Labradoodles Temperament, Traits & Lifespan

Labradoodles Dog Breeds & Training

You can’t deny it: Labradoodles are one of the world’s most adorable dogs. This cross between Labrador Retrievers and poodles loves to get attention from their owners and strangers alike. They come in many charming shapes and sizes, which is one of the many reasons that these cute canines are so popular with families. Let’s dive into Labradoodle’s temperament and traits to determine if this dog breed makes the list for your next pet.

Labradoodles Temperament

Labradoodles’ temperament can be described as kind, very active, and friendly around children. And if you have a pool, chances are you’re going to find this breed swimming inside it. There are some drawbacks to owning a labradoodle. While we’ll discuss them as a breed, most major kennel club organizations do not recognize labradoodles. They are a crossbreed, which means potential owners might not get what they expect, such as a hypoallergenic coat (great for those who are allergic to dogs) or an outgoing personality. There is a wider range of traits possible with a labradoodle than there is with a purebred dog, and that might not be a good thing.

In fact, Wally Conron, the Australian who popularized the dog in 1989, has gone on the record several times stating that he regrets breeding the dog, saying he “released a Frankenstein monster.” He believes that other breeders have been unscrupulous by selling dogs that have developed many health troubles, including eye problems, ear infections, and food allergies. Some labradoodles suffer from a degenerative condition known as dysplasia. It afflicts the hips and elbows and leads to arthritis, pain in the limbs, and a limp. This could lead to some high veterinary bills down the road.

What is the perfect home for a labradoodle?

Labradoodles are energetic dogs, so if they have a big yard or a nearby park to run around in, they will thrive. Labradoodles are one of the best dog breeds for active families. They’ll need anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes of active time throughout the day for exercise and bathroom breaks. If you don’t have the time to take your labradoodle outside, then they’ll take out their energy on your furniture. And if you live in an apartment, you’ll have to slowly acclimate it to all the stimulus that comes with that lifestyle: kids, strangers, and loud traffic noises, to name a few.

Feeding your labradoodle

One of the most important things to remember when feeding any dog is to give them food around the same time twice daily to keep late-night walks to a minimum. And how much you put in your dog’s bowl will depend on their size, age, and energy level. If you have an active canine, you’ll want to feed them more so they maintain a healthy weight.

How much you feed your labradoodle also depends on the kind of food you give it. Using a cheaper kibble filled with fillers means your feeding your dog fewer calories and nutrients, which puts them at risk of being underfed. Labradoodles are also prone to skin allergies, and feeding them cheap food with grains will exacerbate them.

To know what you’re feeding your dog, give some thought to a raw food diet. It will give your dog a shinier coat, bolster its immune system, and help keep its weight in check. If you are ready to make the switch, you’ll need a week to help get its digestive system acclimated.

Living in Arizona

Most labradoodles have a thick coat, so these dogs will really feel the heat during the summer months when the temperature soars into triple digits. You’ll need to provide them shade, give them fresh water, and keep them indoors in the middle of the day when the mercury is at its highest.

And labradoodles are great swimmers. If possible, let them join you for a refreshing dip in the pool once in a while. Dogs can get sunburned, so be sure to apply sunscreen to their nose and the skin around their mouth if they’re going to be outdoors for an extended amount of time.

One disease to look out for in Arizona is Coccidioidomycosis, better known as Valley Fever, caused by breathing in soil-dwelling spores. Most of the time, it will go away on its own, but if your labradoodle has a compromised immune system, the symptoms of Valley Fever can be severe.

The lifecycle of a labradoodle

Around two months into its life, labradoodles start to bond with their human owners. It’s also the time when they become curious and start getting into everything. If there’s any furniture that you would like to stay intact, you’ll need to start laying down ground rules for your dog. But you mustn’t punish them. That will make them anxious and fearful. This is a good time to start taking them to a training class. And you can start feeding your labradoodle dog food at this time.

Labradoodles will keep up that playful behavior through their adolescence, and you’ll start to notice growth spurts until they reach two years of age. They’ll begin using their adult teeth, so be sure to have plenty of chew toys handy. Your dog will also become very territorial, so you may notice them barking much more than they usually do.

They should start calming down when they turn three years old and might develop joint and bone issues as they reach nine-years-old. They’ll also suffer from bad breath, lethargy, skin conditions, and seizures, so speak with your veterinarian if you notice any odd symptoms from your labradoodle.

Training

If you have an active household looking for an adorable friend, then a labradoodle might be one of the best dog breeds for your family. It’s important to remember that because labradoodles are a crossbreed, the behavior can be inconsistent, so you’ll need to give them the attention it needs, and training can be difficult.

To ensure that you and your labradoodle make the most of their time together, the experienced staff at Desert Sky K9 can help create the bond between you and your family’s new pet. We are so confident in our results for our clients that we provide lifetime handling lessons at no charge for all of our clients. 

Please feel free to call us at 602-510-5877 or schedule a complimentary consultation so we can learn more about your needs.

Labradors Temperament, Traits & Lifespan

Labradors Dog Breeds & Training

What do labradors and young children have in common? They both love playing in the yard, and neither of them seems to get tired! Both kids and labs are known for creating big messes, but parents and owners can’t help but love them despite the damage they cause. Learn more about Labrador’s temperament and traits to see if this breed is a great fit for your needs.

Labradors Temperament

But no matter if they’re yellow, black, or a chocolate labrador, they also have a gentle nature, making them one of the best dog breeds for families. These canines love to please their owners (and their children) and are easily trainable, which is also why they are so popular.

But owning a labrador does have its challenges. If this breed doesn’t get enough exercise, they tend to get anxious and take their nervous energy out on pillows and cushions. These dogs are unaware of how big their tails are, so it’s important to keep anything valuable out of wagging range because it will get knocked over. And labradors will eat anything, which can come in handy if you’re a messy chef, but it can cause health problems down the road. This breed will chew anything, so owners need to set clear boundaries for their dogs so that furniture can remain intact.

Is there a difference between a yellow, black, or a chocolate labrador?

There is a widely held belief among labrador owners that there is a difference in temperament between yellow, black, and chocolate labradors. Some say that yellow labradors are lazy, while others will tell you that you can’t calm a chocolate lab down. The truth is that the color of a labrador’s coat doesn’t determine its behavior. All varieties of the breed make for one of the best dog breeds for families.

What is the perfect home for a labrador?

Labradors are one of the best dog breeds for families but that can also depend on how big your home is. This breed is active and will need a big yard to get out its boundless energy. They can also grow anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds, so if you live in an apartment or a small house, there is a good chance your dog is going to knock things over. And you’ll also need space for a bed for your pet. Many of these products can take up 44 by 35 inches of floor space, which means you’ll likely have to do some rearranging of furniture and dog-proofing of your home.

Feeding your Labrador

Not only do labradors have seemingly infinite energy, but they also have an endless appetite. You’ll often find them searching your kitchen floor after dinner for table scraps, but make sure that you feed your labrador a healthy mix of high-quality animal protein, complex carbohydrates, and the proper fat ratio.

It’s also important to monitor the food intake of your dog because obesity can exacerbate health issues. The amount of food you feed your labrador depends on its age, size, and activity level, so do your research to make sure you’re giving your dog the right amount of food.

If you want to know exactly what you’re feeding your dog, consider a raw food diet. It will give your dog a shinier coat, bolster its immune system, and help keep its weight in check. If you are ready to make the switch, you’ll need a week to help get its digestive system acclimated.

Living in Arizona

Labradors have a thick coat, making them more susceptible to heat exhaustion and dehydration during the summer months when the temperature soars over the century mark. Be sure to give them plenty of shade, fresh water, and keep them indoors when the temperature is at its highest. Also, walking your lab on the hot cement during the summer will harm its paws, so consider protective footgear or stay on the grass when taking your pet outside.

Labradors are great swimmers, so let them join you occasionally in the pool. And staying safe from the sun’s harmful rays isn’t just for humans. Dogs can get sunburned too, so be sure to apply the right amount of protective sunscreen to their nose and the skin around their mouth.

One disease that is specific to Arizona is Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever. It is caused by breathing in soil-dwelling spores and will often go away on its own. But the symptoms of Valley Fever can be severe if your labrador has a compromised immune system.

The lifecycle of a Labrador

After about eight weeks of a labrador’s life, they’ll start to become independent and are ready to come home with you. They’re a little nosy at this stage, so it’s not out of the ordinary to catch them sniffing around and getting into some trouble. Now is the perfect time to make sure they have their shots and potty train them. A few weeks later, your lab will get a new set of teeth and want to test them out, so make sure they have something sturdy to chew.

Their rambunctious behavior amps up during their adolescence, around six to 18 months. They tend to get a little clumsy, so be sure to keep anything fragile out of reach of your dog (and their wagging tail). Labradors usually reach their maximum height and size when they are one to three years old, and this is the time when they’re the most active, so be sure to reinforce the training you received.

Your labrador’s energy levels will decrease around five years into their life, but not that significantly. Enjoy these golden years with your pet. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms from your labrador, be sure to contact your vet right away.

Most labradors live around 12 years, but the breed does suffer from their share of health problems, including dysplasia in the hips and elbows, cataracts, ligament disease, and obesity. These ailments lead to arthritis, pain in the limbs, and a limp, which means a high vet bill down the road. You can avoid most of these conditions through good breeding and a proper diet.

Training

If you’re looking for a new companion for your family, then a labrador might be one of the best dog breeds for your family. And while they’re generally well-behaved and love pleasing their masters, you’ll have to give them the proper amount of attention, or training will be difficult.

To ensure that you and your labrador make the most of their time together, the experienced staff at Desert Sky K9 can help create a bond between you and your family’s new pet. We are so confident in our results for our clients that we provide lifetime handling lessons at no charge for all of our clients.

Please feel free to call us at 602-510-5877 or schedule a complimentary consultation so we can learn more about your needs.

Dalmatians Temperament, Traits & Lifespan

Dalmatians Dog Breeds & Training

Dalmatians are probably best known for escaping evil puppy-nappers in a certain animated Disney film or serving as the proud mascot of your local firehouse, which means kids adore this strong, spotted canine. But does this make them one of the best dog breeds for families? Let’s explore Dalmatian’s temperament, traits and lifespan to help answer this question.

Dalmatians Temperament

Dalmatians are a large, tireless breed that’s friendly with both adults and children. The dogs are not combative and very social with other breeds, but their boundless energy could cause them to knock over small kids accidentally. These also need plenty of exercise during the day, so if your schedule doesn’t allow for at least two hours of walking or playing with your pet, then a Dalmatian might not be for you.

You’ll also want plenty of chew toys on hand so Dalmatians don’t unleash their energy on your favorite easy chair or pillows. They’re an independent breed, but are very prone to separation anxiety, so you might have to spend your lunch breaks at home keeping your dog company. Sometimes dalmatians can be a little stubborn as you’re training them. But once you earn their trust, they are eager to please their owners.

It’s also important to note that if you adopt a Dalmatian when it’s a puppy, you’ll likely notice something is missing from their coat: spots! These dogs don’t develop their eye-catching trademark fur until they’re a few months old. And the gene that gives them their unique look also makes them vulnerable to hearing loss. Experts estimate that anywhere from 15 to 30 percent of Dalmatians develop deafness in their lifetime.

What is the perfect home for a Dalmatian?

Pongo, one of the lead dogs from 101 Dalmatians, was living a happy life in his master’s apartment at the beginning of the movie. But in reality, the bachelor life in a small, confined space will make your new pet miserable. As we’ve mentioned before, this spirited breed is full of enthusiasm and can weigh up to 60 pounds, so they’ll need a lot of space to roam so they can explore (and tire themselves out). They can also grow to over two feet tall, so you’ll want to keep your valuables out of the reach of their wagging tail. If you live in a good-sized home with a backyard, then your Dalmatian will thrive.

Feeding your dalmatian

It’s always important to give your dog a high-quality diet, but this is especially crucial for Dalmatians. The breed is more susceptible to urate bladder stones, which can make urination painful for your dog. They can even block the urinary tract, which can be life-threatening. A type of protein called purines causes these stones to form in the dog’s bladder, so the less purines a dalmatian eats, the better. Beef, lamb, pork, and most poultry and fish are low enough in purines to make life pleasant for your dog but work with your veterinarian to see what foods are good for your dalmatian.

If you want to know with certainty what you are feeding your dalmatian, you may want to consider giving it a raw food diet. You’ll be able to monitor its diet better, but it will also give your best friend a shinier coat and bolster its immune system. Just remember that it takes a week to help get its digestive system acclimated.

Living in Arizona

If Dalmatians can handle a blazing fire, does that mean they can survive an Arizona summer? Thanks to their short coats, this breed can deal with the oppressing triple-digit weather that our state dishes out year after year. Just remember that when you take this breed (or any other dog) out for a walk, you’ll need to put on sunscreen on their nose and mouth and keep their paws on the grass or dress them in protective footwear to avoid harming their feet.

If your Dalmatian has a compromised immune system, you’ll need to be especially vigilant for symptoms of Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). They can include dry cough, a fever, and a lack of appetite. Soil dwelling spores can cause the disease, so put a mask on your dog to protect them.

The lifespan of a Dalmatian

Dalmatians can live to be 13 years old but can live past 16 years of age. As we mentioned at the top of the article, they won’t develop their trademark spots for a few weeks into their life, but they’ll still vie for your attention with their cuteness and sense of humor. They are also very social in the early weeks of their development and will need plenty of exercise. These pups are energetic, and you’ll want to stick to positive rewards-based training methods.

Their energy increases through their adolescence until they’re about 10-years-old. As this breed continues to get older, you’ll need to reinforce the lessons they learned during training as they’ll begin to forget them or give them occupied with fun games around the house. They’ll start to develop health problems once they get past a decade into their life, including vision, hearing, and joint problems.

Training

Dalmatians are one of the best dog breeds for families. And though they’re eager to please their owners, training the breed can be difficult. And if you don’t teach them good habits as soon as possible, it will be difficult as they get older.

And training can be difficult to tackle on your own. To ensure that you and your dalmatian form a long-lasting bond, the experienced staff at Desert Sky K9 can work with you and your family’s new pet to help your relationship blossom. We are so confident in our results for our clients that we provide lifetime handling lessons at no charge for all of our clients.

Please feel free to call us at 602-510-5877 or schedule a complimentary consultation so we can learn more about your needs.