mixed-Breed, Purebred Dogs.” American Veterinary Medical Association. May 30, 2018. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2018-06-15/study-reveals-genetic-diseases-mixed-breed-purebred-dogs.
• Nero, Paul. “Overbred Labradoodles Rescued in Devon.” Radio Exe. March 1, 2020. https://www.radioexe.co.uk/news-and-features/local-news/overbred-labradoodles-rescued-in-devon/.
• Coren, Stanley, PhD, Dsc, FRSC. “A Designer Dog Maker Regrets His Creation.” Psychology Today. April 1, 2014. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201404/designer-dog-maker-regrets-his-creation.
• “Breeding Blunder: Labradoodle Creator Laments Designer Dog Craze.” Today. Feb. 7, 2014. https://www.today.com/pets/breeding-blunder-labradoodle-creator-laments-designer-dog-craze-2D12072744.
• Tanner, Nancy, CPDT-KSA. “Doubling Down on the Doodle Thing.” NancyTanner.com. June 12, 2017. https://nancytanner.com/2017/06/12/doubling-down-on-the-doodle-thing/.
• DeGioia, Phyllis. “Veterinarians Question Validity of Hybrid Vigor in Wake of Study.” VIN News Service. Nov. 7, 2013. https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=6005608&useobjecttypeid=10&fromVINNEWSASPX=1.
• “Sebaceous Adenitis.” Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. https://www.ofa.org/diseases/other-diseases/sebaceous-adenitis.
• Bromberg, Nancy M., VMD, DACVO. “Before You Buy That Cute Puppy — Do Your Homework!” American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. May 29, 2018. https://www.acvo.org/tips-treatments-tricks/lh4rhnxtdhbfnl2we8e4f8rxtz9z22.