Andrew Lodge MD is a cardiothoracic surgeon and Labradoodle dad. In the following article, Andrew Lodge dives into why this breed is currently one of the most in demand around the country. With their charming appearance and affectionate nature, these cuties have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide.

Above all else, Labradoodles are known to be excellent guide dogs and companions.
How did they become such, one might wonder. Read on to learn awesome facts about these fuzzy hybrids and what makes them oh-so-loveable!

Andrew Lodge Says They Are Equally Great as Guide Dogs or Just Fun Companions

Labradoodles are a delightful mix of two popular dog breeds, Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. The story behind it is quite interesting, though!

Andrew Lodge explains that in the late 1980s, a blind woman from Hawaii was in need of a guide dog. But not just any guide dog; she needed one that was hypoallergenic, as her husband was allergic to dogs. Wally Conron, the head breeder and a guide dog trainer from the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, recognized the problem and had a great idea.

He thought of breeding a Labrador Retriever, a terrific guide dog, with a Poodle, which is known for its low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat. Andrew Lodge says the hope was that the pups would take after the Lab’s working and social skills and inherit the Poodle’s agility, intelligence, and low-shedding coat to create the perfect guide dog for the vision-impaired woman.

And it worked!

Mr. Conron successfully bred the first litter of Labradoodles explains Andrew Lodge. Sultan, one of the pups from the litter, was sent to Hawaii to work as the first-ever Labradoodle Guide Dog.

Over the years, Labradoodles have grown in popularity and have since served as family pets, guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.

The Charming Nature of Labradoodles

Since they are a mixed breed, Andrew Lodge notes that Labradoodles take after the traits of each of their parent breeds.

Labrador Retrievers are naturally friendly, outgoing, loving, loyal, and highly-trainable. Poodles, on the other hand, are exceptionally smart, instinctual, faithful, and possess a low-allergen coat.

As a result, Labradoodles are:

• Affectionate
• Outgoing
• Playful
• Energetic
• Smart
• Highly-trainable
• Eager to please
• Sociable

Who won’t fall in love with a furbaby like that?

5 Awesome Facts About Labradoodles

Allergy-Friendly

The truth is, there isn’t a dog that’s 100% hypoallergenic, but Labradoodles come close says Andrew Lodge. Generally, their coat is more allergy-friendly and sheds less compared to other furry dog breeds. Their coats come in different textures: hair, fleece, and wool.

The hair texture resembles a Labrador Retriever’s coat the most and is the least allergy-friendly among the textures. Fleece is the mixture of the parent breeds’ coats and consists of loose waves. It is low-shedding and more non-allergenic. Lastly, wool resembles a Poodle’s coat the most; it sheds the least and is the most hypoallergenic.

They Need Plenty of Exercise

Andrew Lodge observes that Labradoodles are highly energetic and super active, so they’ll need plenty of exercise. They’ll be super excited to play games, walk, run, hike, and even swim! Lack of exercise and stimulation may lead to negative behaviors.

They Love Company

Labradoodles are said to be the extroverts of the dog world.

Andrew Lodge says they thrive on company, whether it’s a child, an adult, a crowd, or another dog. If they don’t get enough socializing, it’s more likely that they’ll get bored, depressed, or destructive.

Great As Service Dogs

The warm and loving personality of Labradoodles makes them ideal service animals, whether it’s for therapy or emotional support for individuals who have depression, autism, physical disabilities, and more.

Andrew Lodge explains that their intelligence and eagerness to learn make them excellent guide dogs – the very reason they were created in the first place.

Not Recognized By the AKC

The American Kennel Club (AKC), the oldest and the largest dog registry in the United States, only recognizes purebred dogs. Since Labradoodles are a mixed breed, they cannot be AKC-registered.

Labradoodles seemed to have gotten the best of both worlds from two of the most-loved breeds out there, the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. It’s no surprise they’re incredible at whatever they do – from being a family pet to a service animal, and everything in between.

With their unique personality traits and ever-adorable look, Labradoodles truly are a blessing to this world.